International Women's Day

March 7, 2025

Happy International Women's Day!

In celebration of the strength, creativity, and resilience of women in business, we’ve gathered some of the most innovative female entrepreneurs, we know. At Vita Haus, we believe that every woman’s journey is a story worth telling - a story of determination, passion, and the drive to challenge the status quo.

In this special edition, we sat down with some trailblazers across various industries - each carving out their own unique path. We’re excited to share the voices of women who are not only transforming their fields but are also redefining what it means to lead with purpose and sustainability.

Susie Hemsted - Quantum Energy Healer

When someone is described as genuine, it refers to them as being truly authentic - and Susie could be the person this term was created after.

Someone we feel so blessed to know and call a friend, Susie has such a warm, comforting yet contagiously-energetic vibe to her; so it's no wonder her calling is in the energy space. Whether we're meeting in an airport before she flies off again, or we're sending life updates to each other from opposite sides of the world, Susie's "work" is truly an extension of her and the offering she so organically gives, from simply being.

You used to work in a corporate office - when did you know it wasn't for you anymore?

Gosh that feels like a lifetime ago! Yes, back in 2014, I was 'thriving' in my corporate job. On the outside, it looked like I had it all - the money, a convertible sports car, designer clothes, a long term partner & a pathway to become a company board member by the time I was 30.

But on the inside, I knew something was missing. I craved more freedom, more travel, more abundance, more adventure, more soul-led work. I felt stuck, with a glass ceiling over my head, knowing the path that I was on, was not what I actually wanted.

Then, seemingly out of nowhere came a dark night of the soul; crippling anxiety and depression took over my body & my life. And although this time was deeply challenging, it gave me a beautiful opportunity to stop, drop & reassess.

Who am I? What do I want? Where am I going? So I embarked on a Yoga teacher training, and during these 3 months, I realised I had a choice. Do I continue climbing the corporate ladder, or do I break free from this & start building a life that I truly LOVED?

I made the decision to leave corporate, pack my bags, go travelling solo & then move to Australia. I’ve never looked back.
Can you tell us a bit about how people can work with you - where's a good place for them to start?

The best place for people to start working with me, is by meditating with me.

I have lots of free meditations on both Insight Timer and YouTube, where we can connect 🙂

Then for those wanting to really commit to a regular meditation practice & create long lasting changes, my signature course ‘The Meditation Academy’ is deeply transformational and will bring calm and clarity into your life.

I also offer both spiritual and business mentorship’s for those wanting to go on a longer and deeper journey with me, to create their dream life.
A little secret people may not know is that you and I used to be in business together! We both stepped away because it no longer aligned with our values and individual goals - can you talk to that some more, and the importance of following what you feel aligned with?

Wow it feels like a lifetime ago that we ran this business?! I am so grateful for everything I learned during that time.

Leaving that company was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. It’s so challenging to step away from something that you’ve invested so much love, energy and money into. But my heart just knew I was complete. I was feeling a soul call to start supporting people in deeper ways on their spiritual journeys. And for that to happen; I had to let go of my involvement in this company.

The heart wants what the heart wants. And the way to living an aligned and truly purposeful life, is to listen to the heart always.

Just imagine if every single person in the world listened to their heart & always made decisions that were aligned with their values and goals. The world would be a truly beautiful & harmonious place!
How can women lean into their spiritual guidance more, if starting/currently working on?

Meditation. Us women are highly intuitive. We already know SO much beyond the mind. And meditation allows a quiet and sacred space to slow down the noise of the monkey mind, and create the space for spiritual guidance to ‘drop through’ from their higher self.

Also, open up conversations with your friends about spirituality. The more you have spiritual conversations; the more your consciousness will expand.

There is also a wealth of knowledge online if you are seeking to learn more about energy, spirituality and the universe. Or join Matrix to Mystic, an 11 week mystic mentorship that I run once a year with my soul sister @jessicaeenee.rose.
With your work and practise taking you all over the world, how do you centre yourself and keep a calm "home" environment?

