What do we mean by #EmbraceEquity?
This year’s IWD theme is #EmbraceEquity. Not to be confused with ‘equality’, ‘equity’ as a concept goes one step further by recognising that each person comes from different circumstances.
While ‘equality’ means giving the same resources or opportunities to everyone regardless of who they are or where they’ve come from, embracing ‘equity’ is all about allocating the exact resources and opportunities needed to put people on an equal footing.
In honour of this special day, we’re celebrating not just one but seven strong women that we’re lucky enough to call friends of Calexico. They each have amazing stories to tell and have encountered their fair share of adversity along the way to where they are today.
"Aeronautical entrepreneur, grazier, pilot and mother of four."
You’ve achieved so much and your story certainly isn’t one we hear every day! What’s been your trajectory so far?
“I’ve never had an actual career as such. I was born and raised as a fifth-generation beef producer on the land, with a strong work ethic instilled by my family.
After six years as a boarder, I left St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School [in Brisbane] in year 11. Even though I finished school early, I’ve never stopped learning and I’ve been open to new experiences ever since.
Not long after leaving school, I had the opportunity to own and run a gift shop in Dalby. I got married at 19 and had three children. After 12 years, my husband and I separated and I switched gears to help run our family-owned farm and feed lot on the Western Downs.
Since that time, I’ve dealt with a breast cancer diagnosis, owned a butcher shop, remarried, become an interior decorator, had another son and purchased a cattle block where I live in Goondiwindi.
All the while, I was learning to fly and starting my business, Aerohart, which creates luxury accessories for stylish aviators and travellers.
You could say I’ve fitted quite a lot in!”
What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced, and how have they shaped you?
“Mostly my challenges have been personal and they all happened within a three-year time frame. My son had a major accident when he was three, my father survived a helicopter crash on his northern cattle station, my marriage broke down after 12 years and I survived breast cancer.
Instead of dwelling on the negatives, I try to look at the life lessons and learn and grow from these bumps in the road.
I believe there is always someone going through something worse than you and I know I’m tougher for having survived my challenges.”
As a strong woman in the community, how do you actively #EmbraceEquity within your own sphere of influence?
“My daily life with my husband and four children entails flying, fixing stock water pipes and fences, tending to cattle, and designing products for my Aerohart business.
I love to emphasise that what I do daily is ‘the norm’ and has little to do with gender. It’s a job I can do well and one that I enjoy immensely, so why not? On that note, I embrace equity by not considering an alternative way of living.”
What advice would you give your younger self if you could have your time over again?
“There will be a special person who will completely believe in you.”
How do you hold your own as a woman in a male-dominated profession like aviation? Have attitudes changed since you first did your training?
“As a private pilot in the general aviation space, I’m very fortunate not to have experienced any negativity in the aviation community. Every pilot – male and female – has been so supportive. I’m sure there is still a stigma around female pilots in the commercial world.
Learning to fly has given me immeasurable confidence as a woman and I aspire to make Aerohart successful so that I can give other young women the opportunity to learn to fly. I believe that in the air we are on a level playing field with men.”
Where did the idea for Aerohart came from? How did you get it off the ground?
“Learning to fly has been one of my greatest achievements. I grew up with Dad flying our family from station to station or off to a bull sale. There’s nothing like the feeling of freedom you get when taking to the skies – I adore it.
While learning to fly, I realised everything in the aviation world is designed by men for men. The equipment used daily tends to be very black, very clunky and ultimately, unrefined.
I’m fortunate to have a lovely aircraft, and I feel that aviation products should be as sleek and exquisite as the magnificent planes we fly. This is why I set out to enhance the flying experience through thoughtful design.
Working with an industrial design team in Brisbane, I’ve been lucky enough to curate a series of products that ease real-life frustrations and cultivate a sense of beauty in the everyday.
I believe in pioneering new ideas and working towards a better future. My passion for best-in-class design and precision engineering is innately entwined with my desire for sophistication and style. This is how Aerohart was born.
Growing up on the land has gifted me with a sense of practicality and aptitude. I think this is evident in my work in interior design, as well as the products I design for Aerohart.”
