Graduate Profile: Nazrana Ali

Nazrana Ali is the proud owner of a business called Nazaics, a creative venture handcrafting colourful mosaic coasters and trays, using beautiful eye-catching tiles. Each piece is made with care and love, with the hope of bringing a little joy and sparkle into people’s everyday spaces.

Naz’s motivation to start her own business came after repeated rejection from employers who focused only on her perceived weaknesses in her wheelchair, rather than her strengths.         

Nazrana now has her business up and running and dreams that her pieces will one day be treasured heirlooms, passed down through generations.  You can browse Naz’s handmade creations on her website: nazaics.co.nz. She also shares regular updates and product photos on Instagram under her business name, @Nazaics.

Naz was recently featured on the My Business Stars podcast on Otago Access Radio, hosted by Julie Woods, who is also a facilitator of the My Business Starter course and founding member of the Disability Business Network. In this fascinating interview, Naz speaks to Julie about her passion for mosaic handcraft, her journey to starting her business with the support of the My Business Starter programme, and her lived experience with disability.

Listen to the full episode and view the transcript here.

Naz is a graduate of the My Business Starter Programme run by the Disability Business Network in partnership with CCS Disability Action. If you are disabled, over the age of 18 and an NZ citizen, then why not join us on this nine week programme where you will create your own short business plan. It’s free and it’s fun, and participants can be anywhere in the country, so long as you have WiFi and you or an ally are able to use ZOOM.

For any enquiries about the programme please email support@ccsdisabilityaction.org.nz or phone or text 027 213 1820.