I love this question! I’ve been a nomad for the past 10 years now & I’m always changing where I live. Over this time, I’ve come to learn, that for me, home is where my heart is. I am my own home.

But simple external practises that help to create a calm ‘home environment’ are having a nice candle, a journal and beautiful flowers wherever I land.
Trick question: cocktail on the beach, or warm tea by a fireplace?!

Ooouuufttt Lisa this is such a hard one to answer!! Normally I’d say cocktail on the beach, but I’m not drinking right now. So I’ll cheat and say ‘mocktail on the beach’

If your life is in need of a little more magic, and a little more leaning into your own power, Susie's Instagram is your starting point.

Milestone Collections

Laura, the brains and face behind Milestone Collections, has created something truly unique in an already saturated market; Christmas. And anything Christmas related, we are here for.

What the market didn't have, until now, were sustainable, unique and fun pieces - that go well and truly above and beyond the standard tinsel your neighbours might have! Think rustic-styled sleighs and reindeer statues, as well as personalised ornaments for those special moments and people.

Can you share with us how Milestone Collections came about/what was the driver for starting it?

My family has always been creative, and we started making fun, unique gifts for family and friends - who absolutely loved them! So, we decided to turn it into something more, launching it as a spin-off from my dad’s manufacturing business.
With you also manufacturing your products, have you come across many roadblocks working within a male-dominated industry?

I have not as of yet, I think the biggest roadblock is my self-doubt, but having my father who has worked in the manufacturing industry for a long time definitely helps.
What advice would you give to other women looking to start up their own product-based business?

Just Start! I was terrified of starting a business—afraid of failing, afraid of being judged. But as I watched more people around me take the leap and start their own business; it helped me to build the courage to also.

I still have no idea what I’m doing half the time, but I’ve already learned so much. And honestly? I’m still figuring it out as I go. But the best thing I did was just start.
Do you have a personal motto or quote that motivates you in your business endeavours?

The fear of failure held me back from starting a business for a long time. Even now, self-doubt still sneaks in, but I remind myself that as long as I keep learning and moving forward, every mistake is just another step toward growth.
What's this next year for Milestone Collections look like?

The next year for Milestone Collections is all about building confidence, letting go of fear, and having fun with our creativity.
If you could collaborate with any female entrepreneur, who would it be and why?

I couldn’t pick just one. Any female entrepreneur would be an amazing collaborator. Anyone who’s built their own business brings valuable insights from their journey, and it would be great to learn from their experience.
What's your favourite Christmas movie?

You can’t go wrong with ‘Elf’

Make sure you keep an eye on what's to come over at Milestone Collections Instagram.

Good Juju Homewares

GoodJuju is what happens when a talented creative mind is inspired by heritage, sustainability and nature. The pieces that owner, Julia (a.k.a. Juju) designs and creates will immediately light up any room they adorn.

We love how unique her pieces are and the story of how her brand came to be - so of course had to dig a little deeper and find out more!

We love a female-led company and even more so when the founders are family. Tell us how you and your mum came about working together.

Mum has always been my creative inspiration. I was very lucky to be able to learn how to sew from her and she let me use her sewing machine to create my own designs. We both studied fashion (her in the 1980s and me in the 2010s) so it seemed logical to involve her in the brand and she has an amazing eye for colour and design.
Where do you get the inspiration from your prints from - does living in Australia influence any of them?

Growing up in a Mediterranean family filled with home cooked meals, good wine and flowers directly from the garden has definitely inspired my work. Being a second generation immigrant in Australia has influenced my designs a lot, as there is so much modernist design, especially here in Melbourne, and I love when it melds with peoples cultures, which is what I aim to do with my design.
Can you share a memorable challenge you’ve faced as a family business and how it helped shape the way you operate today?

For us it would be doing our first big market which was Finders Keepers in Melbourne last October. There was so much prep we did for this market, with stock and the stall layout, I think I had $20 in my bank account on the first day, it took everything! We learned so much from this market though and had a really successful weekend. We got to see how popular some of designs, we sold out of The Sunday Lunch Wall Art Collection by Saturday afternoon. Immediately after that market we have extended that range with more tea towels and wall art (and even more product coming soon)!
What drives your passion for creating, and how do you stay motivated in a competitive marketplace?

