There’s no taste like home

 
India holds a very special place in Mel Hurst’s heart. She not only adores the food but the Auckland based mother of two was born in India and lived and studied there for most of her life.
 
“While in India I lived in different parts and each part has a different language and style of food,” Mel says. “India is a cosmopolitan of people, colours and food. It is amazing, beautiful and bewildering, noisy and serene, rich and poor, crowded and colourful, dirty and pristine....all at the same time!!! That's what I love about it! But I think I mostly like the food.”
 
After immigrating to New Zealand in 2000, Mel set up Mel’s Gourmet Foods Ltd with the goal of making authentic Indian food available to Kiwi households.
 
“There is a difference between authentic Indian food and what Kiwis are accustomed to, as the original people that introduced Kiwis to Indian food probably came from the UK! Their ideas of Indian food came from the few British that had lived in India and went back to UK after the British Raj who then tried to replicate Indian food. So to me that's a diluted version. It has then been the arduous task of Indians that moved to Britain and New Zealand to educate the people on what is truly authentic Indian food.”
 
So what is one authentic Indian dish every New Zealand must try?
 
“It’s very hard to pick just one - but the flavours from the South of India are so rich in different spices and our version is the Mel's Madras Coconut Masala which is a potent mix of coconut, tamarind and spices like pepper and chilies.”
 
Mel’s Gourmet Foods Ltd was founded with a five year goal for Mel to get out of the work force to focus on the business full time – this was achieved in 2011 – a feat she thanks in part to her father-in-law who she credits as the inspiration and driving force behind the business.
 
“A doctor by profession who has the avid knack of seeing potential in things and people, he has always encouraged us to follow our dream and to always 'GO BIG'! He always said - "it's only money - if you really want to do something - just do it!" He was the one that helped us out right at the beginning to start up our business when we first moved to New Zealand. He is a man with strong principles and ethics and I see that coming through in his son's...my husband being one of them. I am so honoured to have him in my life.”
 
Mel’s second career highlight was extending the brand to include Custom Designer Cakes under the brand name Sugar and Spice Cakes.
 
Mel’s creations recently took the catwalk of New Zealand Fashion Week 2013 in Annah Stretton’s Annah in Wonderland show. Mel is an advocate of business owners extending their brand and taking opportunities to expose themselves to new clients.
 
“As a brand we need to constantly update our portfolio and show people what we can do for them,” Mel explains. “It is a must to bring the brand in front of the customer both visually and tangibly. Having the opportunity to showcase my brand ‘Sugar and Spice Celebration Cakes’ alongside Annah Stretton’s amazing creations was both an honour and a huge marketing experience.”
 
Mel believes the essential characteristics that a foodie needs to succeed in the New Zealand market are firstly, to have an awesome product that people just must have.
 
“The challenge is to create the highest quality product that is unique and yet make it affordable.”
 
Secondly, to have an effective marketing plan; thirdly to find your unique selling points and the final and most essential ingredient is absolute belief in yourself and passion for what you do.
 
www.sugarandspicecakes.co.nz
 
5 quick questions with Mel Hurst:
 
 
1. What does a typical day involve for you?
 
I'm a mum of a 6 and 2 year old and actively run two businesses. A typical day would involve – the school run in the morning then off to the factory for the day. I alternate between the home office and the factory. Then it’s the school run again – Taxi mom for activities, homework, cooking dinner and then putting the kids to bed. After that it’s back to work again - typically getting to bed by 2am most mornings!
 
2. What are your current goals/aspirations?
 
To take Mel’s Gourmet Foods International and to be recognised as one of the top cake designers in New Zealand.
 
3. What do you do to relax?
 
Family time is relaxing time for me. Food has always been a factor to bring us all together – so cooking and sharing good meals with family and friends. I also love cooking with my kids.
 
4. Where is your favourite holiday destination?
 
The Gold Coast
 
5. Do you have any goals of writing your own cookbook?
 
Yes I do have a goal of writing a cook book ....but perhaps my first dream is to have a TV show.
 

 
Mel’s top tips for launching your small business idea:
 
1.       Always spend enough time researching the market to see if there is really a need or gap in the market for your product or service, how much competition - if so, there already is?
 
2.       Have a business plan. Know what you are getting involved with i.e know your figures. Dream big enough to scare you. Surround yourself with successful people. And yes, never give up!!!!
 
3.       Get a business mentor.
 
4.       Have enough funds to support your idea – as having cash-flow is what can take your business to the next level quicker.
 
5.       Collect a great team.
 
6.       Just do it! You cannot just think about your dream; to achieve it you need to Go Big! Get out there and swim with the sharks!!! But always enjoy the journey, learn from every experience and have FUN!