Kate Gatfield-Jeffries
Moodi Co-Founder
2020 Women In Law Executive
‘Every challenge is an opportunity to learn - persistence and staying true to your values will open the right doors.’
Can you tell us a little about your journey since leaving university?
When I finished my Law and Commerce degree at the University of Auckland, I was lucky enough to have several graduate job offers on the table. However, I’d always known I wanted to be an entrepreneur, and I’d dreamt of running my own company by the age of 40. Additionally, I’d observed a huge gap in the wellness industry, particularly in products designed for women to make them feel good. Instead of taking the safe path, I turned down those corporate offers and launched Moodi during my final year of university. It has been a wild journey ever since! What began as two protein blends has now grown into a vast range of functional wellness products, supporting hundreds of thousands of women across New Zealand and Australia to feel their best and reach their full potential.
What challenges have you faced, and how have you navigated them?
I was 22 when I started Moodi, with no industry experience or connections. I had to learn every aspect of the business from scratch while also bootstrapping the company from my savings (meaning we didn’t take any outside investment or loans). For the first two years, I didn’t pay myself and travelled around pet-sitting full-time to ensure that every dollar could be reinvested into the business. I have been underestimated due to my age, and at times, convincing suppliers, manufacturers, and retailers to take me seriously was not easy - and it still isn’t at times. However, every challenge is always an opportunity to learn, and learn fast, which for me has been one of the keys to growing Moodi as quickly as we have.
What advice would you give to students and young professionals entering the legal profession today?
The best advice I can offer is to back yourself and embrace opportunities, even if they feel intimidating, and to seek mentors who are just a few steps ahead of you, as they’ll often have the most relatable and actionable guidance. Also, don’t feel locked into one ‘traditional’ legal profession pathway. If I am an example of anything, it is that your legal training is such a powerful foundation that can take you in many different directions. For me, it was the springboard into this incredible journey I am now on, and I utilise my knowledge and skills obtained through my law degree daily.
Outside of work, what brings you joy or keeps you grounded?
In the first couple of years, my whole life revolved around building Moodi. But over time, I’ve realised that protecting my wellbeing is also a non-negotiable if I want to sustain this journey. Daily exercise, mindfulness practices and making time for close friends and family keep me grounded. Small rituals can help me reset and stay energised, especially through the intensity of running a fast-paced business.
What has been the most rewarding part of your career so far?
The highlight has always been hearing directly from our customers whose lives have been positively impacted by our products. Whether it’s someone finally getting a good night’s sleep, managing stress more effectively, or simply feeling more energised in their daily lives, those stories make all the challenges worthwhile. Knowing that Moodi has made a difference reminds me that what we’re building is about much more than just wellness products - it’s about helping people reach their full potential.
How did your time in Women in Law shape or influence you?
Co-founding the Women in Law Mentoring Programme while at university was a turning point for me. It taught me how powerful it can be when women come together to support each other, and it showed me the impact of creating opportunities for the next generation. That experience shaped my leadership style and also sparked a passion for mentoring and championing other women in business. Today, whether it’s through our products, my grants for female founders, or other mentoring, I try to embed that same spirit of paying it forward into everything I do.
Is there a mantra, value, or piece of wisdom you carry with you in your work?
One of my guiding principles is “don’t take no for an answer.” In the early days, doors closed often, but persistence, combined with staying true to my values, eventually opened the right ones. I also carry a commitment to building things that last. I’d rather sacrifice short-term wins if it means staying true to the long-term vision of helping women feel their best. That mindset has enabled me to make many difficult decisions with clarity and confidence.
How can our community connect with or support the work you’re doing now?
The most meaningful way to support is to be part of our community. That could be as simple as trying Moodi and sharing your feedback, or recommending us to someone in your life who might benefit. We’ve grown almost entirely through word-of-mouth and community support, and that’s something I’ll never take for granted. Beyond products, I’d love people to get behind women-led ventures in general - whether that’s through mentorship, funding, or simply amplifying their stories. Every bit of support creates ripple effects far beyond the individual contributions.