It is probably my biggest challenge to remain motivated in the current market, especially when you are competing with other more well known brands who are cheaper because they are getting their product made overseas. I have to keep reminding myself that my designs are special and that those brands don’t have my brain and are able to create the work I design. I also have an amazing group of family and friends around me that support me and really keep me stepping one foot in front of the other.
In running a sustainable, female-led business, what key lessons have you learned that you’d pass on to other aspiring entrepreneurs?

One of the key elements of my business is having all my products designed, printed and made right here in Melbourne. This is obviously a more expensive route for production, but I know it is more sustainable in the end as I can ensure that all my products are of the highest quality and made to last. Homewares in steadily becoming a mass producer of waste and I do not want to see my products in that trash heap. I would say to other small businesses owners that you have to constantly remind yourself what is best for your business and stay on that course because you will find people who appreciate the work you have done and stay loyal to you because they also know its helping our planet.
If Good Juju Homeware were a person, how would you describe its personality?

I think she would be someone who loves to be around people, cook for them and constantly have a glass of vino in hand. She is vibrant, fun and has a timeless sense of style. She would also definitely have a holiday house on the Amalfi Coast haha!
If you could spend a day with any designer or creative icon for inspiration, who would it be and why?

Art has been a constant love for me in my life, even from when I was really young I loved looking through art books and going to exhibitions with my parents who luckily also love art. I have always been drawn to Salvador Dali’s work and his surrealist style and I try to add a touch of this into my designs when I can.

We can't encourage you enough to pop on over to the Good Juju website and get lost amongst the bright and playful prints.

Anema Designs

Alysha is the face, creative mind and driver behind Anema Designs. If you ever get the chance to meet and work with her (or are looking for someone to help you in this space), you won't regret it. Bubbly, down to earth and oh-so-welcoming, she brings a breath of freshness to an industry that can often have a stale male-drive stigma.

What inspired you to start Anema Designs, and how has your journey shaped the identity of your brand?

Anema Designs began after a plot twist in my career. I was working for a creative agency as a graphic designer when Covid hit, and like many, I suddenly found myself out of a job. What started as a freelance pursuit quickly grew into something much bigger and exciting. My background previously in the corporate world blended with my creative side, shapes Anema Designs into what it is today—a creative studio that is intentional in bringing a little more soul to branding and illustration.

But if I’m honest, my journey into design started long before that—spending weekends creating artwork and illustrations. Illustration has always been my creative cornerstone. No matter the project, I find myself returning to it (even if a client’s brand doesn’t include illustrations, you’ll catch me sketching things out behind the scenes).

Anema Designs officially launched in 2019 (yes, right in the midst of the pandemic!) and has since grown from a passion project into a thriving creative studio. We’ve had the privilege of working with brands across Australia and more recently internationally—from education providers and government departments to councils, healthcare, and product-based businesses.

At its core, Anema Designs is all about crafting visual languages and storytelling that connect, inspire, and add that little bit of extra soul.
What’s one tip you could give to other female-entrepreneurs around starting a brand?

Build a strong brand personality with storytelling and you’ll go miles. Your brand isn’t just what you offer—it’s the story you tell and how you make people feel.

People connect with stories, not sales pitches. So, share the why behind what you do, let your personality shine through. The right audience will connect with you not just because of what you do, but because of your why and your values.
Running your own business, is there anything you would do differently?

Oh my word! Yessss! Honestly, I think every day brings a new lesson and shifts your mindset on how you can do things better.

If I could go back, I would definitely have sought out a financial advisor or accountant earlier to get a clearer understanding of accounting and tax requirements. Seriously—ask for help! Even if it feels uncomfortable. It took me a while to realise that you don’t have to have it all together from the start. Learn to outsource when the time is right and get super clear on the lifestyle you want to live. For example, if you’re dreaming of a life filled with travel, having staff might not be the right fit—or you’ll need to set things up in a way that supports your flexibility.

