Sunny Sessions
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International Women's Day 2024
As International Women’s Day approaches, Just Sunnies celebrates the remarkable women who infuse our office with energy and innovation.
At Just Sunnies, we’re all about soaking up the sunshine of life’s moments, big and small. With International Women’s Day just around the corner, we’re turning our attention to the wonderful women who keep our office buzzing with energy and innovation.
In the lead-up to the day that celebrates women in all industries and life itself, we chatted about what moments make them most proud, inspirations, favourite advice and what they believe drives the success and creativity of Just Sunnies.
Can you share a moment where you felt proud to be a part of this team and industry as a woman?
Brooke: Standing in the room at the Orias and the Retail All Star awards, being nominated for Innovator Of The Year and being surrounded by like-minded eCommerce professionals, with some of our amazing team. That's a great feeling.
Xenia: Every day I am proud to come to work and be a part of the Just Sunnies team. Everyone has their ups and downs, and it is so heartwarming to see everyone come together for each other when someone is in need.
Laura: Each time we wrap up a major technical project and bring it to life, it's truly fulfilling to have been involved in its conceptualisation and implementation from start to finish.
Chantelle: Aside from always, I love the feeling of wrapping up a big campaign shoot. Working with the team to make the magic happen on the day, keeping spirits high and lifting each other up. Campaign shoots can be a stressful environment but our team of motivated and compassionate women makes it all worthwhile. We all huddle around my computer when the images come through, it’s so rewarding seeing what we achieved together.
Tess: I am so proud to be a part of the JS team, we are always lifting each other up and there for each other whether it be work or personal! It’s amazing to be surrounded by incredible women who teach me something new every day and help me grow to become more confident in the industry.
What contributions do you think women bring to the success and creativity of Just Sunnies?
Booke: Our team is 80% women, each one as driven as the next and contributing in their own way, always pushing innovation and growth.
Xenia: Our confidence, boldness and incredible teamwork.
Laura: The women in the Just Sunnies office are some of the most passionate and hardworking people I’ve had the pleasure of working with. With their dedication and creativity, we've accomplished so much in the last few years.
Chantelle: Compassion and empathy go a long way. Always making sure others feel seen, heard and appreciated through celebrating wins and tackling lows together. I have also never worked with such a driven group of people, smashing goals day in and day out.
Tess: I think creatively we can bounce off each other's ideas as we all have different styles and perspectives on things, which means we are always coming up with new and creative ideas. What comes with working together and being open to everyone's ideas shows the success of what women contribute to the Just Sunnies business.
Can you share a favourite quote or piece of advice from a woman who has inspired you in your life?
Brooke: “If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough” - Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
Xenia: In Russian, there is a popular quote, and the best translation is: "Whatever happens, happens for the best." My mum says this quote to me almost every day, meaning don’t focus on your losing days or even on your winning days - the decisions I make or have made were done for a certain reason and I am exactly where I need to be. I love this quote because it always reassures me to never be hard on myself, and that everything happens for a reason.
Laura: Whether you love or hate her, Carrie Bradshaw's quotes on love, life, work and friendship are always iconic.
Chantelle: A recent one I love is said by Camilla from Daisy Jones and The Six, she says “Don’t count yourself out this early, Daisy. You’re all sorts of things you don’t even know yet”.
Tess: I think the biggest piece of advice I have been given is to not be scared. Often in workplaces, we decide to not say our ideas or what we think about a situation as we might get judged or told we are wrong. I think it’s important to stand up for what we think and remember that our ideas and opinions are validated. A really strong personal belief system!!
Is there a woman in your life, from history or in the public eye that inspires you and why?
Brooke: Whilst I’m inspired often from right within our very team and by my beautiful friends, I'm forever inspired by my amazing mum, what a woman!
Xenia: My mum and my grandma are my biggest inspirations - both have grown up and lived through some pretty tough situations and to be as strong emotionally as they are today, I hope to one day be just that. There is no one else who gives so much love, understanding and support than these two women. They will always have my back.
Laura: My mum and my best friend. The two strongest and most intelligent women I know.
Chantelle: So many wonderful women to be inspired by, yet my mum has to be my top pick. She has had such a rollercoaster of a life so far, been dealt a few too many bad hands, to say the least, but the life she has made for herself and our family is something that will amaze me every day. The strength and spirit you have to have to overcome things she has overcome is so inspirational and I don’t tell her this even nearly enough.
Tess: Oh there are so many!! My top three would be:
Anna Wintour - This might be a cliche answer but I have always looked up to her as an inspiration as she teaches us women who work hard and set our standards high and you can turn your dream into a reality.
Abby Silverman - Fashion icon, cosmo queen. I have followed Abby for quite some time and she again just adds to my inspiration to hustle as a female in the industry. Also, a great inspiration to remind me to wear what I want to wear!!!
Madison Stefanis - Aussie-born and bred, she took a risk and nailed it! She always inspires me to think about supply vs demand when it comes to marketing and to take a chance and back myself if an opportunity arises.
What pair of sunglasses make you feel the most empowered as a woman?
Brooke: It’s not a specific pair, the team will know, as I often joke, that when you put a pair of sunglasses on and feel ‘rich’, you need them in your collection. There is no one pair, there are multiple.
Xenia: Miu Miu 54YS - A style so bold and confident that makes me feel exactly that.
Laura: Has to be the Prada PR68ZS sunglasses, they’ve quickly become my favourite go-to pair. I’m pretty sure this style is intended for men which makes me love them even more!
Chantelle: Prada PRA51S, this metal frame makes me feel feminine and confident all in one!
Tess: I am a bit OTT when it comes to my sunglass choices and favourites, but I love the Versace VE4439 as I just feel like an absolute fashionista and like I could conquer the world hahaha.