You’re clearly a stylish woman as well as a successful one. How do you find time to shop and have fun with fashion given that you have such a busy schedule and live in a regional area?
“I wear many hats in my life and can seamlessly transition from jeans, boots and a cowboy hat to a tailored race-day outfit – complete with high heels and fine millinery.
Fast fashion is definitely not for me. I prefer to purchase pieces I can wear for years that will transcend trends.
Whether I’m in the cattle yards branding or at Pilates at 6am, I like to look feminine and stylish. To paraphrase Reginald Williams: ‘I don’t believe we work any worse for looking a whole lot better’. I’m not adverse to wearing pearls and silver bangles when mustering!
Even though we’re very fortunate to have great boutiques right here in our vibrant town of Goondiwindi, I have to say following Calexico on Instagram is a fantastic source of inspiration! I often find myself saying ‘Oooh I have to have that!’ and then I send the girls a DM to see what size is available. I enjoy seeking out special pieces to add to my wardrobe. Mostly I shop online these days.
I found my ‘look’ at a young age, and I’ve never deviated far from my staples of white jeans, blouses and well-cut blazers. Wearing well-made, well-fitting and well-designed clothes makes me feel great.”
"There is still a long way to go however, I feel in sport. We are breaking down the barriers and have made some giant steps forward."
You’ve achieved so much! Looking back, what advice would you give your younger self if you had your time again?
Of course, the obvious ones like work hard, goal setting, be consistent, however I really believe it's important to have a big picture mentality and trying to develop your overall skills so when you're fully developed in whatever path you choose you have all the necessary skill sets to have success.
What’s been your career trajectory? Where did you start and where are you at now?
When I was a young girl, I had a dream to one day become a top 10 player in the world in tennis and through hard work, I was lucky enough to achieve this goal. Now I am enjoying success in a second career, where I am currently the leading host/ anchor/expert for Europe's leading sports network, Eurosport.
What are the biggest formative experiences you’ve faced (personally and/or professionally), and how have they shaped you?
Of course, like anyone who is wanting to be a professional tennis player I had to move away from home at the age of 14 traveling up to 10 months a year, living out of suitcase, going to many Third World countries, which was rather uncomfortable at the time. Also learning how to deal with losing nearly every single week I’ve played an event naturally, there can only be one champion at each tournament, so you have to get good at handling disappointment and not having success every single week. This has also taught me to become strong mentally, never give up and always give best effort whenever I commit to something. Dealing with adversity is a part of daily life and through sport this is helped learn how to cope and get through difficult situations.
The theme behind this year’s International Women’s Day is #EmbraceEquity. As a strong woman in the community with a big online presence, how do you actively embrace equity within your own sphere of influence?
There is still a long way to go however, I feel in sport. We are breaking down the barriers and have made some giant steps forward, particularly over the last decade. For example, we have equal prize money at the major grand slam tournaments and tennis is a sport that values women globally. I still feel in the television side of things they could be more opportunity for women, and this is something that I am focused on helping other women follow this pathway.
What’s been your greatest career challenge to date and how did you overcome it?
Some of the challenges that I have faced along this journey have been moving away from home at such a young age, also, trying to find my pathway after I retired from tennis and knowing what I wanted to achieve next, and what that would look like and how I would go about trying to make that happen. also committing to my now husband and deciding to move to the other side of the world and get married was a big decision that I had to make.
You clearly love fashion. How do you find time to shop and indulge your passion with such a busy schedule? Is it mostly online?
Fashion is and has always been an absolute passion of mine and whilst it’s important to look good and feel good it’s something that I will always be interested in and it’s an opportunity for me to express who I am and you wearing unique and cool fashion pieces. There is always time for fashion.
What have you learned about leadership throughout career?
I have learned many lessons in my journey so far, however one of the most important things is to have an excellent team around you, and to surround yourself with the very best people who will challenge you and encourage you to rise to the challenge every single day.
How do you unwind during your downtime?
I live a very simple life when I am at home, enjoying the good life that Noosa has to offer, walks through the national parks, swimming at the beach and being fully connected with my family daily.
