As a female founded business, this International Women's Day we are thrilled to honor the remarkable achievements of women who inspire, lead, and empower.

In our latest Journal entry, we hear from seven extraordinary women from our community who have excelled in their respective fields. These trailblazers candidly discuss their career journeys, the challenges they've overcome, and the moments they celebrate as milestones of success. Their stories not only highlight their professional accomplishments but also reflect their personal growth and resilience.

Justine Jamieson
Editor-at-large Good magazine @passion_junkie

What’s a moment in your career when you felt truly empowered? As a 42-year-old woman, life has not yet blessed me with the experience of motherhood (yet), but I have birthed many creative projects. I found success through the impact I’ve had on people’s wellness and the planet, believing with all my heart that this was my purpose—because life kept showing me that it was. So, I pushed forward, relentlessly creating, always saying, “I’ll do it.”

But when I was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer late last year—a consequence, I believe, of pouring endlessly into others while neglecting my own self-care—I was forced onto a journey of self-love like never before. A journey that has taken me deep within, where I’ve discovered what it truly means to love wholeheartedly.

So, when I’m asked what moment in my publishing career empowers me, it’s not the national magazine awards or the successful projects that have helped others find well-being. It’s this moment—right now. The moment I chose myself. The moment I realised that success isn’t in the hustle but in the harmony. It’s not about what we mass-produce but how we choose to connect with those around us while we create.

My greatest achievement isn’t what I’ve built—it’s how I honour my needs while doing only what I love, alongside those who uplift my spirit.

Now, I say yes only to what fuels my passion. I’ve let go of what drains me. I ask for help without shame. And for the first time, I truly understand what it means to be part of a team—to co-create rather than carry the weight alone. This vulnerable call for help, alongside my commitment to strong boundaries and radical self-care, marks the true highlight of my career.

It’s bittersweet that it took a life-altering wake-up call for me to slow down, but I trust that beauty will bloom once again from this deep soul journey.

Sarah Stuart
Fashion Stylist @styledbysarahstuart

Who is a woman that inspires you and why?  I’ve thought about this question a lot because there are so many incredible women in my life I could write a bio about each. I was raised by strong women and have always been surrounded by remarkable female friends, family, mentors, and even my friends’ mums. They all share qualities that inspire me - strength, intelligence, generosity, and an ability to think outside the box. They excel in whatever they do, offer unwavering support, and are never afraid to speak up when necessary. Their honesty, kindness, and ability to lead with confidence have played a huge role in shaping the person I am today.

What’s a moment in your career when you felt truly empowered? Some of the most empowering moments in my career have happened in London. When I first arrived, I was still finding my feet, but I was lucky enough to work with a major client and style at London Fashion Week - two huge opportunities that really tested me. I can remember thinking, “This is either sink or swim,” and somehow, I always managed to swim. The same goes for my previous role as Head Stylist at TV3, where I was dressing for 10 shows at once, not to mention campaigns and red carpets in a fast-paced environment. It was a whirlwind, but the sense of accomplishment when I managed it all with limited time and resources was empowering. I still look back sometimes and think, “How did I pull that off?” But I’ve learned to trust myself - no matter how challenging the situation may seem, backing myself and going for it is the key to making it all happen.

What’s one challenge you’ve overcome as a woman that made you stronger? Navigating the fashion industry as a freelancer has had its challenges, especially when it comes to valuing my work and setting my rates. Learning to advocate for myself, set boundaries, and trust my expertise has made me stronger and more confident in my abilities.

How do you celebrate yourself and your achievements? I had a mentor, Anna Caselberg, who always emphasized the importance of celebrating every win, no matter how small. 

What advice would you give to your younger self? Trust yourself more and don’t let people make you feel like you’re “too much” - just because people don’t understand doesn’t mean you’re wrong. The things that make you different are your unique point of difference, so embrace them. And remember, everything you’re working toward will come together - just keep going.

Danielle Falconer
The Peach Club @the_peachclub

Who is a women who inspire you and why? Honestly, I found it hard to pick just one here. I think the modern-day woman is super inspiring, finding balance with day-to-day life and working can be a real juggle, and I am always in awe of how many incredible brands are run by women that also have families or major life commitments. I think Jacinda Arden is a great example of this; how she led a country whilst getting married and having a baby and did it all with such grace and power.

What's a moment in your career when you felt truly empowered? I would say it was when I first had to sit down and pay a whole bunch of amazing women for the work they had done for Peach, realising I created work for women like myself and have become a source of consistent income for now 14 women. This was a complete contrast to always trying to find enough money to pay my bills as a young hairstylist stuck in underpaid salon jobs, to being able to provide this and show an alternative path was a moment I realised my potential.

What's one challenge you have had to overcome as a woman that made you stronger? Finding a voice. I often found a lot of push back to having opinions or knowing what I wanted - it wasn't perceived as feminine and often was classed as too direct or ‘bitchy’, so I shied away from speaking up a lot in my early 20's. It wasn't until I trusted that I was allowed to be forward, didn't have to apologise for having ideas or sugar coat every single thing to make it more palatable for others, that we should respect each other enough to just be able to talk freely. I think women often find this and it's not until we surround ourselves with the right people and get rid of those dated boundaries we were often raised with that we can truly unlock our potential.

