finishya

Finishya is based in Dunedin, NZ and is co-founded and made by Elza Finishya Shaw. You can find a great selection of sensitive skin friendly soap, skincare, fragrances and beautifully scented candles at GUILD.

Tell us a little about what you make.

At Finishya (formerly NES Soap), we create skincare and perfume products thoughtfully formulated for sensitive skin. Our range includes perfumes, body butters, lip balms, wellness balms, candles, and soaps. Every formula is vegan, cruelty-free, and designed to be gentle, effective, and enjoyable to use.

What was your creative journey like, what led you to being a designer/maker?

Finishya began as NES Soap in 2020, starting with handmade soap as our very first product. As the brand grew, so did our purpose. As someone with very sensitive skin, I spent years formulating and testing products to better understand what truly works for reactive skin.

Through this process, I learned that gentle care isn’t simply about using “natural” ingredients. It’s about choosing the right ones. Many ingredients often perceived as gentle can actually irritate sensitive skin. That insight became the foundation of Finishya.

Today, Finishya focuses on simple, thoughtfully chosen formulas that balance performance with comfort. What began as a small home experiment has evolved into a skincare and fragrance brand created specifically with sensitive skin in mind.

How would you describe your design aesthetic/identity and where do you find your inspiration?

Our aesthetic is modern, minimal, and quietly joyful. We love clean lines balanced with soft colour and a sense of approachability.

Inspiration comes from art, colour, seasonal moods, and the everyday rituals of self-care. We design products to feel calming and uplifting, yet never clinical or boring.

Do you have any advice for other makers and budding creatives?

Start before you feel ready. Your work will evolve as you go. Stay curious, keep learning, and trust your perspective. Creative businesses grow through consistency, patience, and a willingness to keep refining. Most importantly, stay connected to why you started.

What is the best part about being involved in GUILD?

GUILD is a warm and supportive creative community. Being part of the space allows Finishya to connect with customers in a genuine, face-to-face way and to sit alongside other thoughtful makers. It feels like being part of something meaningful within Dunedin’s creative scene.