about us
The Purple Lab is part of the Phreaze Factory umbrella — and another step towards the long-term vision of female Hip Hop Artist, Youth & Community Worker, Entrepreneur and Mama, Phreaze.
After many years working in communities across Australia and Aotearoa, wheeling her portable recording studio suitcase from Youth & Community Centres to events and corporate groups, Phreaze discovered just how important it is to provide access to, develop and promote a better understanding of raw, creative art forms within our communities.
The vision for The Purple Lab was born from that experience (and Phreaze's pocket!).
Initially, there simply wasn’t enough space within the Phreaze Factory store at Historic Village to bring the idea to life, so The Purple Lab first found a home in a factory space at Windermere. "Booth for Koha" programs were initiated here - with users paying only a donation for use of the recording booth. Other workshops such as the Intro to T Shirt printing & signmaking, guitar or music theory for beginners (adults) among the popular choices.
When a larger space became available at Historic Village in Tauranga, The Purple Lab moved in alongside the rest of the Phreaze Factory initiatives, adding in fresh workshops and resources such as the DJ Booth for Koha initiative.
Then, in 2026, The Purple Lab evolved again — moving primarily online.
Today, The Purple Lab connects with people wherever they are, bringing creative learning and connection directly into their homes through their devices. The online platform features LIVE video workshops, 1-to-1 and group sessions, creative challenges, community connection and opportunities for creatives to learn, share and grow in their own space and at their own pace.
Phreaze and the team still take The Purple Lab out into the community, delivering workshops and creative experiences in person from time to time — but the heart of The Purple Lab is now online, making it easier for more people to access the space, whenever andwherever they are.
And the best part? It's FREE to join!
Come check out The Purple Lab online, meet the community and see what's happening.
Click the link below to step inside The Purple Lab.
