A born and bred Tauranga fashion designer is joining the likes of iconic Kiwi designers Karen Walker and Trelise Cooper in the United States market, after being approached by a US fashion agency.

Eight years after launching her brand Anyone's Daughter, mother-of-two Erika Achilles-Dunseath is busy creating a summer line to be sold in stores through America and Canada.

Erika Achilles-Dunseath working on a new clothing range.

'It's definitely very exciting. But it has been a long road,” says the 33-year-old. Erika left school early to complete a Diploma in Fashion at Bay of Plenty Polytechnic, graduating at age 18.

'I worked in the industry for years for some of NZ's well-known brands, such as Annah Stretton and Moochi, before starting my business.”

She then juggled the young company with a fashion degree at Otago University, and having two children.

Expanding to America is a dream come true, but will present challenges. Opposite seasons mean Erika is creating a summer line for the US at the same time as thinking winter for NZ.

'We have to be a little more organised, thinking about what's happening over there, as well as what's happening in our own markets for winter.”

Erika says exporting to the US is an amazing opportunity to add New Zealand flair to the overseas fashion market.

'It's definitely very exciting. We're looking at what's working really well for us here in NZ, and based on some feedback they're giving us from what's happening there.

'Obviously, we're new to their market. They don't know much about us and we don't know much about them. So it's a bit of a trial.”

All of Erika's clothing is made in New Zealand, with most of is produced in Tauranga.

Anyone's Daughter focuses women's clothing, a mix between street and work wear, which is popular with busy mothers.

'Now I have kids, I try look to stuff that's easy care; no ironing or fuss.”