What are you most excited about for the rest of this year?
We are currently in the final stages of building our dream home in Sunshine Beach, which is where I have spent the last 15 years. Additionally, we have a few small trips planned throughout this year, where we will travel together as a family and explore and experience many wonderful things throughout this year.
"Respect – we all deserve unconditional love and appreciation of the things that shape us into who we are."
You’ve achieved so much! Looking back, what advice would you give your younger self if you had your time again?
Give yourself permission to get help when you have a lot on your plate, get organised and learn to say no sometimes. Keeping “work life balance” is not always possible but there may be things you can change to help you survive when the going gets tough. I had a wonderful housekeeper for 20 years who felt like part of the family and an after-school nanny for a few years to help keep home life routines in place while I was in my busy periods.
What’s been your career trajectory? Where did you start and where are you at now?
After graduating in Medicine from University of Qld, I worked for 5 years in hospitals in Brisbane and London. When I returned home, I worked in General Practice for 5 years, mainly Paediatrics and Women’s health, and had my own three sons during this period.
As a GP I then started assisting both Orthopaedic and Plastic Surgeons for 8 years, and I recognised how much I enjoyed procedural Medicine. I changed my career path towards the emerging Cosmetic medicine industry by opening my own clinic in Kangaroo Point in 2002.
This was a very busy time establishing a start-up business in an Industry that was growing exponentially worldwide whilst also navigating a divorce and raising three young boys.
During the GFC I was given some great advice to buy commercial property while prices were down and take the business “up a notch”. In 2010 I moved over to Fortitude Valley which were crazy busy times and then in late 2017, I fulfilled my succession plan by selling my business as a very reputable industry leading Cosmetic Clinic.
As I continue to thoroughly enjoy doing what I do, I have restarted a small, boutique clinic in East Brisbane and have prioritised the personal touch in a more relaxed, pared back environment. I’m not yet sure what retirement looks like, but life seems to be in pretty good balance for now!
The theme behind this year’s International Women’s Day is #EmbraceEquity. As a strong woman in the community, how do you actively embrace equity within your own sphere of influence?
- Networking – to link those in need with those who can help. I have a lot of like-minded patients and friends who are amazing at networking and getting things done for the benefit of others.
- Respect – we all deserve unconditional love and appreciation of the things that shape us into who we are. Conversations around gender diversity, and cultural and ethnic diversity in our communities are helping us understand what we need to know to make everyone feel accepted and respected. The field of Cosmetic medicine globally is also actively on the learning curve to improve how we can embrace difference. For example, a National Conference in 2022 was dedicated to developing better skills in consulting and understanding diversity… three fabulous members of the public told their personal stories including before and after photos and videos, of the impact of their own Cosmetic procedure journeys to a full lecture theatre of Doctors and Nurses. The gender transition patient felt empowered that who she sees in the mirror now reflects who she identifies with, the post-trauma patient felt more attractive and that people wouldn’t stare at her anymore. Very powerful if we can do this better.
- Opportunities to give back – mentoring young Cosmetic Doctors, donating clothes to Styling Station, supporting projects to enhance the lives of others eg women and children affected by Domestic Violence and Think Pink Breast Cancer Events to name a few.
Have you had other strong women support you along the way? Who were they and how did they help?
I’ve made many wonderful lasting and supportive friendships from my baby Playgroup (30 years ago!), National College of Business, Zonta and Business Chicks, and wonderful colleagues in my industry.
Along the way they have helped me learn how to be a parent, how to set up a dashboard for my key business stats, shared and taught me many skills, shared a drink and a laugh when you really need it, and listened when I needed to let it all out. They know I’m here for them too.
My beautiful Mum was the most amazing role model for me throughout my life. A little 5 foot high dynamo loved by all, a pianist, businesswoman, mother of 4, who always found time for significant community service.
As a woman in the beauty industry, you must have seen it change so much as technology and attitudes have evolved. How does it compare now to 10 years ago?
The biggest changes are probably in the arena of attitudes and judgement. On the positive side, Cosmetic procedures are now an everyday thing globally for all adult age groups and genders, to help improve confidence through aesthetically restoring and enhancing our appearance. I personally strive for my patients to achieve fresh natural looks that are timeless.
