We salute all women this week and every week. To celebrate International Women's Day this year we want to shine a light on our female-led team and introduce you to the women that make BIANKO possible.
Belinda Madonini - Founder and Owner
Tell us about yourself in a few words.
Mother, wife, dog lover, business owner, coffee addict. Lover of food, wine, travel, music, adventures and me time.
Who or what inspires you?
I draw inspiration from the wonderful women that surround me but specifically women in business. I love meeting fellow female business owners and learning from them - I always walk away from the conversation feeling alive, inspired and motivated.
When it comes to motherhood and life, it’s the women in my circle. My mum, family, friends and team members. Each and everyone inspires me to grow into a better version of myself.
What would you say to your younger self?
You have a voice, don’t be afraid to use it.
Why do you think it’s important to celebrate International Women’s Day?
As a female-founded and female-led brand, supporting, empowering and connecting women is at the core of everything we do. This year's IWD theme “Cracking the Code" focuses on gender equality through innovation, education and digital technologies; and we strongly advocate the need for more action to take place to level the playing field.
Avalon Browne - PR, Partnerships & Socials
Tell us about yourself in a few words.
Energetic, ambitious & open minded. Lover of an oversized tee, pasta & an organised space.
Who or what inspires you?
Creatively - The luxury fashion houses (and the females at the helm!) I also get a lot of my everyday inspiration from female athletes.
What would you say to your younger self?
Be nicer to your mum, stop caring about what people think and perhaps think about buying some bitcoin..
Why do you think it’s important to celebrate International Women’s Day?
It's great to shine a light and bring gender equality (or lack thereof) to the forefront of peoples minds however, work needs to be done in every space, everyday.
Mina Imsi - Marketing and Digital Communications
Tell us about yourself in a few words.
Venturesome, sun seeking egalitarian.
Who or what inspires you?
Women who are unafraid of making waves. Who challenge social norms, empower one another and continue asking questions. I am inspired by the kindness of strangers, and the moments that compassion and vulnerability can create.
What would you say to your younger self?
You don’t need permission to be who you want to be. If you lead with love and good intentions, everything else will fall into place.
Why do you think it’s important to celebrate International Women’s Day?
Because the fight for women’s rights is not won. Gender equality is both a fundamental human right, and a solution to some of our greatest global challenges. IWD is an opportunity to celebrate accomplishments of women in areas like culture, politics, the economy and society at large, whilst highlighting the work that remains to be done.
Sammy Cashen - Owner, Unzipped Fashion Agency - representing BIANKO across A/NZ
Tell us about yourself in a few words.
Creative, Approachable, Passionate, Dependable and Genuine.
Who or what inspires you?
I’m fortunate that I have had a working mother who has a very successful career as a senior marketing head. She is hands down, my biggest inspiration, my google search engine, my manager, my life coach, my copywriter, my teacher and my biggest supporter. She has always encouraged me to dream big, work hard, stay true to myself and strive for what I want in life whether that be personal or professional.
What would you say to your younger self?
To always trust your gut instincts and try not to get caught up / compare yourself to what others around you are achieving.
Why do you think it’s important to celebrate International Women’s Day?
As I operate a lady start up business, in a market supporting primarily other female business owners. It’s important for us to recognise that equality, access and safety are still ongoing issues worldwide. When we recognise and celebrate IWD we are helping share support and a voice for a better future for all women.
Ashlen Bennett - Account Manager, Unzipped Fashion Agency
Tell us about yourself in a few words.
Creative, Friendly, Caring
Who or what inspires you?
Words inspire me, I love reading quotes that resonate with me on a day when I am feeling a particular way.
‘We The Urban’ Quotes on Instagram is my favourite account!
What would you say to your younger self?
Love yourself inside and out!! You will look back when you are older and think I wish I never worried so much, I wish I knew then what I know now.
Why do you think it’s important to celebrate International Women’s Day?
It really is so important to celebrate women’s rights, gender equality and all women’s achievements not only on IWD but every single day!
We would love to hear from you about the women who inspire you, so feel free to share their details with us below!