Today marks the celebration of International Women’s Day for 2023.
On this day, we celebrate both the endless achievements and progress of women, but also continue to recognise the ongoing gender disparity in society and strive for social, economic, cultural and political change.
This International Women's Day we're giving back through i=Change as well as looking inward to shine a spotlight on four of the inspiring, powerhouse women behind their well-known and loved brands we are proud to represent here at Life.
Keep reading to get to know these wonderful women behind your favourite brands…
Sarah Ellison
Leading Australian product designer and interior stylist, Sarah Ellison worked as a professional magazine stylist before launching her iconic furniture and home accessories label in 2017. Her undeniable sixth sense for all things interiors and styling has influenced the way Australians style their homes for over 10 years. Since then, she has made waves in both the Australian and broader global industry with her signature style which reflects a laid-back 70’s inspired, sculpturally unique, and distinctly modern look.
Bonnie Ashley
Design lead and one creative half of the Melbourne-based duo, Bonnie Ashley of Bonnie and Neil launched her colourful interiors business in 2010 with her husband Neil Downie. With a background in floristry and textile design, Bonnie’s broad expertise combined with Neil’s carpentry skills made for a unique opportunity to create stunning handmade screen printed textiles that have since amassed a large cult following.
Becca and Jess Stern
For two sisters who live on opposite sides of the world, Becca and Jess Stern certainly make the joint creation and success of their brand Mustard Made look easy. These brilliant brains based in Australia and London, emerged into the interiors industry in 2018 off the back of Becca’s fascination with vintage lockers, with their first introduction of ‘The Shorty’ and ‘The Skinny’.
Kimmy Hogan
The professional graphic designer turned digital fine artist, Geelong-based Kimmy Hogan is an incredibly talented artist making her mark in the Australian interiors industry. Her signature botanical works are digitally hand drawn with her mouse as the pencil, and are formed through experimentation of layering organic shapes and unique colour palettes.
Sarah Ellison
Sarah’s masterful creations with sumptuous curves and bold proportions are amongst the most highly coveted pieces from the last few years, including the Huggy, Muse, and Float. From her statement living pieces to beautiful dining and bedroom additions, Sarah’s timeless aesthetic will make a truly stunning impact in any space.
Bonnie and Neil
Now with an extensive range of sought-after collectables for every room in the home, Bonnie and Neil are known for vibrant collections that celebrate colour and pattern. While the traditional screen printing techniques she started with in her Melbourne studio are still used, Bonnie has now grown the business to create products with specialist artisans around the world who bring her unique hand-crafted designs to life. All original designs feature Bonnie’s paintings and hand drawings across beautiful, timeless homewares which make Bonnie and Neil one of Australia’s most popular independent lifestyle brands.
Mustard Made
Today, Mustard Made has successfully elevated the traditional old locker into a unique, stylish, and functional piece of furniture perfect for any bedroom, home office or any other space in your home. They offer a wide range of high-quality lockers and other interiors in all different colours, shapes and sizes, providing playful yet practical storage solutions on a global scale. The two sisters' collection of clever and convenient creations will bring a fun sense of character and versatility to any space.
Kimmy Hogan
Inspired by traditional oil paintings, Kimmy creates limited-edition pieces that range in subject matter but are primarily focused on nature. Her love for romantic florals and natural botanicals is contagious the minute you lay eyes on her works, where the organic and imperfect details in the digital illustration truly bring her pieces to life. Whether you’re looking for a statement piece, or accompanying addition, Kimmy’s works will brighten any space they are placed in.
We wouldn’t be the business we are today without all of these wonderful women we admire, so we have decided to donate $3 from every order over the next 3 days through i=Change to honour them.
Happy International Women’s Day!
Love, Life x