Let’s be real—there’s no university degree or one-size-fits-all book on running a business. Every business is unique, with its own quirks and challenges. You learn as you go, and that’s totally okay!
Could you share some insights into your upcoming sustainable handbag label? What excites you most about this new venture?

I’m beyond excited to launch a handbag label that’s all about sustainability and storytelling. The core of this project is creating bags using eco-friendly materials that aren’t just functional, but also deeply meaningful. Each bag will have its own unique narrative, brought to life through my illustration skills, creating something that you’ll genuinely want to carry with you.

What really sparks joy for me in this venture is the product aspect. I’m a huge gift-giver—I absolutely love wrapping, packaging, and adding little touches that make something feel special. Throw in my love for flowers, and it feels like the perfect blend of everything I adore. This label isn’t just about making bags; it’s about creating a truly thoughtful, memorable experience with every piece.
What is one daily ritual or habit that sparks your creative inspiration?

What grounds me every day is starting my morning with meditation and going for a walk outside. I know—so cliché! But honestly, it calms my mind and sets me up for the day ahead. I’m naturally an emotional and empathetic person, so I tend to pick up on other people’s emotions throughout the day. Without that quiet time in the morning, I can feel a bit all over the place.

My mind is always buzzing with creative ideas, so I’m constantly surrounded by scribbles, notebooks, and sketches. Putting pen to paper helps me take all those scattered thoughts and turn them into something structured and cohesive. It’s my way of organising the chaos and bringing ideas to life!
If you could collaborate with any Australian business on a dream project, who would it be and why?

Ginger Imagery’s stunning photos would bring such a unique, natural vibe to my bag business. The Western Australian landscape has such rich colours and textures that would really shine.
What’s your favourite spot in Australia that fuels your creative energy, and how does it influence your work?

The outdoors and adventure—whether it’s the bush or the beach—is hands down my favourite place to recharge and spark creativity. I absolutely love Western Australia (and nope, not just because I’m biased—it’s genuinely stunning!). With adventure and stories this sparks so much imagination.

Nature constantly inspires me, especially when it comes to colour. Just the other day, I was at the Swan River at sunset, and the sky was this incredible soft pink that faded into the most beautiful gradient soft blue. Moments like that remind me how powerful natural colour palettes can be in design. There are some colours that only truly exist in nature, for example consider the structural blue seen in the wings of the Morpho butterfly or the feathers of a peacock.

This stunning, iridescent blue isn’t created by pigment but by microscopic structures that reflect and scatter light. The colour changes depending on the angle—something humans haven’t been able to replicate perfectly with pigment alone.

In need of some unique creative flair, or not, make sure you go and give Anema Designs a follow - the inspiration is refreshing and could help shift your perspective on the world around us.

Triin-Liis Treial

Meeting Triin at a local networking event was like meeting a leader in educating the future on women-led businesses. She is an absolute hustler - but not in the traditional masculine sense. Rather, she has such a passion for life and what she puts into "work", that for her, it's all one exciting and cohesive ride.

You have a strong passion in health and the environment but maybe not in the fields people would expect. Can you share a little more about your story, and the two industries that keep you busy?

I moved to Australia from cold, tiny Estonia in 2007, at 25, thinking I had it all figured out after working in a management position. Reality check was real - I basically started as a waitress (although the position was called cafe assistant manager). My second job here was at the Department of Environment, where I spent nine years—sitting in a tiny grey cubicle, buried under piles of paper, convinced it was a great job.

During that time, I embarked on a soul-searching journey, from soap making and herbal medicine to meditation, eventually discovering building biology. This revelation reshaped how I view our surroundings and made me question why I hadn’t known about it sooner. Building Biology focuses on how our environment affects us, aiming to transform our homes and workplaces into sanctuaries for well-being, not sources of harm.

So, I pursued an Advanced Diploma in Building Biology. The course was practical, so I had to travel to Melbourne regularly to complete fieldwork. Since 2016, I’ve run my own building biology consultation business in Perth.

