Entrepreneur, beauty queen and charity worker are some of the roles that Katharina Weischede fills.
Best known as the CEO of Slime Princess, she is also a SCOT Foundation Ambassador and more recently Miss Asia-Pacific International New Zealand 2024. She’s also engaged in charity work to empower tamariki through outreach programmes and events. We catch up with her to learn more.
You started Slime Princess when you were 11 years old. What gave you the idea?
At a primary school science fair I discovered slime while researching oobleck. I shared my recipe with classmates who loved it so much that I started selling it. It became so popular that I ran out of stock and convinced my supportive parents to invest in my business, ‘Slime Princess’. With their help, I launched my brand, created a logo, and started selling at markets, learning valuable lessons about entrepreneurship and gaining media attention, including radio, TV, and front-page coverage in the NZ Herald.
What advice do you have for other young aspiring entrepreneurs?
Just go for it! There’s always a risk of something going wrong but focus on mitigating those risks and embrace the journey.
How do you use your platform to raise awareness about the need for equality and inclusivity?
As a young entrepreneur with a multicultural heritage, I champion equality and inclusivity through various initiatives. My business is a platform to inspire diverse youth, showing that success is achievable with passion and determination. I advocate for equal opportunities and inclusive spaces, participating in racial equality speeches, women and youth empowerment events, and serving as an ambassador for the Scot Foundation, focusing on youth empowerment and education.
As a young entrepreneur with a multicultural heritage, I champion equality and inclusivity through various initiatives.
What kind of advocacy and outreach work do you do? What do you love about it?
I strive to provide tamariki with knowledge, resources, and a temporary but meaningful support network, making sure they know that someone cares for them.
When did you decide you wanted to take part in beauty pageants?
My interest in pageantry began as a Year 10 research assignment on beauty queens. I consider myself an ‘accidental beauty queen,’ with my first experience at Miss Philippines-New Zealand 2023. It helped me rediscover confidence, embrace my culture, and continually improve myself, accepting my uniqueness – including my flaws.
What can we expect to hear about Katharina Weischede next?
As New Zealand’s representative at the Miss Asia Pacific International pageant, I aim to highlight our nation’s beauty and advocate for causes like youth empowerment and inclusivity. Professionally, I aspire to excel as a lawyer, championing justice and fairness. I’ll also expand my business and charity work, particularly through initiatives like “Help me, help them,” fostering community support.
Read more about Katharina’s story katharinaweischede.com and get your hands on some slime at slimeprincess.co.nz.