But the downside has been the growth in un-natural trends for procedures driven by social media fads and celebrities, and a growth in Body Dysmorphic Disorder where some patients’ mental health is negatively impacted by their perceived “aesthetic flaws”.
More patients are asking for more bizarre treatments and losing site of the outcome and associated medical risks. Eg “Horns” on foreheads, huge Brazilian Butt Lifts, bigger and bigger lips and breasts that no longer have shape or sensuality. Even Dr Terry Dubrow who co-stars on the hugely successful TV series, “Botched” became a victim of what we call “Perception drift” where he got so much filler he forgot what he should really look like and was looking “weird”. Fortunately he was able to laugh, agreed he had “gone too far” and re-set his appearance back to “normal”.
What does style mean to you?
Even the word “Style” makes me smile and feel good! I think of it as a collaboration of our personality, the way we dress and behave that altogether makes us feel confident and look like we are enjoying life.. Our personal style is probably timeless, and you feel it like a “sweet spot” when someone helps you find it …but on the day-to-day, a well-styled outfit from top to toe needs to suit our body shape, make us feel authentic but be in balance with our mood!
Whenever I’m looking for inspiration, I love looking at the Calexico Instagram page for ideas where they have already styled complete outfits. I always need help with the accessories!
You clearly love fashion. How do you find time to shop and indulge your passion with such a busy schedule? Is it mostly online?
I find the time because I love the process of shopping with personalised assistance with someone who knows me and “gets me” (thank you Hannah!) I’m sometimes encouraged to try on things that make us both laugh and sometimes go outside the square with great success and this keeps me feeling up to date. I rarely shop online as I love to feel the fabrics and look around the store for ideas.
What have you learned about leadership throughout career?
I think we all have our own “natural” leadership style and different styles probably match different businesses depending on whether they are sales, service or project driven. Things seem to run best and feel right when the culture of the team matches your style .. it’s then we see teams and businesses shine and we all enjoy going to work.
How do you unwind during your downtime?
Music is my favourite way to unwind … playing guitar, singing or just chilling with greatest hits albums playing in the background. Just add great company and a glass of wine or bubbles and it all falls into place.
What are you most excited about for the rest of this year?
Planning a few “getaways” in the diary… Adelaide Hills and maybe a ski trip to shake off the cobwebs on the suitcases!
" I have often been thrown out of my comfort zone and this has made me highly adaptive, self-reliant and to question many things I see along the way."
You’ve achieved so much! Looking back, what advice would you give your younger self if you had your time again?
Your life is your responsibility. You are your best asset. Invest wisely in yourself. Always prepare for both the big and small events and the rest will take care of itself.
What’s been your career trajectory? Where did you start and where are you at now?
After university, I changed direction from my original profession having no idea where it would lead. I took significant career risks such as moving for a job in Indonesia which I thought would mean only two years overseas, but I stayed away for almost 20 years. To be honest, I took jobs that were probably just outside of my capacity and then I worked hard to fill the gap. I did this several times with no regrets. After years in the international development sector, I now work for a mission-driven NGO, Australian Federation of AIDS Organisation, and I also provide technical expertise in the areas of equity, human rights and gender for a globally-based donor organisation dedicated to ending HIV, TB and malaria. I love my work.
What are the biggest formative experiences you’ve faced (personally and/or professionally), and how have they shaped you?
I am originally from Brisbane, but as I mentioned, I spent years living and working overseas in many countries in South-East Asia, South Africa and Washington, DC, USA. Since returning to Brisbane almost ten years ago, I continue to work internationally. Currently I am working in Thailand, Mongolia, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and the Philippines. This way of working and living has presented me with many opportunities; it has been rewarding but also harder and more challenging than I had ever imagined. I have often been thrown out of my comfort zone and this has made me highly adaptive, self-reliant and to question many things I see along the way.
The theme behind this year’s International Women’s Day is #EmbraceEquity. As a strong woman in the community, how do you actively embrace equity within your own sphere of influence?
