finishya

Finishya is based in Dunedin, NZ and is 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?

My creative journey began when I trained as a cosmetologist and spent 15 years living and working in New York City as a makeup artist. Working closely with people and skin every day gave me a deep appreciation for beauty, craftsmanship, and creating products that help people feel confident.

After moving to New Zealand, I wanted to create something of my own. In 2020, I started making handmade soap and launched NES Soap, which later became Finishya. As someone with very sensitive skin, I began formulating and testing products to better understand what truly works for reactive skin.

What started as a small home experiment has grown into Finishya, a skincare and fragrance brand dedicated to creating thoughtfully formulated products for sensitive skin. Every product reflects my background in beauty, my love of making, and my passion for creating products that people can enjoy with confidence.

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.