The father and daughter team behind silk clothing brand Silkbody will step down from the business next month as they hand over the reins to a Wellington buyer.
The business is currently based in Waikouaiti, Dunedin, and will shift operations to Wellington in April.
The 16 year-old brand is known for its lifestyle clothing in silk and silk blends.
Designer and director Emily Cooper said this is an organic move.
"We have been enjoying significant growth over the last three years and felt it needed a fresh approach to manage this growth and really take it to the next level. It is the right time to hand the baton over. We're excited for this next phase for the brand."
Silkbody's business model changed around four years ago as David and Emily shifted from a traditional distribution model of selling to retailers, to selling almost exclusively online, direct to customers through their own ecommerce sites and the Amazon marketplace.
More than half its sales are exports to customers in the Europe, USA and Australia.
They believe there is great potential to develop this business model, which they say is much more efficient and profitable, especially for small businesses.
New owners Laurian and Darryl Godwin are excited about relocating the business to Wellington with its burgeoning creative fashion scene. Although the business model will remain predominantly online sales, they look forward to establishing a small retail presence in the creative capital.
“Of course we are drawn by the gorgeous product Emily and David have created. We’re also excited about the ecological sustainability of silk, and what this means for the planet on a go-forward basis," Laurian said.
Following the handover, David will retire and Emily will focus on other opportunities and personal projects.