Universally celebrated on March 8, this International Women’s Day is dedicated to promoting equality and celebrating women’s achievements, while also looking at what we can do to continue doing so in the future to help forge a gender-equal world.
Uniting women (and men) across the globe, this year, it’s about creating a world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination; a world where difference is valued and celebrated and a world which is equitable and inclusive.
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With that in mind, we’ve rounded up a bunch of inspirational local women, all of whom are doing amazing things in Geelong in 2022 – whether you’re reading this on the day or any other day of the year.
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Emelia is a vibrant and infectious Personal Stylist, offering services to women and men who are looking to define and build confidence in their style.
From personal styling, working with talent on The Block, The Bachelorette and Married At First Sight, to assisting with Brownlow styling, directing fashion shoot with Indigenous healer and social media influencer Allira Potter which featured on Vogue online, winning the Australian Style Institute’s 2020 Style Awards ‘One to Watch’, and more recently earning the title of GT’s fashion editor, Emelia is a powerful force within the fashion industry.
Through styling and fashion, Emelia helps her clients to feel confident and empowered in their own personal style and wardrobe, to give them ‘feel good’ moments on a day-to-day basis, as well as give a glimpse into their personality without even having to say a word.
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But it’s not just for her passion and skill at empowering people through fashion (seriously, her simple fashion tips and reels alone have been life-changing), but for her work in championing inclusivity and diversity in Aussie fashion. Through her social media platforms, Emelia shares brands that are inclusive of all shapes and sizes, showcasing beautiful pieces that can be found from size 16 and above. Consistently calling on the fashion industry to help shift their outdated narrative to one where women of all different body shapes and sizes were represented and catered for in both their sizing offerings and their advertising, Emelia is working to remind young girls and women that they are worthy and they are beautiful no matter their size.
Beauty is no longer restricted to one size, shape or skin colour and Emelia is at the forefront, pushing for change in clothing, intimates and activewear brands in the hope that you can find something you love.
A long-time go-getter with an ambitious creative mind, Georgia’s determination, enthusiasm and social skills (very important) have taken her to some pretty incredible places over the past year. Previously working in real estate, Georgia went from daydreaming about success to finding it herself, beginning her own boutique brand management company, With GG.
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Working with brands on new projects, social campaigns, diversification and development, her strong work ethic and eye for detail has seen her business soar, working with a number of local brands and talented individuals in some seriously exciting and inspiring ways. While she makes it look easy, starting your business is a hard slog and for that alone we’re inspired by her.
Among the amazing things Georgia has done though has undoubtedly been creating the event series, The Social Summary. Designed to connect like-minded, local people, The Social Summary provides a genuine opportunity to network, collaborate and support one other. Whether you own a business, are a freelancer, a creative, a muso, just in the concept stage of your own venture, or anything in between, Georgia has created an event where Geelong locals (or beyond) can participate in a modern networking event, based on a speed dating format.
Here, you will have five minutes with each guest where you introduce yourself and your business, brand or organisation, and then hear from the person opposite you. Following this, there will be an opportunity to stay, drink and chat further in a more casual setting. How great is that?!
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Following two wild years where networking was kind of impossible, Georgia is helping locals meet new people and foster genuine connections in a safe and welcoming environment and we are absolutely here for it.
Ambassador for all things street, skate and beer, Haylee Evans a Geelong based graphic designer, photographer and clothing designer and the woman behind the ever-enduring skatewear brand Bad Luck Zizzy.
Since arriving on the scene back in 2013 with a vibrant, yet grounded collection that encapsulates the relaxed philosophy of the brand and its creator, Bad Luck Zizzy has continued to make clothing for those that need a little extra luck, with bright colours, clever illustrations and wordplay. Her T-shirts, hoodies and long-sleeve crews are limited editions and there are rarely reprints so you know what you’re wearing is unique and entirely brilliant. Plus, she’s doing her bit to break the concrete ceiling where skatewear is becoming a more welcoming place for women.
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Making universally-loved apparel that appeals to all genders, Haylee’s skills don’t just stop at streetwear. An artist through and through, Haylee also runs Outta Luck Studio, a Geelong based merchandise and design studio, creates logos for a bunch of local businesses and even collaborates and contributes her designs to a range of good causes. Talk about an all-around legend?
Known for her big, bright, somewhat magical-looking abstract works, Jacklyn Foster is an intuitive, mixed media abstract artist who creates contemporary, fun and vibrant art.
Heavily influenced by the changing seasons in her life, as well as her relationships, people and emotions, her intuitive style of painting means that her work can be varied in both technique and colour palette. Creating primarily abstract, bold, still life pieces, we’re constantly impressed by her talent as she captures moments in time that often get overlooked.
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Creating original artworks, Jackie has also worked on large scale art projects including “Me & Uoo Uoo” the Royal Children’s Hospital’s 150th anniversary, and the rare RSPCA’s 150th anniversary “Wombat in the room”.
While wildly talented, she made this list however for her Abstract Art Workshops that empower others to embrace intuitive abstract artwork, her creative mentoring session with emerging, beginner and upcoming artists, sharing her knowledge and wisdom to help others in their journey.
A woman of many talents, she also hosts a podcast where she explores the many aspects of life as a creative, small business owner, as well as bringing the banter by chatting with various guests from all walks of life.
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Merrin Schnabel is a mum of two adorable boys, lifestyle and social media influencer, brand ambassador, presenter, content creator, speaker, business owner, and mindset, life, and business coach.
Even if you don’t know the name Merrin Schnabel, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of the Geelong Women’s Business Club. And if not, it’s time to pay attention.
Driven by the belief that every woman is capable of achieving amazing things and creating a community with like-minded individuals facing similar challenges in business and life, Merrin founded the Geelong Women’s Business Club as a platform to inspire, empower and connect businesses and women.
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Here, Merrin gives entrepreneurs a platform to network with and mentor one another through speaking engagements and networking gatherings. The past few years have seen her curate amazing events with well-known speakers, creating safe spaces for women in business to be their authentic selves within business and life. If that wasn’t enough, she also partners with charities and non-profit institutions to promote their causes and donate what she can to help vulnerable and unprivileged people
Burning with the desire to be in service to others and contribute positively to humanity, guests leave Merrin’s events feeling empowered, stronger and supported, and that’s well worth celebrating.
Raised in the small country town of Warracknabeal, Abby Sleep’s love affair with painting was initially born from school holiday boredom. As she grew older, art became her main form of creative expression and meditation. After moving to Geelong in 2017 to study psychology at Deakin University, Abby was inspired by the many artists in the region and began selling her own artwork.
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Now as Abby Lee, this aspiring artist has gone from selling brightly-hued acrylic paintings, completing commissions, running online art classes, starting a podcast and beginning her freelance business Pimms & Paintings, one of the region’s most popular paint and sip workshops, to now opening her very own gallery and studio space in Geelong!
Named ‘Verandah Studio and Gallery’, Abby has scored a beautiful space in Belmont, right next to Paddington Café. Here she’ll be exhibiting more than 15 Australian artists on a massive 10 metre wall (big yes to supporting other artists), as well as hosting workshops and classes and offering studio and venue hire.
Geelong-based influencer Allira Potter (she/they), is a proud Yorta Yorta woman you should very well be across now. Not only is she a trained reiki practitioner, intuitive reader, energy healer, life coach and meditation guide, champion of local brands and diverse representation and all-round boss babe, but she’s also just released a book in what will no doubt be, one of the best reads of your life.
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All about allowing readers to bring in their most abundant life ever, and it may