About Us

We're a locally owned business that to be honest 'just happened', we started out  as a 'Pop Up Shop' for what was to be 3 months as we had 'other' plans for our business, but due to the wonderful support of our customers, here we are two and a half years later with this amazing store. It grew so fast, that for most of the journey I was just 'winging it'... with the help of family and friends... and some days I still feel like this!

As the business grew, we knew I needed help at the shop as it was getting too much for 'just me' (Craig has a fulltime job at Fonterra Stirling) so we welcomed aboard Leanne, and since then we have employed Casey, Leah and Riley (our son) as part timers, Nicky and Vayla as casuals for when we need the extra help. We can honestly say we are extremely lucky to have these guys on board, they're more like family than 'just workers'. 

A little bit about myself and my family.... My name is Carmen, I was born and raised in South Otago, my Grandparents, then later my parents had a business in Kaitangata when I was growing up, so I was brought up in the retail environment. I left home to train as a Chef, and this was a big part of my life for my younger years, I then met Craig and a few years later we married and started a family. I worked part time while Riley was growing up, but when he was due to start High School it was a time for me to decide my journey for the next stage of my life. Ladybird Junction was born. And well, what a ride it has been! 

We quite often get asked 'how did you come up with the name 'Ladybird Junction'?

Well, we all love seeing a ladybird, and for me I love anything with polka dots, so after reading the symbolism of a ladybird, I knew that needed to me in the name....

General Ladybird Meaning:

A ladybird is generally associated with Good Fortune and Good Luck. They bring with them a sense of Future Prosperity. Their bright and colourful look, along with their happy-go-lucky travels means living life without boundaries. Ladybirds make most people smile and fell they've been blessed, during a usually brief, yet heartwarming encounter.

I needed something to go with Ladybird, and Junction was chosen for it's meaning of 'where 2 points meet'. This was due to the shop selling new products alongside our handmade products (when we can keep up with the production!)

Craig and I had been regular sellers at Craft markets for years, and met some wonderful people, who have now become regular customers here at Ladybird Junction. We have stuck to our ethos to this day from when we started at the markets, 'slow and steady wins the race'. For us this means, keep your prices affordable, turn over your stock and the customers will come back.

Thanks to each and everyone of you who has supported us and our business, and if you are a new customer, welcome!