I am pleased that we’ll be talking about equity this IWD because overcoming barriers to equity is the only way to achieve gender equality. For me, equity means considering and compensating for factors, be they economic or societal, that hold women back. We can do this by providing women – in all their diversity – with the resources and support they need so that they can realize their potential as individuals and participate fully in community life. In my life, if that means going further or doing more for women, then so be it.
Have you had other strong women support you along the way? Who were they and how did they help?
My mother was born in 1932 and she was both strong and smart but she had many fewer opportunities than me. Like most women of her generation, she was the backbone of our family albeit from behind the scenes. I was educated at an all-girls’ school by some outstanding female teachers. I have a younger sister whom I adore and her daughter – my niece is 13 years old, and I am impressed by her confidence and sense of self. I have girlfriends from all corners of my life on whom I have always relied. I have worked within a global community of women from a range of different cultural, religious, economic, and social backgrounds including sexual and gender diversity. Despite these differences there has always been a shared understanding of what it means to be a woman and how women are each other’s best allies.
As a woman who works in the global response to HIV, you must have seen a lot of changes in the field over the years. What is the major change that you have witnessed over the years within your field of work.
I began working in HIV in Queensland in the mid 1980s and it was like living in the dark ages at that time. The fear and ignorance that surrounded HIV resulted in terrible and harmful levels of stigma and discrimination against gay men, sex workers and people who used drugs. Improved treatment and new prevention technologies have changed the face of the HIV response both here and to a lesser extent, globally, but much still needs to be done to ensure that people who need services get them.
What’s been your greatest career challenge to date and how did you move through it?
Resisting the temptation to see myself as the expert. I have come to realize that the people most impacted by a problem are in the best position to tackle it. They might need knowledge, capacity and support from technical experts but it is better to let them drive the process.
You clearly love fashion. How do you find time to shop and indulge your passion with such a busy schedule?
Feeling good – however you define that – is transformative and, for me, that includes playing with fashion. I found Calexico or, perhaps it found me, and it has changed how I shop. Obviously, the selection of clothes is outstanding. The staff are extremely fashion-literate and the service is exceptional; but what I enjoy the most is the sense of community that Nicky has created. Nicky and her team do all the hard work and they make the experience fun and affirming. I love that you can walk in and buy the basics, something a little bit special or edgy and then something other-worldly and gorgeous. I hope that one day my nieces raid my wardrobe.
What have you learned about leadership throughout your career?
Talk less, listen more and be kind to people. I am also very deliberate about giving women in the workplace opportunities and for ensuring that their voices are heard.
How do you unwind during your downtime?
Family takes up a huge amount of my time and, if I can combine that with trips to the beach, even better. I have a regular dinner with a group of friends most every week and that helps to keep me sane.
What are you most excited about for the rest of this year?
I am open to what may come along and am up for any challenge that presents itself.
"Being a great leader, is about having the fire and passion in your belly that naturally attracts inspiration."
You’ve achieved so much within your medical field! Looking back, what advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell my younger self to keep the eye on the prize, never ever give up, and to take steps forwards, even if it’s a baby step.
What’s been your career trajectory? Where did you start and how did you get to where you are today?
The biggest “AHA” moment was a paediatric Chiropractor and dealing with what I call my Alphabet kids, your ADHD, OCD, ASD, was listening to Dr Robert Melillo speak at a conference. It ignited the fire and passion to complete my fellowship in Functional Neurology and open Nurturing Brain Potential where we help nonverbal autistic kids speak. I have travelled the world, learning from the best to bring the latest to Brisbane, just as Calexico does for fashion.
You are so passionate about helping children - Tell us how you take your service to the community to the next level.
Every single Child we see at Nurturing Brain has a story. Once you unleash their potential using Neuroplasticity (brains’ ability to change), you not only change the life of that child, but of their family. We are constantly bombarded with stories every day of how that family life has changed, since they started their journey with us, I get videos of school reports, a child told that he would never speak, reading out loud, and a traumatic brain injured client claiming her independence by being able to go places on her own, without her wheelchair.
What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced (personally and/or professionally) and how have they made you who you are today?
