Who is Chez Nous? - About Us

The search for a fulfilling and profitable job that fitted around family commitments has led two talented businesswomen to what could potentially be their most exciting career move yet.

Both Rachel Mackay and Leanne Christensen had successful careers before having children, and while they still wanted to work afterwards they needed something more flexible to fit their lifestyle.

A trained social worker, Rachel had previously been to a Chez Nous party and when she felt the time was right to return to the workforce she contacted the Christchurch-based company and became their Hawke's Bay consultant.

She loved it and had soon talked her friend Leanne into taking product shots for promotional purposes.

At that stage Leanne had spent more than 15 years in retail and while she says she's never been a major scholar, she is very creative and that talent translated into fabulous photographs.

One day while sitting chatting about the amazing potential they saw for the business the pair devised a plan to buy the company.  Just three months later in August 2006 they took over the reins and Chez Nous NZ was re-born.

"Our vision is to make Chez Nous the best party plan business in New Zealand and we're already heading in that direction," says Leanne.

She says Chez Nous is a winning formula for both the people who buy the products and those who become consultants.

"People are just so busy nowadays and they simply don't have time to wander around the shops.  With Chez Nous they can get together with friends in a social setting, have some fun and do what they do best - shop!"

"It is the perfect job for anyone wanting a more flexible lifestyle because they can work it around their other commitments."

With her strong retail background Leanne has taken on the role of sourcing just the right products at very competitive prices for Chez Nous and offering sales training assistance to consultants.

Meanwhile Rachel focuses on the administration work required to ensure the company runs smoothly as well as offering hands-on training to new consultants sorting out their paperwork and learning to balance their books.

"It's a great partnership, we both have different strengths which balance each other out," says Rachel.

"When I was working as a Chez Nous consultant customers were always so positive about the products and I just knew it had amazing potential and it's so exciting for Leanne and I to be leading such a vibrant and dynamic company."