Comp that aims to expose new ideas announces winners

PLATES, bowls and spoons made from betel nut palms, hand-painted coconut shell earrings, paintings on bedsheet canvasses, and double-chocolate granola bars made from local spices, cocoa and other ingredients are the four Papua New Guinea-made products who won in the Lily Homemade Competition on Tuesday.
All four winners received a K250 gift voucher from Brian Bell Homecentres.
The product search in December attracted more than 200 entries in the categories of wearable, useful, artistic and edible.
Lily Magazine editor Margo Nugent said the idea behind the competition was to give exposure to women to innovate PNG-made products.
“With a lack of startup capital being the biggest obstacle for our micro-small-medium enterprises, we have gathered more K10,000 in prize money from our sponsor partners to help provide a financial boost,” she said.
“But it is not just cash that micro-businesses need.
“It is access to markets and the chance to put their products in front of their customers.”
Winner Daphne Vela said: “My product is custom-made (handmade, hand painted) coconut shell jewellery and accessories that you would not find anywhere in the world. If I bring joy to someone through my products, that makes me happy too.
“I am a civil engineer by profession. Earth and Ocean Crafts is a weekend side hobby that I intend to convert into a registered business one day.
“There are a few hurdles to overcome before getting to this.”