Sami joins Annah to talk about the real story behind entrepreneurship, the wins, the wipeouts, and the lessons that keep you going. They revisit the Te Aroha wellness retreat that never got off the ground, the pet wellness brand Olive’s Kitchen, that started in a brown paper bag and grew into a national favourite, and the four Australian stores that didn’t quite take off. They unpack the rise of the Stitch and Bitch sewing kits that evolved from a wrap dress hit, and how RAW has created lasting change for more than 100 women once caught in the justice system.
Together they explore how to find the right market fit, know when to step back, build credibility in new spaces, and why failure is often just the price of learning. Along the way they reflect on the quieter lessons from charitable ventures like Good Collective, Kia Puawai, and the Hopefish scholarships, each one a story of purpose over profit. If you’re building something of your own, this honest, energising chat will give you the clarity to test smarter, adapt faster, and back yourself with confidence. Rate, follow, and share with someone who needs a little push to keep going
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Episode 6 - The art of difficult conversationsTough talks land better when you’re clear-headed. Take a breather and respond when you’ve had time to think. Sami and Annah share their expertise and lessons learnt navigating tough conversations in Episode 6 of Stretton Unfiltered, out now!
How do you tackle the conversations no one wants to have? In this candid chat, Annah and Sami unpack the messy, human, and surprisingly empowering side of difficult conversations. From leadership moments to smelly summer scenarios, family dynamics to customer service meltdowns, they share their go to tools for turning tough talks into positive outcomes.
This episode explores:
• Why avoiding hard conversations only makes matters worse
• How to frame tough feedback positively and effectively
• Navigating work and family dynamics with honesty and longevity
• The power of listening and calm communication
Perfect for leaders, small business owners, and anyone who’s ever dreaded “the talk.”
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When Olive, Annah’s beloved white boxer, was diagnosed with cancer, it sparked more than a fight to save one dog’s life. It ignited the beginnings of a pet wellness movement. In this episode, Annah and Sami sit down with holistic vet Dr Heidi Ward-McGrath to unpack how a personal health crisis turned into the birth of Olive’s Kitchen, a New Zealand pet brand built on the belief that good food is good medicine.
We explore how natural nutrition, gut health, and fearless problem-solving evolved into a thriving business filling a major gap in the pet care industry. From mixing ingredients on the kitchen bench to shipping across the Tasman, We talk about creating a product that solved a problem for our own dog, and then for thousands more. This is a story of personal health, purpose-driven entrepreneurship, and the power of turning pain points into powerful business opportunities.
To learn more about Olive's Kitchen, you can check out our website here
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In this refreshingly honest conversation, Sami & Annah sit down with Camille Guzzwell . Waikato’s radio firecracker and long-time friend of the Annah Stretton brand, to unpack the rollercoaster world of social media. From the nostalgia of Bebo and Facebook’s early days to the pressures of today’s online perfection, they dive deep into authenticity, body positivity, and the power of community.
Camille opens up about seeing herself on camera for the first time (“jibbly bits and all”), learning to love her body at 53, and how kindness online still matters. Annah shares her own toughest social-media moment; the viral bear-rug controversy. And what it taught her about resilience, fear, and rebuilding after public backlash.
Together, they explore how brands and individuals can stay real, joyful, and connected in a digital world that often rewards the opposite.
💬 A must-listen for anyone who’s ever loved, hated, or been hurt by social media.
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A fashion label on “struggle street” becomes an essentialbusiness in days. Annah and Sami take you inside the chaos, from sewing machines firing up to 15,000 mask packs sold in a single day, and how the pivot not only saved the business but reignited it's relevance.
We want to acknowledge that while our story reflects moments of humour, pivoting, and unexpected success, the COVID period was an incredibly difficult time for many. Businesses closed, families faced hardship, and many lost loved ones. We share our experience with gratitude, but also with deep respect for the challenges others endured.Credit to Seven Sharp for the interview snippet we have included. To watch the full news story click here
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From War Bride in 2002 to the infamous boar’s head and PETA protests, we unpack 13 years of Annah Stretton at New Zealand Fashion Week. Annah and Sami revisit the highs, the stinging criticism, the resilience it demanded, and the wild moments that made headlines (and sometimes chaos).
It’s a raw, behind-the-scenes look at what really happens when creativity meets controversy on the catwalk
NB: Please note, any reference to people from Morrinsville orMatamata relates to conversations had by media in the early 2000s. We’re proud to be from the Waikato and love celebrating our roots firmly entrenched here.
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In this inaugural episode of Stretton Unfiltered, Annah and Sami Stretton share the unfiltered journey of building a fashion brand from the ground up, losing a nearly $5million relationship and how we recovered. Discussing the challenges faced, the importance of making a start, and the evolution of the Annah Stretton brand and the MAJOR learning curves along the way.
We dive into the significance of quality, community connection, balancing motherhood and the shift towards online retail, while also touching on the aspirations of participating in Fashion Week.
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