When Tee Gardner launched The Zoë Journal, it sold out within 24 hours. But behind this successful concept is a life full of struggles and bad decisions.
Images MIC INSLEY
You’ve been through a lot in your life. How did this affect your mental health?
I grew up really poor. We lived in a corrugated iron shack in Te Rahui Valley, on the outskirts of Ōpōtiki, with no clean water, no electricity and no phone. I was raised to believe that your financial status determined your self-worth and happiness so always had a side hustle, like selling lollies to my little sister and friends. The nearest shop was a good 30-minute drive away so they were willing to pay double price. As an adult, I entered a relationship that was as unhealthy as it gets, abusive on all levels, but I came from nothing and believed I was worth nothing, so thought that was the only attitude I deserved. I slipped into a deep depression. I felt completely stuck and helpless and would wake up every day wishing I would die.
What was the turning point?
Not long before my daughter turned one, I was getting ready to put her into bed. I used to make her drink from her bottle by herself but that night I decided to feed her. I was sitting there, holding her in my arms, crying about this huge mess I was in when suddenly I saw this innocent baby looking up at me with nothing but true love in her eyes. That night I decided I wasn’t ready to give up. I started studying the law to ensure that I could leave this relationship with my children. I finally had the courage and literally ran away from this life. Bare feet, just me and my two kids, and $20 in a pocket.
How did you climb out of this dark place?
I had an honest conversation with myself, about attracting negativity and fixing what was broken inside. I needed to learn to love myself so I dived into spiritual and personal development. Then I defined my top three values – family, authenticity and inspiration. And, finally, I could see that everything had happened for a reason and that the Universe had led me to the place where I am now, where I can inspire others to find inner happiness and follow their passion!
Is that when The Zoë Journal was born?
Yes, I wanted to take the basics of what I’ve learnt and put it into a tool to help others. The Zoë Journal is open-dated, meaning you can start at any time and run it for 30 days. You’re taken through goal setting, daily actions, health tracking, law of attraction, reflection and more. This product is my heart and soul. It went from a pure idea to a physical product in just four weeks and it sold out in 24 hours! I think it shows how many people just need that little push.
How do you maintain a work-life balance, being a mum and a business owner?
Work on building strong foundations for yourself first! Figure out your top three values and use them as a basis for making any decision. When you’re clear on this it won’t be hard to see what deserves the most time and effort, and in which order. Get out of your head and into your heart!