Local Online Business The Romance Realm Creates Merchandise in the Makerspace

It all started when Emma stumbled across MCHL’s Makerspace during a visit to the Hub. "I walked in and was immediately so excited by everything I could do there.” It wasn’t long before Emma was experimenting with prototypes, learning new skills, and crafting items that would make The Romance Realm stand out.

Though Emma’s business is young, the concept has quickly gained traction among fans of indie authors and fantasy romance. “I’ve always been a book lover,” Emma shares. “I’d gotten a bit disconnected from reading, but when I was given Fourth Wing for Christmas, I was hooked. I ended up reading 85 books last year. Then I realised while subscription boxes were all the rage overseas, there wasn’t much for indie authors here in New Zealand.”

Drawing from her love for fantasy, Emma’s subscription boxes now highlight a different indie author each month, with a strong focus on fantasy romance, including paranormal and “otherworldly” themes. Each box is packed with exclusive merchandise tied to the featured book, such as hand-crafted bookmarks, 3D-printed book spacers, and even bespoke keyrings all made using the equipment at the MCHL Makerspace.

“I love that I can make most of the items myself, and the rest are from other indie creators,” Emma states. The Makerspace, equipped with a range of tools from sublimation printers to laser cutters and 3D printers, has become essential to Emma’s growing business. As part of the subscription, Emma sometimes includes beautifully laser-cut and dyed wooden boxes, along with at times ceramic mugs and metal bookmarks featuring custom sublimated designs.

“The support from the Makerspace team has been incredible,” Emma says. “The team is always there to guide me, and now I’m confident in using most of the machines myself. It’s amazing how much I’ve learned, and it’s been so rewarding seeing my designs come to life.”

From an idea to a flourishing business, Emma’s The Romance Realm is not just a subscription box it's a community of readers, and creators, all coming together to celebrate the magic of indie authors and the worlds they create. Through innovation, collaboration, and a lot of heart, Emma is taking her business and her creations to the next level through the Makerspace.

For other small businesses looking to bring their ideas to life, MCHL Makerspace offers an inspiring and supportive environment. With community access to cutting edge equipment. Emma’s journey is a testament to how the Makerspace can help entrepreneurs grow, and push boundaries. To learn more about the MCHL Makerspace or to book a one-on-one session with the team, visit: Makerspace | Manawatū Community Hub Libraries

For more information about The Romance Realm visit: The Romance Realm.

Photos of Merchandise created in the MCHL Makerspace by business owner Emma Swenson.