The Hand Up Project
Pip Malpas, Founder
Little Pips Soda Syrups
Some businesses begin with a spreadsheet and a market gap. This one began with a lemon, a recipe passed down from a mother, and a casual conversation with a chef who said “I know who you should speak to.”
Pip Malpas launched Little Pips Soda Syrups in April 2024 and she’d be the first to tell you she arrived as a complete novice, acronyms and all. What she brought instead was something harder to teach: deep curiosity, genuine relationships, and a commitment to doing things honestly even when the world around her didn’t always return the favour.
Little Pips is still young, and Pip isn’t pretending otherwise. She’s still in the day-to-day, still learning the numbers, still sharpening the blade while chopping the wood. What makes her perspective valuable in this series isn’t that she’s arrived, it’s that she’s paying close attention on the way there.
For any founder in the early stages who wonders whether it’s too soon to have something worth saying, Pip’s answers are a quiet reminder that the lessons showing up right now are exactly the ones worth sharing.
What originally inspired you to start your business, and how has that initial motivation evolved?
I left my academic role at the end of 2020, ready for a new adventure. I’d always dreamed of owning my own business: something I could pour my energy and passion into. I’d been making our Lemon soda syrup for years, using a recipe passed down from my mother, and I was curious to see whether I could take it further.
While volunteering at Merge Café on K’Rd, the chef casually asked what my plans were for the year. It felt like the perfect moment to finally voice my dream. He immediately said, “I know who you should speak to!” That person was Connie Clarkson at The Kitchen Project. I was incredibly fortunate to be accepted into their programme in August 2023, and Little Pips officially launched in April 2024.
What began as a personal passion has evolved into a business rooted in community, connection, and the joy of creating something meaningful.
What problem does your business solve better today than when you first began?
Growing up with homemade soda syrups made from fresh lemons and zest, I assumed others would love that old-fashioned flavour as much as I did. But I quickly realised how few soda syrups use NZ grown whole fruit or contain nothing artificial.
Little Pips fills that gap. We make premium, all natural fruit soda syrups using whole fruit sourced directly from growers whenever possible. Our small batch process keeps quality high, our sustainability focus keeps us grounded, and a portion of every sale goes to The Likewise Trust to support people experiencing hardship.
We’ve solved the problem of customers having little to no choice when it comes to truly natural, locally made soda syrups.
What operational change or system had the biggest impact on your ability to step out of the day-to-day?
I’m still very much in the day-to-day, we’re small but growing. The biggest shift so far has been working with Rebecca Brook at Rise Growth Lab. She’s helped me focus on what actually moves the needle: knowing my numbers, planning ahead, and being clear about where I am now and where I want to be in a year’s time.
Taking time to pause and think is crucial, but it’s easy to get stuck in the ‘right now’. I often come back to the metaphor of the woodchopper who won’t stop chopping long enough to sharpen his blade. If you never pause to focus, you work harder but achieve less, burn yourself out, and mistake busyness for progress.
What internal shift or mindset change has most transformed the way you lead?
Listening deeply, surrounding myself with people who empower me, and keeping that small internal critic in check have all been transformative. Reflecting on what I’ve achieved (rather than what I haven’t) has helped build confidence.
"For many women, believing in ourselves is often the biggest hurdle, and learning to back myself has changed the way I lead."
What was a turning point or decision that significantly accelerated your business’s growth?
Realising how fundamental relationships are — with customers, stockists, and suppliers — was a major turning point. Listening to customers, acting on their feedback, and being willing to do whatever it takes to get things right has shaped Little Pips’ growth more than anything else.
What challenge did you not see coming, and how did you navigate it?
Early on, I was determined not to make mistakes and to run Little Pips with complete honesty and transparency. In hindsight, that was a little naïve.
It was confronting to encounter people who were dishonest or unprofessional. You pick yourself up and keep going. You stay committed to honesty and transparency, but you also become more realistic about people and how they operate. It’s all part of the learning curve
What role, hire, or support made the biggest difference in how your business operates?
The support of the business community, along with family and friends, has been invaluable from day one. So many people have been generous with their time, advice, and wisdom.
Entering an industry as a complete novice can feel overwhelming (even down to learning what certain acronyms mean — thank you, AI), and I’m incredibly grateful for the kindness people have shown.
What advice would you give to other female founders working to move from doing the work to leading the business more effectively?
Know your business inside out. It’s tempting to outsource the tricky parts, but make sure you understand every aspect before handing over the reins. No one will ever have the same passion for your business as you do, which is both your strength and your Achilles heel.
"Seek advice, listen to those who’ve walked the path before you, and stay open to learning."
What shift do you believe female founders are uniquely positioned to benefit from right now?
There’s a real shift toward brands that connect and are values driven. I believe female founders are uniquely positioned to benefit from this shift because we tend to build businesses that reflect our lived experiences, our communities, and our values.
That authenticity resonates in a market that’s tired of polish and craving real connection.
What’s one thing you wish more founders understood about building a sustainable, long-term business?
I think there’s a major shift toward authenticity and collaborative leadership.
Customers and communities want to support brands they connect with and that are valuesdriven. I believe female founders are uniquely positioned to benefit from that.
Many of us build businesses that reflect our lived experiences, lead with empathy, and prioritise connection — and that’s exactly what the market is rewarding right now.
Bonus: What’s one piece of advice you wish you had received as a female leader?
You will work harder than you ever have, but you’ll also experience some of the best moments of your life. Just do it.
Get in touch with Pip on LinkedIn or find out more about Little Pips Soda Syrups here.