This International Women’s Day, at GlamCorner, we are reminded of those who inspire us most: our customers! So we took a moment to chat with some of them about their stories, motherhood, career, and what IWD means to them.
Amelia
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m Amelia Johnson. I have a son Louie, aged 11. I’m the founder of the Bespoke Social and Champagne Towers.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
Acknowledging the value and importance of women from the past, the present and the future. The past, I think about the women in New York in 1909 when they took to the streets to fight for equal rights, pay and voting. Today, reaching out to the women around us who aren’t strong enough to stand up for themselves. And the future, to teach my son to instinctively respect women.
What is one piece of advice that you would give to your younger self?
It would be to know the rules properly so you can break them effectively. Thank you, Dalai Lama and Picasso!
If you have to describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
Evolving.
What empowers you as a woman?
The community of women around me; my mother, employees, family and my business ladies.
Helen
Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name’s Helen and I’ve lived in Sydney for over 30 years. My parents came to Australia when I was three and they have inspired and pioneered the way for us. I work in the automotive finance industry.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
I feel it’s the day where women can celebrate who they are and their achievements to date. The women who have fought for us previously to have our freedom of choice and our rights. We are very privileged to live in Australia where we do have that gender equality balance. I feel that if it’s the one day that we can all celebrate and pioneer forward for the future generation as well. Let’s do it. Let’s celebrate it.
What is one piece of advice that you would give to your younger self?
Be fearless. Just back yourself and go for it. Everything is great in hindsight.
If you have to describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
Optimistic.
What empowers you as a woman?
We live in a generation where we have so many more rights than we did than our predecessors did. When I was 16, I was privileged to attend a Naomi Wolf conference, and she mentioned how we have fought for our power and empowerment and that we now live in a generation where we can just reach up and grab it. And that empowered me. I work in a very male-dominated industry, so I find that instead of creating a lot of barriers to ourselves, you should just go for it!
Nicole
Tell us a bit about yourself.
Hi, I’m Nicole, I live in Sydney with my husband and we’re about to have our firstborn in 10 weeks time! I work as a head of category development.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
It’s an opportunity to really celebrate the differences between men and women. I hope as a woman, it helps us to appreciate those traits in ourselves and really feel comfortable in our own skin.
What is one piece of advice that you would give to your younger self?
Be kind. Be kind to others when they feel like they’ve let you down. Be kind to yourself when you feel like you’ve messed something up. Life is a learning journey and nobody gets everything right all the time. It’s just a lot easier if you just be kind.
If you have to describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
Perfectionist.
What empowers you as a woman?
It’s being inspired by women. To feel like I can do anything I set my mind to.
Theresa
Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Theresa. I’m married and I have my two boys; aged 5 and 2. I also work as a financial controller at a tech company.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
The celebration of sisterhood. I’ve worked in many technology companies and there’s always a disproportionate number of women. Every year, on this day, we would get together for a luncheon and it’s usually about three or four women. It’s a small amount but it gets us together when we ordinarily wouldn’t. Therefore, International Women’s Day to me reminds us of sisterhood and the coming together of women.
What is one piece of advice that you would give to your younger self?
Know your worth and stop being so wasteful. Before joining GlamCorner, I didn’t realise just how wasteful I was. After joining, I suddenly got an awareness of how much I buy unnecessarily and it just takes up space.
If you have to describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
Quirky.
What empowers you as a woman?
The ability to provide an insight into what men might not instinctively have.
Jessica
Tell us a bit about yourself.
Hi, I’m Jessica and I work in a professional capacity as a relationship manager. I’m married with a husband and a mother of three beautiful girls. I like to spend my time on the weekends exploring the beautiful city of Sydney. As well as helping my kids pursue sporting opportunities and getting out and about with friends.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
The celebration of all things women. Women are the backbone to most families, offices, communities and for me, I play a part in part in all of these. It’s a nice way to celebrate some of the small unseen things that we do on a day to day basis. As well as the continued support from the women in the community; propping me and others up. It’s an opportunity for everybody just to stop and think about the commitment and the contribution that we all make.
What is one piece of advice that you would give to your younger self?
Don’t worry so much and to not settle. The things that you worry so much about as a young person, you’ll laugh about when you’re older. There’s always an opportunity to reinvent yourself and to change your trajectory.
If you have to describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
Firecracker.
What empowers you as a woman?
As a woman, I am empowered by my education. It’s the greatest gift my parents have given me and it means that I would forever have the opportunity to forge ahead in life. It’s more than money or connections. My education gives me options.
Corina
Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name’s Corrina and I live on the Northern Beaches and I’ve got two kids; aged 3 and 8. I work full time in the financial services industry.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
It’s about celebrating what women have achieved socially, economically and politically over time. It’s to acknowledge what we will have to achieve in the future. I admire the theme for this year and that’s Balance for Better; which is all about the balance for gender equality in the board rooms, political scene, news and wealth.
What is one piece of advice that you would give to your younger self?
Don’t rush! Enjoy the journey that you’re on and to really treasure time with your family. Be open to opportunities and don’t be afraid to give things a go.
If you have to describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
Hopeful.
Narelle
Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Narelle, I’m 29 years old and I’m from a big Egyptian family. I was born in Australia and I work as a pharmacist and own a business.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
International Women’s Day is a day to celebrate how amazing women are.
What is one piece of advice that you would give to your younger self?
To travel as much as you can!
If you have to describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
Unconventional.
What empowers you as a woman?
Owning my own business and having the freedom to do what I want and when I want.
We would like to thank our beautiful customers: Corrina, Helen, Jessica, Theresa, Narelle, Amelia and Nicole for participating in our International Women’s Day series and sharing their stories with us. We are truly inspired and empowered by them.
