A womenswear company that started in a bedroom in Wellington 12 years ago now has nine retail stores throughout the country and 45 employees.
Kilt makes 70% of its garments at a factory in Napier and outsources the rest to Auckland. It tries to source as many fabrics as it can locally.
Founder Melissa Williams-Lamb said the company is committed to a 'Made in New Zealand' ethos and would not consider making its clothing anywhere else.
Kilt weathered the recession well and she puts that down to the clothing being affordably priced.
Ms Williams-Lamb believes not wholesaling has helped the company's finances, but it has not been an entirely easy ride for Kilt and the Christchurch earthquake was a particularly tough time.
Kilt is looking at re-opening its store in Christchurch as well as another one in Dunedin.