It's incredible to think that just 52 years ago, women in Australia couldn't open their own bank accounts without their husband's permission. That's not even a lifetime ago, it's just one year before my own mother was born. It serves as a powerful reminder of how far we've come, but also of the challenges that still lie ahead in creating a world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. 

With this in mind, we are proud to announce the launch of our ‘Female-Founded A-Beauty’ brand category. This collection aims to shine a light on, celebrate, and support Australian women-founded brands created right here on our home soil. We believe in the power of these brands and the visionaries behind them. 

We've had the privilege of picking the brains of the CEOs and founders of some of our fave A-Beauty brands. They have shared their advice, inspiration, and words of wisdom with us.  

Together, let's continue to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create a more inclusive and equitable world for all. 

Meet Georgia Geminder

Founder & CEO of Gem.

Georgia has single-handedly changed the world of oral care here in Australia. Not only did she develop the tastiest toothpaste flavors, she also brought a new aesthetic to oral care all while becoming a first-time mum. 

Q: A piece of advice from leading women in business? 

Georgia: Don’t be afraid to make tough decisions. 

Q: How do you think we can inspire inclusion? 

Georgia: Greater workplace flexibility, particularly when it comes to paid parental leave. 

Q: What do you love most about being a woman? 

Georgia: I love everything about being a woman! My favourite thing has been my ability to create my daughter in 9 months. I look at her sometimes and think, wow, I made that ear or that little nose – the woman’s body is incredible!  

Meet Mia Plecic  

Founder & CEO of Slick Hair Co. 

Mia is the embodiment of entrepreneur creating multiple product-based brands until the iconic Slick Stick was launched and went viral on TikTok in 2019. Forever changing a simple problem that most women have had to deal with (freakin’ flyaways), Mia gave us all the gift of perfectly slicked hair. 

Q: A piece of advice from leading women in business? 

Mia: Embrace authenticity and confidence in your abilities. Trust your instincts, speak up, and don't be afraid to take risks. Stay resilient in the face of challenges and continue to learn and grow throughout your career journey. 

Q: How do you think we can inspire inclusion?  

Mia: We can inspire inclusion by fostering open dialogue, actively listening to diverse perspectives, and creating environments where everyone feels valued and respected. Encouraging collaboration and recognising the unique contributions of each individual regardless of background or identity can also help promote a culture of inclusion. 

Q: What do you love most about being a woman? 

Mia: I became a mother two weeks ago so from this experience I’m grateful for my womanhood and the perfect little life I have just created. 

Q: Advice for the next generation of girls? 

Mia: Embrace your uniqueness, pursue your passions fearlessly, and never underestimate your worth. Be curious, resilient, and never let anyone dim your light. Surround yourself with supportive people, never stop learning, and remember that your voice matters. Dream big, work hard, and know that you have the power to create the future you envision. 

Q: What's your best beauty hot tip? 

Mia: Less is more! Oh, and a lash/brow lift and tint is my secret weapon! 

Meet Simone Abaron  

Founder of Apotecari.

I think most women can agree that they have been personally victimised by a bad haircut or colour. Well, when this happened to Simone, she put her years of expertise as a naturopath, nutritionist, herbalist, and trichologist to the test and created some of the world's best hair growth and scalp products.  

Q: How do you think we can inspire inclusion? 

Simone: Observing, acknowledging, and valuing gender and cultural differences without judgement or comparison is fundamental. I also think it's helpful to find shared values- things that are important to us and inspire us to be and do better- can really help.  

Q: What's your best beauty hot tip? 

Simone: Lean into your natural beauty. I spent years of my life having permanent straightening treatments and using heat tools because I wanted my curly (and frizzy!) hair to be straight, and years sitting out in the sun without proper sun protection because I wanted my fair skin to be darker- both causing unnecessary damage. I've since learned how to look after my natural curls and fair skin, and I have come to love it and feel much more like myself. Don't get me wrong, I still love a smooth bouncy blow out, but it's a rare treat for me these days. 

Meet Tania Walsh  

Founder & CEO of VANI-T.

There was a time in the beauty industry when natural, organic, and vegan products simply didn’t exist. Tania literally changed the game by creating the first natural self tan on the market (worldwide!) and we've never looked back. 

Q: A piece of advice from leading women in business? 

Tania: To succeed in business (and in life) you need to cultivate resilience and tenacity and be willing to take calculated risks. When you build these traits, you can navigate all the highs & lows that running a business brings and enables you to make sound decisions which aren’t based on emotional or knee-jerk reactions. I’ve found these traits to be the most valuable traits a business owner can develop. 

Q: What do you love most about being a woman? 

Tania: Being able to dress up, especially when you wear a new outfit.  It gives you a feeling of confidence. I also love how women support and encourage each other; a great circle of supportive friends is super important. Our empathy, intuition, and emotional intelligence enables us to forge deep connections with others. 

Meet Roula Guta  

Founder of Azure Tan. 

New to the retail beauty world, but rightfully deserving a top spot, Azure Tan has quickly become my all-time favorite for self-tan. Founded by Roula in 2022, Azure Tan has captured our hearts, and we can't stop talking about the products she has created. With her wealth of knowledge from many years in the professional tanning space, you can count on Roula for that perfect golden glow.  

Q: How do you think we can inspire inclusion? 

Roula: Address unconscious bias: raise awareness about unconscious bias, (do not be afraid to speak up) and its impact on decision-making and behaviour. Encourage individuals to examine their own biases and take steps to alleviate their effects. 

Q: What do you love most about being a woman? 

Roula: One of the things I love most about being a woman is being a mother to my son. Through motherhood, I see an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the world. I believe that by teaching my son to embrace and respect individuals from all walks of life, regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances, I can contribute to creating a more inclusive and compassionate society. 

Q: Advice for the next generation of girls? 

Roula: Be kind to other women and refrain from passing judgment based on their actions, appearance, or choices. Let's lift each other up and offer support. Remember, we're all women. By fostering a culture of support and understanding, we can empower each other to thrive and break through barriers together. 

We will always celebrate the incredible strides made by women over the past few decades, let us also remember the work that still lies ahead. The launch of our Female-Founded A-Beauty category is a testament to the power of women in business and a reminder of the importance of supporting women-owned brands. 

Find out more about International Women’s Day here.