Personally, the time and commitment on running a second business and studying meant that you had to give up on certain things, like not training for Triathlons, or not watching my son cycle on Saturdays because you are working.
Professionally, being the first to open such a centre in Australia, there was a lot of backlash from my peers and scrutiny from governing bodies. With such a clear mission, they became just minor irritants rather than major road blocks
Having a dream and mission, with fabulous mentors and support from family and friends meant that although the journey was tough, the end goal was always crystal clear, to impact and offer hope to those that need it the most.
The theme behind this year’s International Women’s Day is #EmbraceEquity. As a strong woman in the community as well as a mother, how do you actively embrace equity within your own sphere of influence?
As a female leader and a mother, we have many advantages and in business, we need to use those strengths to achieve our goals. Play to our strengths rather than focusing on perceived weakness, our intuition and mother instincts are powerful traits to help us achieve our goals.
You clearly love fashion. How do you find time to shop and indulge your passion with such a busy schedule? Is it mostly online?
I love Nicky and Calexico, and their amazing stylists. Nicky has brought the best of International Fashion to Brisbane, and it such a delight to shop there. I’ve often been disappointed in shopping overseas, as I find Nicky has selected the best pieces right here in Australia, which make it’s much easier to shop, and with a stylist on hand, it’s easy to find what you are looking for without wasting time.
What have you learned about leadership throughout your career?
Being a great leader, is about having the fire and passion in your belly that naturally attracts inspiration. My team is incredible, and I wouldn’t have achieved so much without them.
What’s been your greatest career challenge to date and how did you move through it?
Setting up a separate business has had many challenges, and keeping my mission crystal clear, and having amazing support from my team, friends and family has kept me focused on the path. Looking at challenges as just another hurdle and not dwelling on obstacles. has helped to forge the path ahead,
We know Calexico Director, Nicky, is totally in awe of how you use goal setting to get the best out of life. Please explain!
Every year, on holidays by the beach, I mind map what goals I would like for the year. It’s a work of art as I spend a lot of time focusing on different areas of my life., with family, travel goals, fashion goals and business goals. Every year has a different theme, and for this year, it’s an eagle with “Wings to Soar”. I’m happy to help anyone with this!
"People underestimate how clothing can make you feel, for me it’s an important part of who I am and the way I feel."
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced (personally and/or professionally)? How have they shaped you?
Having worked in the tech industry since the late ‘90’s, I (like many) experienced my fair share of discrimination and bias. My advice to my younger self is reflective of that, people will try and block your way, so find another way around and keep going, in the end you’ll build resilience, have some great (and funny) stories to tell, and help clear the way for others to have a slightly clearer path than you.
What’s been your career trajectory? Where did you start and where are you at now? Have things always gone to plan?
Ha, no they definitely did not always go to plan! I started as an IT engineer, moved into sales, then leadership, and now I’ve co-founded a sustainable oral hygiene company, definitely not something I thought I would do, except for the part of running a business, I’ve wanted to do that since I can remember, so I guess in the end things kind of went to plan, the journey to get here maybe a bit unexpected.
The theme behind this year’s International Women’s Day is #EmbraceEquity. As a leader in your field, how do you actively embrace equity within your own sphere of influence?
In the companies I’ve worked for I always looked to actively participate in D&I programs/councils, mentor others both within those organisations and externally, when building teams, being cognisant of diversity across the board, not solely gender. Plus there’s the small things that can make a big difference, like being in a meeting and noticing someone who doesn’t get the opportunity to speak up, calling upon them to give their perspective, or when public speaking opportunities arise, suggesting others to participate in order for them to gain exposure.
What role does personal style play in your life? Being an early adopter of tech, have you always been a big online shopper?
I’ve always been big on personal style. I think people underestimate how clothing can make you feel, for me it’s an important part of who I am and the way I feel. Since discovering Calexico 10 years ago, that has only become more finely tuned thanks to Nicky and Hannah. As for online shopping, yes I definitely saw the benefit of that early on and there are plenty of things I do order online, but funny enough not clothes, for me, the process of putting an outfit together in person is yet to be replicated online.
Please tell us about your new venture SmidgeCo.
