Story by Tony Cutting
Rosemary Nelson is one of those people that you feel connected with even when it is the first time you meet. She is the Kapiti Coast’s resident Feng Shui and Environmental Designer. Here is her story to date…
Rosemary Nelson
ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGNER / FENG SHUI CONSULTANT
Born in Wellington
Rosemary was born in Wellington and lived in Eastbourne for most of her life before moving to the beautiful Kāpiti Coast.
She attended St Mary’s College Wellington.
Rosemary spent her childhood growing up in the Eastern Bays. The beach and bush connection was very much part of her psyche.
Rosemary’s first job
Rosemary started her first job as a cadet with the Lands and Survey Dept. She trained as a draughtswoman (map drawing) Here she learnt the art of plan presentation. Rosemary also mentions that in those days everything was hand-drawn.
The skills learnt back then would become very useful in her future life.
Biggest Influences in life
“My biggest influences where independent people with artistic leanings – Art Teachers, Potters.”
Rosemary was also very interested in sport which was a very big part of her life. She represented St Marys in Netball and Running.
Sport continued to be a big part of Rosemary’s life having run seven marathons, numerous triathlons.
She now practices Pilates.
Starting a business
Going into business was unexpected and unplanned. When her son was starting school she decided to buy the local garden centre (she was also always a keen gardener).
This turned into a drop-in centre for young mums - this experience made Rosemary aware of the need for a hub for woman to gather - although running the business was a fast track learning experience in itself the social side for Rosemary was also as important. Rosemary believes her leadership skills were developed during this time and many of her skills learnt back then are still relevant in the way she works today.
After selling the garden centre she started drawing garden plans (this combining all her creative and business skills) - She recognised this was a service that was needed.
The original name of her business was ‘Total Garden Concept’.
In 2000 Rosemary went into partnership and the name Outlooks Environment Design emerged out of that. Rosemary is a strong believer in ongoing personal development and study. She decided to go to Victoria University during this time and completed a BA in Art History and Architectural Studies.
While still running the business she took on tutoring Landscape Design at Weltec and while working there she completed a Diploma in Adult Learning as part of her tutor training.
Rosemary started her second (related business) Equate Aligned Environment as a specialist Feng Shui consulting service for the home indoor and exterior alignment planning. All her Feng Shui qualifications are from overseas. She is still studying Metaphysics thru Joey Yap (Feng Shui Master) both online as well as attending Asian based workshops to help her continued development.
Rosemary does tutor a yearly Feng Shui Course for the Kāpiti Woman’s Centre and previously has run several Feng Shui courses.
Learning about Business - lessons learnt
Rosemary feels that when she started her business she was rather naïve, especially in the financial planning area.
She was more focused on the application side of marketing and sales.
She is adamant she would do things differently if starting out today, making sure understanding the financial bottom line is so important.
Her advice to other people starting out in business “Be aware of what running a business entails, it’s not necessarily about the money but accept that its hard work and long hours”.
Outlooks Environment Design / Equate Aligned Environment
Rosemary attracts people who recognise her strengths and uniqueness. She is committed to offering honest advice and having the skills to explain the bigger picture of what a complete garden upgrade involves.
This in turn- also as a Feng Shui Designer can provide the answers when it comes to existing energetic imprints. She likes to give her clients peace of mind, always making sure they are more enlightened to what they are embarking on.
Rosemary says we should all treat our homes as a beautiful garden. Create your unique nest.
An eye to the future
Rosemary wants to carry on and teach people about the environment. She will start an online Feng Shui Course and run workshops around New Zealand.
Websites www.outlooks.co.nz & www.equate.net.nz
Instagram: equatefengshui
