Our Story

RANA

At the age of 45, as a truckload of men from the city council pulled down a quiet street in Auckland, New Zealand, Rana - a small woman - placed herself in front of a 200 year old native tree to prevent its removal. She succeeded, and that tree, and many more like it, still stands today.

As long as I can remember, trees have been important to me. Not only climbing them as a child (back home), but because of Rana, my Grandmother. Named after the Queen of Madagascar, where her grandparents were missionaries, Ranavalona lived up to her regal name. She was a very progressive woman for her time; always pushing the envelope on women's issues and the preservation of nature - her two passions. She brought up 5 children and insisted they all had a university education; unheard of at that time. She actively wrote on feminism and was not afraid to express her views.

As Rana's granddaughter, I am proud to continue the tradition of individualism. Moving to Hong Kong as a child, I was introduced to Asian culture, which continues to shape my philosophy on life. Teaching aerobics from the age of 16, I soon found a more fulfilling role providing individual training, personalised for each client. Many of these clients were women, and I soon realised that women were poorly served by the so called 'fitness trade'.

Moving to London allowed me to put my ideas into practice, with the opening of One On One, a personal training business at The Grove Health Centre in Notting Hill. Few women are perfect, yet we all strive to be our best and gain fulfilment. Clients were excited with their results but dismayed by the lack of choices in exercise clothing. Being a personal trainer for most of my life, I knew their dilemma. Tight fitting lycra with big logos, in day-go colours, may look great on undeveloped adolescent models, but provide little solace to the rest of us women, who have to live in the less than perfect real world.

After searching for sportswear that is comfortable and functional as well as fashionable I knew I could offer something extra. Out of exasperation came inspiration, and Manuka is the result. Using the concept that women should expect more and that you don't have to be perfect to look good, I designed these clothes with us in mind. I spoke to clients and friends and used real women with real proportions. I hope you love them as much as I do.

Sadly, Rana passed away sometime ago but what she believed in did not. Women should dream and learn and teach and live comfortably. She believed in real women with real needs and it is to her that I dedicate Manuka.

MISSON STATEMENT

Manuka is a pro-active eco conscious company we are constantly striving to create products that are sustainable and non-toxic.