Ep 27 – Toni Sharp from Sharrp Kitchens
Toni Sharp is the co‑owner of Sharrp Kitchens, a Taupō‑based business she has helped run for more than 20 years. After losing her sight instantly at age 13, Toni rebuilt her independence through braille, mobility training and adaptive skills, later becoming an American Field Scholar and eventually moving into self‑employment when traditional employment barriers persisted. Today she manages the office, customer communication and financial systems at Sharrp Kitchens using accessible processes and technology, while also volunteering with Blind Low Vision NZ and contributing to Toastmasters. She was awarded the Queen’s Service Medal for services to visually impaired people.
In this episode, host Julie Woods talks with Toni about running a kitchen‑manufacturing business as a blind entrepreneur, navigating accessibility challenges, and building strong customer relationships. Toni reflects on the evolution of assistive technology, the independence self‑employment has given her, and the joy she finds in supporting others through Toastmasters and community work. She also shares insights into resilience, confidence and the realities of long‑term business ownership in Aotearoa.