How do you celebrate yourself and your achievements? We do this as a team. We host a yearly Peach celebration for all our artists to round off our education calendar and to wrap the wedding season and celebrate ourselves - generally it's a bit boozy and glam! Personally I still do a happy dance for every five-star review we get. I love that we made someone's day that bit brighter!

What advice would you give to your younger self? Don't sell that house in One Tree Hill, hahaha who knew! Seriously though I think the path you are on teaches you so much and through all our failures we grow - so I don't think I would try to advise to change anything but more a ‘trust in yourself and your ideas’. They may not be the norm, and that's ok; it's where you will be happiest!

Chloe Zara Munro
Director, Chloe Zara Hair @chloezara

Who is a woman that inspires you, and why?  My Mother, she is such a strong, hardworking woman and always gives me sound advice. 

What’s a moment in your career when you felt truly empowered?  When I first left the hair salon to work for myself at just 24. At the time it was a terrifying, risky move, but it turned out to be the best decision I have made in my career so far. It gave me the confidence to grow as a young woman. I built a loyal clientele, opened my own studio salon, and then created my own haircare range. 

What’s one challenge you’ve overcome as a woman that made you stronger?   Working through my rebrand for CZE Hair it was an incredibly challenging time, all while juggling family life with a newborn. I now look back, and I am so proud of how hard I worked to create the CZE brand and everything it stands for. 

How do you celebrate yourself and your achievements?  I give myself time to reflect on what I have achieved and always make sure to celebrate the small wins! With the juggling of family life and business, I always try to give myself time alone, and I love pilates class to do that; it is so good for the mind, body and soul! 

What advice would you give to your younger self?  I would tell myself that when there are challenging times, they always pass and everything always happens for a reason. 

Kali Penticost
Founder and Managing Director Kean @keanofficial_

Who is a woman that inspires you, and why? Codie Sanchez inspires me because she’s dominating in the business world while staying true to herself and her beliefs. She embodies confidence, intelligence, and authenticity, proving that success doesn’t require compromise. Beyond being an incredible entrepreneur, she’s also a thought leader who empowers others to think differently and take control of their financial futures.

What’s a moment in your career where you felt truly empowered? Building KEAN from the ground up was an incredibly empowering experience. Creating a brand that represents strength, resilience, and ambition—values I deeply believe in—showed me how powerful it is to align work with purpose. But the real moment of empowerment came when people started reaching out, saying that my content had inspired them to take action—whether it was improving their health, building confidence, or pursuing their own goals. That’s when I knew I was creating something bigger than just a brand; I was building a movement.

What’s one challenge you’ve overcome as a woman that made you stronger? For years, I struggled with PCOS and depression, which impacted my confidence and daily energy levels. It wasn’t until I took control of my health—through movement, nutrition, and mindset shifts—that I realised how much power I had over my own well-being. Overcoming that challenge gave me the strength to lead, build businesses, and show up fully for my goals and my community.

How do you celebrate yourself and your achievements? I take time to acknowledge milestones—both big and small. Whether it’s sharing a win with my community, treating myself to a beautiful meal, or just taking a moment to reflect on how far I’ve come, I make sure to pause and appreciate my progress. Also, surrounding myself with people who uplift and celebrate with me makes a huge difference!

What advice would you give to your younger self? Focus on your health and wellness, and everything else will follow—your relationships strengthen, your career flourishes, and your mental clarity will sharpen. Prioritising your well-being isn’t selfish; it’s the foundation for showing up as your best self in every area of life. Trust that by taking care of yourself first, success and fulfillment will naturally unfold.

Heidi Billington
Founder of The Tonic Room @tonic_room

Who is a woman that inspires you, and why? The women at Tonic Room inspire me every day with their genuine care, commitment to holistic wellness, and deep connection with our clients. Their ability to stay true to themselves while making a difference in the lives of others is very inspiring.

What’s a moment in your career where you felt truly empowered? Leading Tonic Room through unpredictable times, adapting, and finding new ways to support our clients reinforced my confidence as a business owner. Seeing the business continue to thrive today has deepened my belief in the power of resilience and adaptability.

What’s one challenge you’ve overcome as a woman that made you stronger? I think most women business owners would agree that balancing the demands of running a business with personal wellbeing and family is an ongoing journey of growth. Prioritising self care and setting boundaries has not only made me stronger but also better able to help others.

How do you celebrate yourself and your achievements? I celebrate by embracing quiet moments, getting out in nature and being grateful. Walking with my dog, spending time with family and creating space for rest and fun helps me stay balanced and connected to what truly matters.

What advice would you give to your younger self? Trust yourself, be bold, and lead with kindness—it’s your greatest strength. The world needs more women in business who lead with courage and heart while gently standing firm in their values.