Here at Sussan, we have been celebrating the spirit of Australian women for more than 80 years.

Through our designs and brand partnerships, we are committed to supporting, empowering and championing women and are always looking for new ways to help our community thrive.

Now, we want to recognise the influential women of our Sussan family by sharing their unique and uplifting stories, from female cotton farmers and garment technicians to motivating members of our wider community, including Breast Cancer Network Australia.

With that, we give you: By Women. For Women, a new column featuring valuable and diverse insights from women who create, design, and inspire.

How does your role contribute to the world of Sussan? 

Sussan is all about dressing the Australian women from head to toe, and as the accessories buyer, I love bringing the finishing touch to our customer. The right accessory allows us to personalise a look and can make all the difference in elevating an outfit from day to night.

How do you approach your role? 

Every day I approach my work with energy and a positive attitude. I enjoy working as a team to bring the best product possible to our customer.   

What excites you most about your role? 

As the accessories and lifestyle buyer, I love the creativity of developing new must-have accessories for Australian women. I am continually inspired by upcoming and emerging trends and interpreting these ideas into designs that feel accessible to our women. 

What does ‘For Women. By Women.’ mean to you?

Women supporting women. I feel incredibly lucky to be part of this iconic Australian brand and privileged to work with an amazing team of women; they inspire me every day! 

What have been the biggest learnings in your role?

I am continually learning in my role. The last couple of years have brought many challenges to the retail space. However, I have been so inspired by the resilience of the team around me and the collaboration that has allowed us to work through tricky times. 

What is the best piece of advice you have received from another woman?

Be bold. Be ambitious. Always be kind. This mantra has always stuck with me and is what I find myself always coming back to and trying to implement in my day-to-day life.

How do you balance work and home life?

Setting clear personal boundaries around work has helped me gain and maintain a work-life balance. At work, I am one hundred per cent focused on my job and ensuring I am present and engaged with the team around me to do the very best job I can. When I am not at work, I try to spend as much time as possible with my friends and family to feed my soul and keep my cup full.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing women today?

I am surrounded by amazing women in all areas of my life that work every day to balance work, partners, families, and home life. I am in awe of how they cope with the expectation to do it all!

How do you unwind at the end of the workday?

I do a few things daily to help me rewind after a busy day: walking, exercising and self-care. I am lucky to live near the office and walk to and from work. This is a cherished time that allows me to wind down and process the day that has been. 

Exercise is an important part of my routine that helps me keep healthy, both physically and mentally. I love spin classes! I am addicted to high intensity and a sense of community with other riders. 

The last thing is my skincare routine. This is something I started through lockdown and have maintained since as part of my self-care routine that helps me relax and get ready for a good night’s sleep.

Who are the women you are inspired by?

I am incredibly lucky to have grown up surrounded by amazing, strong, creative women. My mother and grandmother are the two women in my life that have influenced me the most. They are both exceptionally strong and creative people who have used their creativity in different areas of their lives and taught me how to forge my own creative path.

This month, Sussan is celebrating the versatility of modern dressing with our campaign, “Anytime, Anyplace”. What’s your favourite outfit to take you from day to night?

A wide-leg pant, fitted rib tank, and blazer is a classic combination that is on constant rotation in my wardrobe. I generally accessorise with layered necklaces and small hoops to elevate my look and transition easily from day to night. 

What styles do you reach for when you want to look smart, feel comfortable and be ready to embrace the spontaneity of the day? 

Classic blue jeans are a staple in my wardrobe and are what I reach for almost daily. This season, I love the comfort of a wide-leg profile. Whether I am pairing this with a t-shirt and blazer or knitted pullover, I always feel great and ready for whatever the day may bring.