The mission of a Building Biologist is to remove environmental harm, rather than offering remedies like medicine. We evaluate everything from air and water quality to electromagnetic fields and mold, helping to create healthier spaces. The concept emerged post-WWII in Germany, where hastily built homes led to health issues from trapped chemicals and electrical faults.

With an entrepreneurial spirit, I eventually felt the urge to create something alongside building biology—something different, yet aligned with my values as a building biologist. After a few years of trying (and failing) to launch several business ideas, but learning so much in the process, @chameleonsandcandle was born. From day one, I knew this was my true passion—a business that would make a meaningful impact on the world.

As Co-founder and Chief Emotions Officer (a term inspired by Eric Edmeades), I lead @chameleonsandcandle with a deep focus on people and the emotional impact of our brand. We aim to create experiences that resonate emotionally, making every candle an invitation to pause, create, and connect.

At Chameleon Sand Candle, we’re redefining sustainable luxury. In simple terms, we produce non-toxic, plant-based candle sand that fits into any vessel. It’s unique, healthy, and an alternative to conventional candles with paraffin, fragrances, and harmful dyes. Our business has three main pillars:
1. Retail: Our products are available online, so anyone can enjoy Chameleon Sand Candles at home.
2. Wholesale: We supply sustainable luxury to businesses, including hotels like Sofitel, spas, beauty salons, restaurants, event planners, and florists across Australia.
3. Luxury Candle Styling & Hire: We offer premium candle styling and hire services across Western Australia for events from intimate weddings to large corporate galas.
  
  Whether I’m leading Chameleon Sand Candle or crafting healthy spaces as a Building Biologist, my goal is always the same: creating safe, sustainable, and soul-nourishing experiences.
How did you decide on these paths - was there a moment you can remember that was the reason for your passion in these?

For building biology, it was clear from the start. After reading Nicole Bijlsma’s Healthy Home, Healthy Family, I felt a surge of anger—angry that this crucial information wasn’t more widely known, and angry at how blissfully unaware I had been about my own environment. I had believed the water I drank, the products I used, and the technology I relied on were safe. Initially, my interest was purely personal, as I wanted to make better choices for myself and my husband. There was no intention to start a business, but that changed during my studies, and I became the first building biologist to open my practice in 2016.

Chameleon Sand Candle, on the other hand, has been a more organic journey, though always with a conscious focus on building a brand, not just a business. As we began to focus more on the candle styling and hire side of the business, I discovered a new creative side of myself I hadn’t realized was there. I believe we all have this creativity within us; we just don’t always tap into it. With this newfound realization, it’s become a true pleasure to create stunning candlescapes for our couples.
What has been one of the biggest challenges you've faced as a female entrepreneur in a niche market, and how did you overcome it?

The biggest challenge for me—then and now—has been gaining recognition as a professional in the heavily male-dominated building industry. From the very start of my journey into building biology, it became clear that I first had to deal with husbands who often assumed I was just some "eco-woo" lady trying to scam them.

One of the interesting dynamics in building biology is that the majority of my clients are women. Yet, even in cases where there are serious health concerns in the family, it's not uncommon for the husband to dismiss it all as imaginary—believing that mould or EMFs couldn't possibly be causing any real issues.

On top of that, I've had to constantly explain the principles of building biology to building inspectors and various tradespeople—what it is, why it matters, and how it actually works. Overcoming these situations has really come down to one thing: standing firm in what I know to be true—not just what I believe or think, but what is backed by science. Building that confidence took years, and in the beginning, it wasn’t easy. But these days, I don’t waste my energy worrying about what others think—I just focus on my work. The value I bring to families through building biology far outweighs any scepticism or dismissive attitudes.
Can you share a key lesson you’ve learned through mentorship or networking that has helped shape your entrepreneurial journey?

You have to put yourself out there. You’ll never build a big and successful business by doing it alone.

