Mothers Ruined Gin is a unique gin brand in New Zealand's craft gin market. As the first in Australasia to use a lightweight recycled paperboard bottle, it brings box wine technology into a bottle shape, setting it apart from other gins. We spoke to Jo Davy, one of the co-founders of Mothers Ruined Gin on her experience working with like-minded founders.
What was the trigger for starting Mothers Ruined Gin?
The idea for Mothers Ruined Gin began in 2021 during a ‘Wellington on a Plate’ event, which took place between lockdowns. Helen, my co-founder, and I participated in this event, where we got the chance to make gin ourselves. The name "Mothers Ruined Gin" struck us immediately, rooted in UK history, and we were excited by the process, given our science backgrounds. New Zealand’s regulations allowing home distillation for personal consumption enabled us to experiment. We invested a small amount in equipment, and our tests confirmed we could produce high-quality gin, sparking the idea to turn this hobby into a commercial venture.
Tell me about what it's been like building a business with your good friend and co-founder Helen?
Building a business with Helen has been the only way I could imagine doing it. Our complementary strengths and the way we support each other—when one is down, the other is up—have been crucial. We’ve never argued; we always find a way to compromise or discover a third option.
This adaptability has been key to our success and will continue to drive our business forward. 
Founders, Jo Davy & Helen Gower at Electrify Accelerator Showcase
How far did you two progress the business before you joined Ministry of Awesome?
Before joining the Ministry of Awesome, we had been trading for almost a year. Setting up the distillery took about 18 months due to the extensive paperwork required. We started trading in April last year, and just as we approached our first year in business, the opportunity to join the Ministry of Awesome arose. Despite being early in our revenue phase, we felt this could provide valuable support and decided to join. Ministry of Awesome offered us access to a wealth of knowledge and connections, in New Zealand, success often hinges on connections and networks.
Through Electrify, we expected—and found—that we would meet people and gain opportunities that we wouldn’t have otherwise. These connections have been invaluable, even at this early stage.
Jo and Helen were part of the Ministry of Awesome - 2024 Electrify cohort for female founders
From Ministry of Awesome, who have you met and how have they helped you so far?
We’ve had meetings with various mentors, the Ministry of Awesome team, and our programme manager, Charlotte. They’ve challenged us to think differently about distribution channels, brand positioning, and exporting. These insights have clarified our business’s future, making it more concrete in our minds.
What was the last big milestone you achieved as a business?
We recently decided to travel to Xiamen, China, to test the market there. We have a contact with experience as an importer-exporter in Wellington’s sister city, Xiamen, where there are strong cultural and trade connections. This trip is a leap of faith but offers potential rewards, and we believe the investment is worth the risk.
How has more connection with other female founders made a difference to you?
Connecting with other female founders through Electrify has been incredibly beneficial. We understand each other's challenges and can offer support, whether by sharing experiences or providing encouragement. Many of us are also mothers, and this shared experience of balancing business and family life is comforting. Helping and being helped by others in the cohort has strengthened our resolve and reinforced the power of women supporting women.