Golden X The Dieline: A Surreal Moment of Gratitude

As a solo founder, you get used to wearing many hats. You’re the creator, the marketer, the logistics coordinator, the biggest fretter and ultimately the biggest champion of your brand. That whirlwind of job titles can be overwhelming, and often I’m lost in the weeds. Every now and then, something happens that reminds you to see how far you’ve come and provides the perspective you don’t get from the busy work that happens day to day.

Seeing Golden featured on The Dieline was one of those moments.

For years, I’ve admired The Dieline, the leading authority on packaging design. I love packaging,I’m always spending a little too long in the supermarket aisle, perusing and admiring new offerings. The Dieline is a place where the best packaging design in the world is showcased online. I’m on there a lot. To find Golden,a brand I’ve been building from the ground up,on their platform was surreal. As a solo founder, there are times when it feels like you’re building in a vacuum, wondering if what you’re creating really matters. Imposter syndrome creeps in, and believing in your own vision can feel like a lonely road. But seeing it recognised on a global stage is a pinch,me moment,one that reminds me why I started, and I’m absolutely stoked.

None of this would have been possible without the brilliant minds at MAKEBARDO, the design studio behind Golden’s identity. Creative duo Luis Viale and Bren Imboden took my vision and transformed it into something that feels alive. Their approach blends simplicity with sensibility, capturing the spirit of Golden in a way that is both visually striking and deeply meaningful.

Golden’s design draws inspiration from two unexpected yet powerful elements: beehives and education. The structured lines reflect both the organisation of a hive and the spines of books,a nod to the importance of knowledge and authenticity in the honey industry and the ethos I wanted to bring to an industry set on distracting people from what they are consuming. This design language, unique yet approachable, sets Golden apart from traditional sodas and so,called “guilt,free” drinks. It’s a vibrant, intentional design that is both nostalgic and meaningful,most importantly, it tells a story.

Golden is more than just a better,for,you soda; it’s a celebration of New Zealand’s finest natural ingredients. Sweetened with premium mānuka and kānuka honey and flavoured with locally sourced fruits, it’s a drink crafted with care, designed to be both delicious and functional.

To have this journey recognised by The Dieline is a moment of immense gratitude. It’s a reminder that hard work, creativity, and a commitment to doing things differently can make an impact.

Thank you to The Dieline for the feature. Thank you to MAKEBARDO for your incredible artistry. And thank you to everyone who has supported Golden along the way.

Stay golden.

Morg
Founder, Golden
staygolden.co.nz

Read the full article on The Dieline