We know Nicky our Director is a huge fan of this exciting new business you have started! We are super excited! We’ve decided to tackle the huge problem our daily dental routine has created, of nearly 32 BILLION plastic toothbrushes and toothpaste tubes entering landfill every year. SmidgeCo is a sustainable oral hygiene company with products that look good, feel good and do good, as all our products are biodegradable, recyclable, or compostable PLUS we donate 50% of profits to both communities in need who don’t have access to dental services (something we take for granted) and conservation causes. We’ve formulated our adult and kids fluoride toothpastes to taste yummy and not contain some of the nasties traditional brands still have, like SLS, sugar, alcohol, and parabens, importantly they come in gorgeous fully biodegradable tubes, our ergonomic bamboo toothbrushes are biodegradable/compostable and when you use our biodegradable charcoal floss, you’ll never not floss again (seriously, there is no hiding away from the realities of flossing with black floss!), all of that delivered to your door whenever you need or you can subscribe and every 3 months your new supply of sustainable dental products arrive to help you keep your pearly whites sparkling. We’re about making sustainability easy for everyone, so everyone can do their smidge for the planet without changing their routine.
"I strive to be an example of equity and justice in my own life by treating everyone with respect and fairness."
You’ve achieved so much in a field that’s become massive over the past few years – brows and injectables! Upon reflection, what advice would you give your younger self if you were starting over?
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a huge challenge for many businesses, including my own. It was really tough having to close our doors- thankfully I was able to keep the majority of my staff & our loyal customers returned to us as soon as we reopened our doors. It was a difficult time, but we were able to overcome it as a team.
You’ve achieved so much! Looking back, what advice would you give to your younger self if you had your time again?
If I could go back and give advice to my younger self, I would tell myself to be more confident in my abilities, more open to new experiences and to take the time to appreciate the little things in life. Finally, I would remind myself to be kind to others and to always strive to be the best version of myself.
How do you unwind during your down time?
Pilates, early morning walks with my dog, listening to podcasts, reading a good book & I’ve recently become obsessed with infrared saunas- they make me feel so energised!
The theme for this year’s international women’s day is embrace equity. As a strong woman in the community and a mum of three, how do you actively embrace equity within your own sphere of influence?
I believe that embracing equity starts with understanding and respecting the differences between people.
I strive to create an environment of inclusion and acceptance in my home, workplace, and community.
I strive to be an example of equity and justice in my own life by treating everyone with respect and fairness.
I'm doing my best to raise my children into responsible & compassionate adults. Some of the ways I teach them about equity is by living by those values myself & leading by example.
I have conversations with my kids about why it’s so important to treat others with respect & fairness. There are also many great books & movies to choose from that feature characters from diverse backgrounds & discuss the importance of equity & justice.
As a woman in the beauty industry, you must have seen it change so much as technology and attitudes have evolved. How does it compare now to 10 years ago?
The beauty industry has changed drastically in the last 10 years. Technology has allowed for more innovative products and services, and the industry has become more inclusive and diverse. Consumers now have more access to information and resources, which has allowed them to make more informed decisions about their beauty choices. Additionally, the industry has become more focused on sustainability and ethical practices, which has been a major shift from 10 years ago.
What’s been your career trajectory? Where did you start and where are you at now with iBoutique?
I started my career in the hairdressing industry at 16, then I moved into beauty & makeup artistry. After a few years, I decided to pursue my passion for entrepreneurship and started iBoutique. My driving force was my daughter Coco. I became a widowed single mother at the age of 23 which left me in a position I never thought I’d be in. All I wanted was to give my daughter the life she deserved & have flexibility so that I could do school drop offs & pickups, attend sports carnivals- just to be there for her always.
So I took a risk, put everything I had into starting iBoutique & built it from the ground up.
I’ve recently brought one of my long time staff members Kat onboard as a business partner which has been fantastic. We’re both mums, we’ve been working side by side for close to 10 years now & we are able to share ideas, support one another & manage the business together- whilst both juggling family life. I’m so proud what we’ve been able to accomplish, we have a really amazing team of talented ladies & some exciting things in the pipeline.
