This International Women’s Day, Nepean Village spotlighted the inspiring women who bring passion, dedication, and heart to our retail community. We sat down with six remarkable women—Belle from Cruise & Travel Store, Emily from Rockwear, Dianne from Blooms The Chemist, Sally & Angelina from Prouds, Dani from Optus, and Kate from Glamoureyes Optometrists—to hear their thoughts on the power of women in retail. From sharing what they love most about their work to the advice they’d give to others, their stories celebrate strength, resilience, and the importance of lifting each other up.

✨Prouds the Jewellers ✨

Meet Sally & Angelina from Prouds, two women who bring joy, meaning, and a touch of sparkle to their customers every day. 💍✨

For Sally, the best part of her job is meeting new people—chatting with customers and welcoming familiar faces back into the store. For Angelina, it’s about being part of once-in-a-lifetime moments—helping customers choose engagement rings, heirlooms, and treasures that will be passed down for generations.

To them, International Women’s Day is about reflection—Sally acknowledges how far women have come in the workforce, while Angelina sees it as a time to remember the sacrifices women make every day to build better lives for themselves and their families.

Both women draw inspiration from the strong women in their families. Sally looks up to her mother, while Angelina is deeply moved by the resilience of her mother and grandmother—a woman who escaped a war-torn country to create a better future.

Their advice to other women?

💎 Sally: “Don’t burn yourself out—find balance between work and life”
💎 Angelina: “Whatever you choose to do in life, do it with class and no regrets.”

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✨Cruise & Travel Store ✨

 Meet Belle, the powerhouse behind Cruise & Travel Store, opening very soon! 🚢✈️ (Stay tuned for the grand opening!)

For Belle, retail is more than just business—it’s about empowering women to become their own bosses. She’s proving that mums can have it all—building a career while raising a family. All of Belle’s employees are mothers, and she’s recently welcomed four home-based agents, giving them the flexibility to work for themselves while still being present for their families. “Mums make the best customer service agents,” she says. “They understand experiences, connection, and what it means to create unforgettable moments—especially when it comes to booking holidays for other mums.”

For Belle and her team, every day is International Women’s Day. “We celebrate the women in our business every day, but IWD is also a chance to step back, reflect, and be inspired by others in the industry.” Each year, Belle attends IWD events in the city with her team, embracing the chance to learn, grow, and be inspired by fellow women in travel.

When asked who inspires her, Belle turns to the women around her—her team, her peers, and those who uplift one another. “I want my employees to feel empowered, to take care of themselves first. You can’t pour from an empty cup. Resilience has been my biggest lesson in the last 12 months as we prepare to open the store. I want to build a team that is strong, confident, and capable.”

And her advice to other women? “You always have a seat at the table. If you don’t, bring your own chair.” She reminds us to know our worth, never undervalue our skills, and never settle for less—whether in business, leadership, or life.

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✨ Optus ✨

Meet Dani from Optus, a woman who thrives on the excitement and challenge of her work. 📱✨

For Dani, no two days are the same—and that’s exactly what she loves about it. “It keeps you on your toes, keeps things exciting, and makes every day fun.”

To her, International Women’s Day is about celebrating who we are as women today—our strength, resilience, and everything we continue to achieve. Instead of looking back, Dani focuses on the present and the future.

When asked who inspires her, her answer is simple: “All women.” 💜 “Ask us, and we’ll tell you—we are all inspiring in our own ways.”

And her advice? “You only live once—be happy.” Because at the end of the day, joy, confidence, and self-fulfillment are what truly matter.

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✨ Rockwear ✨

Meet Emily, Area Manager at Rockwear—a brand built on strength, movement, and empowerment. 💪🏽🏃‍♀️

For Emily, the best part of her job is the people—from the customers she connects with to the incredible team she helps mentor and grow. “I love being part of someone’s journey, whether it’s helping a customer feel confident in activewear or supporting my team as they develop their careers.”

International Women’s Day, to Emily, is about recognizing the achievements of women—and how far we’ve come in such a short time. “Back in 1967, women weren’t even allowed to run marathons. Now, 50% of marathon runners are women. We’ve broken barriers in sport, business, and leadership, and it’s so important to acknowledge every step forward.”

Emily is inspired by women at the top of their game—those who have defied expectations, made sacrifices, and pushed beyond the limits of what was once considered possible.

Her advice to other women? “Just because someone tells you that you can’t, doesn’t mean you can’t.” Keep going. Keep pushing. Keep proving them wrong. 🚀💜

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✨Glamoureyes Optometrists✨

Meet Kate from Glamoureyes Optometrists, a woman who sees the beauty in every conversation. 👓✨

For Kate, the best part of her job is the people. “I love that I get to chat with new people every day—everyone has a different story, and I love hearing them.”

To her, International Women’s Day is about empowerment—a reminder that when women support and uplift each other, we can do it all. 💜

And her advice to other women? “Be kind to yourself and believe in yourself.” Because confidence, self-care, and self-belief are the foundation of success

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✨ Blooms ✨

Meet Dianne from Blooms The Chemist—a woman who brings care, compassion, and dedication to her community every day. 💙✨

For Dianne, her job is all about people—helping customers, working hands-on in healthcare, and being part of a team that makes a difference. “I love what I do because I get to help people every day, whether it’s offering advice, support, or just a friendly smile.”

To her, International Women’s Day is about acknowledging the achievements of women—big and small, seen and unseen. It’s about recognizing strength in all its forms.

Dianne’s greatest inspiration? Her daughter. ❤️ “She’s been through so much—battling leukemia, undergoing a bone marrow transplant, all while staying strong for her kids and family. Even on her hardest days, she never gives up. I’m inspired by her every single day.”

And her advice to other women? “Independence is key—get your licence and take control of your journey!"

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💜 Happy International Women’s Day! 💜
"Here’s to strong women: May we know them, may we be them, may we raise them."