A group of four young entrepreneurs from Otago in New Zealand are proving that age is no barrier to building a real business.

Ellie Templeton 18, Emi Martin 17, Greer Egan 18, and Meg Miller 18 have launched Nature’s Prime a natural leather restoring balm now reaching retail shelves across the South Island in New Zealand.

The idea started with a simple goal. They wanted to promote sustainability and support New Zealand’s primary industries while creating something useful.

With guidance from leather experts and chemists the group developed a leather balm made using 100% New Zealand ingredients. The formula uses lanolin, avocado oil, sunflower oil and beeswax.

Templeton says the response has been encouraging from the start. Customers told them they were looking for a local leather care product and liked how flexible it was for different uses including car seats and couches.

The four students met at St Hilda’s Collegiate and built the business through the Young Enterprise Scheme programme.

Their work paid off when they won the Otago regional competition and later placed third at the national level this month.

The team received $1000 in prize money plus another $1000 for their school. For the founders it was more than just a win.

Templeton says the recognition showed them there is a real future in what they are building.

The balm is designed to protect new leather and restore older items. It adds shine, nourishes the material and gives water resistance. It can be used on bags, shoes, furniture, horse gear and belts.

As they prepare to study commerce degrees they are also planning to outsource packaging and distribution and strengthen retail ties.

The company has also committed to giving back. At the end of the year 5% of profits will be donated to the Rural Support Trust to support farmers and rural families.

Nature’s Prime is a clear example of how young founders with a strong purpose and local focus can build products that connect with both consumers and communities.