Consciously focusing on networking and practicing what Keith Ferrazzi calls co-elevation has had a huge impact on both my entrepreneurial and personal journey. You know the saying: “If you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, go together.” I truly resonate with this now.
As someone balancing business with the demands of event styling and creative work, how do you maintain a healthy work-life balance?

I honestly don’t believe in the idea of work-life balance. What does that even mean? For me, it’s all just one life—my life. Why would I need a break from my life? If you do, maybe it’s time to create a life that doesn’t feel like a break is needed. It might sound harsh, but isn't that the ultimate truth?

I do value a low-tox, healthy home (obviously!), and I've created a space where living and working support me mentally and physically. Prioritizing sleep (and going bed early!) and brain health is something I take very seriously. This means wearing blue light-blocking glasses after sunset, switching off my phone, having an evening ritual (for me, it’s reading my own Chief Definite Aim (term coined by Napoleon Hill's Think and Grow Rich), reflecting on my day, and practicing gratitude), and wearing a light-blocking sleep mask. And using high quality medicinal mushrooms - DAILY!!!

I follow my Google calendar, where amongst all the business related activities, I also schedule time for physical activity, mental practices, dog walks, etc. Some days I focus more on building biology, other days I prep candles in the warehouse or style the wedding, or strategize with the Chameleon team on what’s next.

Ultimately, it’s all one beautiful blend of my life, and whatever needs my attention the most at any given time, gets it.
How do you see the landscape for women in sustainable design evolving, and what changes do you hope to see in the industry?

I truly hope to see younger people (not just women) start seeing through the greenwashing happening around us. I’d love to see people begin asking more questions and not accepting things as one fixed reality.

I also hope women become braver in following their passions, breaking free from traditional models and ideals that no longer fit the 21st century. Traditions are valuable, but I personally believe we shouldn’t hold on to anything that no longer serves us today. Embracing constant change, development, and lifelong learning is the way forward.
After a busy day, what’s your favourite way to relax and unwind? Do you have any go-to rituals or hobbies that help you recharge?

My absolute favourite thing to do is what’s called activations. I follow Regan Hillyer and am part of her group, where we receive new activations regularly. These activations often combine guided meditations, high-energy exercises, visualization techniques, and mindset tools, all designed to elevate our consciousness and help create tangible results in both our personal and professional lives. The goal is to create profound shifts, enabling us to manifest success, wealth, and fulfilment in alignment with our values.

My husband and I do these activations twice a month, on Mondays, and it’s always such a beautiful, deeply relaxing, and connecting experience. I can honestly say they work and create powerful shifts in our consciousness. As an added bonus, I feel incredibly relaxed afterward and sleep deeper than usual.

I also love when we sit down at the dinner table with hubby, sometimes diving into deep discussions about life’s purpose, or just trying to beat each other at Yahtzee. And if hugging a dog counts as a hobby, I’m definitely doing that regularly too! 😄

We could (and have) spent hours chatting away with Triin on everything life, the universe, health and whatever falls in-between. Her personal Instagram is an amazing account to follow as she shares tips on creating a healthier world around us - and of course, her Chameleon Sand Candles is a product we feel everyone can invite into their homes!

Vita Haus

We couldn't go past also asking one of our co-founders, some questions for International Women's Day. When we say "we", like many small businesses, we mean the two of us (Lisa and Roger) sitting down to reflect on what today means to Lisa.

What does International Women's Day mean to you?

I think, as I've got older, it has started to resonate with me a little more - and I think that's from being surrounded by and inspired by so many friends who are showing the strength and power of being a women, in their own ways. Some through incredible motherhood, some who a powerhouses in their chosen careers and many, a combination of the two.

I've started to realise that days like today, are similar to other dedicated days like Valentines Day, where you force people to stop and think about the women in their businesses or lives - but globally, I think it is about recognising, officially, the strength in the intuition, the remarkable empathy, and deeper knowing that women bring to any area.

I have actually been seeing a bit of a trend recently online where you know a women has come up with a product or solution to a problem - and I think that is really entertaining to watch because, in such a heavy male dominated world across multiple industries, it shows that there is so much power and strength in a female mind, for the way we approach situations, feel and experience things so much differently and how many problems that can fix.
Have you always been involved in the retail space?

