International Women’s Day is a day to celebrate women and to recognise how far we've come towards gender equality and how far we have to go. At Wanderluxe, we love to acknowledge the achievements, ideas, passion and work that women bring to the world. In honour of this important day, we sat down with four inspiring Women in Business to discuss what International Women’s Day means to them.
Kelly Kuo - Director of Marketing and Communications at The Langham, Melbourne @langhammelbourne
What does International Women's Day mean to you?
It’s a day to celebrate being a WOMAN! We can face challenges at the same time, whether you are a woman at work, a mother, or a working mother and we always find a way to make it through and have the ability to lead our own happy and productive lives.
Who has been your biggest inspiration in building your career/ Who is a female role model who inspires you?
I have to be honest, I am my own biggest inspiration to building my career. I’ve always wanted to become a career woman, perhaps I have seen and heard a lot of examples where a lot of women especially in Asia rely a lot on their partners and lose being independent. Thus I told myself I do not want to become someone like that, I want to control my own path and finances.
What has been your most memorable experience as a Woman in Business?
To be recognized for my hard work and created a lot of great memories for everyone else.
With your busy lifestyle, how do you take care of yourself and unwind at the end of a busy day?
Before becoming a mother I would treat myself to a nice massage or spa treatment, but now I just go home and cuddle my son, it really puts a smile on my face after a busy long day!
Sarah Darby - Founder of Sarah Darby Illustrations @sarahdarbyfashionillustration
What does International Women's Day mean to you?
I think it is an important reminder to check in each year and ensure that we are making genuine progress towards our goals for women, whatever that is to each of us. I feel much more conscious and invested in the progress we make now that my girls are getting older. My eldest daughter is a soccer player and it’s really interesting to watch the investment in women's sport.
Who has been your biggest inspiration in building your career/ Who is a female role model who inspires you?
I admire CJ Hendry’s fearlessness, Megan Hess’ commercial journey and Elle McPherson for her brand Welleco and Erin Deering for her honesty about business journey and the lessons that she can bring to others.
What has been your most memorable experience as a Woman in Business?
Well I think the high notes are always worth celebrating; being asked to sketch for Cartier, Valentino, Coach and Wanderluxe! But honestly what’s most important to me is whether or not I get asked back. I’ve had a great relationship with a number of brands and private clients and this is what I really value.
With your busy lifestyle, how do you take care of yourself and unwind at the end of a busy day?
Well sometimes it’s sketching and sometimes it’s not! If it flies I love it but like any role, sometimes you have to put in the effort to the task at hand. During Covid lockdowns I started to journal and that’s how I created ‘This is Not a Planner’ . I wanted somewhere that I could plan but also take stock each week. I wanted to end the year with a book of memories not crossed out to do lists!
Sherri Kiernikowski - Founder of Wanderluxe Sleepwear @wanderluxe_sleepwear
What does International Women's Day mean to you?
To me, it means celebrating women’s equality and how far we’ve come in empowering women. Women are such powerhouses who can juggle motherhood, career development, social lives and so many other things and that is something worth celebrating!
Who has been your biggest inspiration in building your career/ Who is a female role model who inspires you?
I’d have to say my amazing girlfriends. We have been a close group of friends for over 20 years, and to see them begin their careers in junior roles, who are now heading up large scale businesses, is the most inspiring thing!
What has been your most memorable experience as a Woman in Business?
The memory that first comes to mind is co-hosting a Mother’s Day Lunch with Kate Waterhouse, where I stood up in front of the media and proudly presented my brand story. It was the moment I realised how my little dream of starting a sleepwear business was now becoming a well established brand.
With your busy lifestyle, how do you take care of yourself and unwind at the end of a busy day?
For me, it’s putting on my Wanderluxe Pyjamas and enjoying a few minutes to myself with my skincare routine before settling in for the night with my family.
Leonara Shannon - Co Founder of Her Drive @her_drive
What does International Women's Day mean to you?
Celebrating women of all backgrounds, shapes and sizes, because we are all amazing in our own way. Each year I wish the gender gap diminishes and we reach equality in our lifetime.
Who has been your biggest inspiration in building your career/ Who is a female role model who inspires you?
I love Natalie Massenet, she is an inspiration and successful entrepreneur in her own right. Net-a-Porter was a game-changer! I remember reading an article on how clear her vision was and when critics said she was crazy to expect women to buy luxury clothing online, she proved them wrong.
What has been your most memorable experience as a Woman in Business?
Meeting with successful entrepreneurs to receive feedback on business ideas as well as thought provoking advice.
With your busy lifestyle, how do you take care of yourself and unwind at the end of a busy day?
A few years ago my husband and I made the commitment to explore somewhere new that we have yet to in Australia. So when things get a bit too much, we like to spend an evening planning the next family holiday with a glass of wine in hand. We are keen to visit Mollymook this year.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY EDIT
Happy International Women's Day from the Wanderluxe team x