The brains behind the bags - Binary Refinery
TotesTotes is a small New Zealand business. One person, a love of tote bags, and a slightly unhealthy relationship with native birds.
Running a small business means wearing a lot of hats - designer, marketer, customer service rep, packer, and apparently, AI strategist. Because like it or not, AI has quietly become part of how small businesses operate. Content, product ideas, marketing, customer comms - the tools are everywhere, and figuring out how to use them well (without losing your mind or your brand voice) is a real thing.
TotesTotes is run by Kat, who also happens to run Binary Refinery - an AI strategy and advisory consultancy for New Zealand businesses. The day job, if you like, when she's not obsessing over tūī illustrations and the perfect tote design.
Binary Refinery typically works with larger organisations - CEOs, boards, leadership teams trying to figure out what AI means for their business. But the experience of running TotesTotes has been a useful reminder that small businesses face the same questions, just with fewer people in the room and less time to think about it.
If you're a small business owner wondering what to actually do with AI - not the hype, just the practical stuff - Binary Refinery is worth a look.
Humble Brag For The Humble Bag
“I bought a Tui Tote a couple of years ago and I love it! It is so sturdy and roomy, and people always comment on it. I have bought several others as presents, and the recipients are always thrilled when they receive their gift”
— Lee P
“Have bought three now as I keep giving them away as gifts. Lovely quality fabric and a great size.”
— Barbara A
“One of the best experiences I have had. Beautiful totes, pretty gift wrapping, great customer service… I bought 6 of these and gave a couple to my daughters and both absolutely loved them. Thank you so so much for this 10/ 10 experience.”
— Manik P