CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY 2022

As a brand, we're really into highlighting the local legends responsible for making cool s*it happen. So with International Women's Day 2022, it's only fair to give our own hand-picked crew some airtime. This bunch of wonderfully talented women are just a few of the SurfStitch team in charge of the brand you see, the clothing you purchase, and how it gets to your front door, aka the works. We'd be lost without them!

Here's your insight into how these ladies contribute to making SurfStitch what it is, their advice to women in the workplace and what IWD means to them.

What is the most important message you'd want to send out to young women starting their careers?
Reach for the stars GF. There is no limit to what you can achieve in your career. Don't be afraid to get uncomfortable; you need to get out of your comfort zone to grow!

What does International Women's Day mean to you?
For me, it's a day to celebrate women's achievements in our business lives and in our lives in general. But it's also a day to raise awareness against bias. Let's all work together towards a gender-equal world by eliminating stereotypes and discrimination.

If you could have dinner with 3 inspirational women (dead or alive), who would they be and why?
Loni Jane– She has been a huge inspiration in my health journey over the past 10 years, and I would absolutely love to chat all things health with her. Look her up on Socials and get inspired to eat clean!

Louise Hay – She was well known for her beautiful and meaningful positive affirmations. Her Decks of affirmation cards are a must-buy! She was an author, motivational speaker, model, actress, and activist. I would have loved to hear all of her stories and to be in her presence and experience her positive glow!

Princess Di – So much unknown about her. I just have so many questions.

What is the most important message you'd want to send out to young women starting their careers?
Don't be afraid to voice your opinions and feedback!

What does International Women's Day mean to you?
I actually share my birthday with International Women's Day, so it's extra special to me! It means the celebration of females and the amazing contributions we make every day.

If you could have dinner with 3 inspirational women (dead or alive), who would they be and why?
I would ideally love to share dinner with women who would understand the current world we live in because, let's be honest, it's been a strange one of late!

Rhianna - She isn't afraid to voice her opinion; she is strong-minded and has impeccable style.

Margot Robbie - A true representation of hard work and dedication, she is extremely talented, smart and driven.

Princess Dianna - She was driven, strong, stood up for what she believed in and a style icon! Yes, Dianna hasn't lived through our current climate, but I feel she would have some very good feedback 😉

What is the most important message you' d want to send out to young women starting their careers?
The fashion industry is a constant rollercoaster, be prepared to ride the waves and be adaptable to change. Keeping humble and focused on what you love & you will be greatly rewarded.

What does International Women's Day mean to you?
Women coming together and taking time out to respect each other from all walks of life. We are so diverse, and we should always take time to respect each other for our differences and talents.

If you could have dinner with 3 inspirational women (dead or alive), who would they be and why?
I lost my mum to Ovarian Cancer. I would love to have dinner with her again. She was the strongest and most supportive woman in my life. I miss her everyday. Otherwise, I would say Mother Teresa & Coco Chanel; there are so many more on my list, but I think these incredible ladies would make for a pretty interesting conversation.

What is the most important message you'd want to send out to young women starting their careers?
Don't doubt yourself, and if you can, be a part of a workplace that truly values ​​your input and supports your professional growth. I think it's so easy to second guess our abilities or question our professional goals, and something I would go back and tell myself and young women starting their careers is to believe in yourself and truly celebrate and own your milestones.

What does International Women's Day mean to you?
It means celebrating and uplifting women and our collective accomplishments. It means supporting a movement dedicated to recognizing and appreciating women throughout their professional and personal journeys.

If you could have dinner with 3 inspirational women (dead or alive), who would they be and why?
Audrey Hepburn - She was not only a fashion icon who I have always admired, but she also worked tirelessly as a humanitarian and advocate for children's rights.

Mindy Kaling - Hilariously funny, achieved so much at so young, self-advocate, and let's not forget, she was also one of the best writers of only the best show ever written... The Office.

My mum - My lifelong cheerleader and my constant inspiration to be a better, more thoughtful person, just like her.
 

What is the most important message you' d want to send out to young women starting their careers?
Know your worth and always use your voice. Embrace the challenges even when they seem scary. Your work life is long, so choose a path that you absolutely love. Surround yourself with amazing talent, never be afraid to hire the best and brightest as you're only as good as the crew underneath you, and when your team is incredible (like mine), it can be so very powerful!

What does International Women's Day mean to you?
For me, it's a day to reflect on all the strong women in my life from my family and also the beautiful women I get to work with every day. I have such a strong connection with my team; they are truly just amazing people. I also acknowledge the responsibility I have to raise my daughter Ebony; I know her experiences in life greatly depends on us raising her with love, strength and for her to know her voice will always be valued.

If you could have dinner with 3 inspirational women (dead or alive), who would they be and why?
Coco Chanel - There is no fashion without Chanel. She built a billion-dollar empire on her own, that's a lot fo tweed jackets...

JK Rowling - I love that her simply writing stories for her kids turned into such a success for her. Also, love me a bit of H Potter, it's still one of my favourite book series, I'm eagerly waiting for the kids to get a bit older so I can start reading them (to them). 

Mariah Carey - I literally just want to sing heartbreaker duet with her.

We're proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively promote a fair and equitable chance to all when it comes to appointment, promotion or simply transfer because they're ace at their job.

#breakthebias