Oh gosh, no. Not at all. It's still such a surprise to me to be running an online product-based business. While I casually worked throughout my younger years, like many, in retail, my background is actually in web development, brand strategy and everything within the marketing space.

I do though acknowledge how fortunate I am to be able to use and apply the last 16 years of knowledge within the digital space, to Vita Haus. That paired with managing a brick & mortar store for a short period a few years ago, where I learned a lot about retail and customer behaviour, I feel, made the decision to go all in with Vita Haus, much easier.
Have you always wanted to start your own company?

Definitely not. I know many people who are very driven in the entrepreneur-space, and have always started their own businesses here and there - but I have never had that inner voice screaming for me to create something, or the need to in terms of work or life.

In saying that, Vita Haus is the third business I have been a part of from the ground up. One was hilariously in the retail space, and a first adopter in Australia of using pineapple leather and other non-leather or pleather materials. But still after stepping away from both of those, I never carried an inner flame to want to do it again.

I think it's because my brain loves the strategic side of branding, marketing and problem solving that the digital-world can throw up, especially when building websites. So carrying on down that path never felt wrong or like I was missing something by not having my own business.
Why did you choose to start Vita Haus?

Vita Haus happened very organically. I like to say it happened to me, not me making it happen. I was in a place where my health was a real battle and it had been for a few years without any known reasons why or ways to resolve it - so, made the very difficult decision to step away from my fulltime role within the digital space, and essentially, rest.

Then, the universe and its divine timing, had us in Indonesia for a small holiday. That's where we came across some of the local artisans, and a wonderful interpreter who we still work with, who helps to support Indonesian artisans, their stories and their pieces.

We [Lisa and Roger] have been together, travelling, for 16 years and have always tried to find unique pieces to bring home as memories, or choose to purchase wares that have a story to them. So when we got back from that trip, it was something that just kept playing on my mind - the stories of these people, how they deserve to have their hand made pieces shown and supported, and about how ridiculous the world has become with fast-consumerism that is are nothing more than fleeting trends, pieces that use materials that are terrible for the environment (and our health), and the companies profiting from these don't care for any of the wellbeing of their factory works ... unless of course they are publicly shamed for it.

That is an area I have always felt so strongly about and chosen to change within my own life - so that, I guess, is where the drive and inner flame came from to start Vita Haus.

Not to start and run my own company, but to try and bring back intentional wares within the home décor space - and the stories, cultures and generations of skills from people we share this planet with.
Do you have any advice for any women entrepreneurs?

I feel strange referring to myself as an entrepreneur so it seems almost fake to give any advice. The one comment that everyone says is "Just Start", which as generic as that is - is absolutely true. Whether in life goals, starting your own business or really anything you want to do; just start.

There is a lot of fear around failure but when you start to look into some of the biggest companies and smartest people of history, the number of No's they got before they got a yes, is insane. Also, I believe a failure is the path of not attempting your goals - if you try and are unsuccessful, then you leave with more learnings and lessons.
What do you hope to see IWD do for females in the future?

For the younger generation entering the workforce, I hope it offers them role models and has them feeling united. When I started working, I certainly worked for my fair share of men in senior roles who purposefully intimidated younger females and well, were downright disgusting in their behaviour - and while there were women in senior roles, none of them knew how to handle those behaviours or they themselves, were never supported to stand up to them.

And while learning through your own life experiences is invaluable, I hope IWD helps offer women of all ages the support to back themselves, enter any male-dominated industry with the power that women have, and really own anything they choose to do.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we hope these conversations inspire you to pursue your passions and embrace your unique path. The insights shared here remind us that every challenge is an opportunity for growth, and every success is built on resilience, creativity, and a steadfast commitment to making a difference.

At Vita Haus, we stand with women everywhere; supporting thoughtful, sustainable choices that enrich our lives and our communities. Thank you for joining us in this celebration of empowerment and innovation. We look forward to hearing your stories too.

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