Milly and Gracie-Mae Leong have established The Stripey Caterpillar which celebrates their love of the herbaceous perennial plants, and monarch butterflies, through their artwork and photography.

Milly, 14, does the hand-drawn artworks which are printed on to large canvases and wall prints in themes of New Zealand flora and fauna, and Kiwiana.

Gracie-Mae, 12, captures photographs of dahlias, butterflies and bumblebees on camera which she then prints on to canvas and creates prints.

The girls’ work is also printed on greeting cards and mugs.

Their mum Jennifer Ives said: “They’ve gone through a huge learning journey.

“Every aspect of it, marketing, branding the website. ... what they’ve produced is amazing.

“The fact they’re both doing it and supporting each other is really nice to see.”

Milly’s creations won her a top prize at the Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) Trade Fair at the Old Packhouse Market in Kerikeri on August 16.

This year’s fair saw teams from 18 Northland schools showcase their business ideas, from jewellery and kids cookbooks to BBQ rubs, and bath bombs.

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