This International Women’s Day we are celebrating the achievements and uplifting women around us. With over 80 percent of our workforce made up of females, many of whom are in leadership positions, we are proud and inspired by their strength and creativity. International Women’s Day has been celebrated every year since 1911. To celebrate this year’s International Women’s Day, we interviewed four team members to hear their story and what inspires them.
Kristi – Florist
“I’m confident in my skills because I have overcome so much”
When was a time you overcame a challenge you were proud of?
I came to Australia as a foreigner from a non-English speaking country and started work as a florist without any formal qualifications. I faced many challenges including understanding the language, culture, and the work itself. But as time went by and with a lot of hard work and support from the people around me, I am proud to see my progression. I still face many challenges, as we all do, but I’m confident in my skills because I have overcome so much.
Name a woman who inspires you?
Mother Teresa, I admire her for her unconditional love and kindness. My most favourite quote by her is, “It’s not about how much you give, but how much love we put into giving”.
Eb – Team Leader
“Thoughts and wants change so strive for what you want in the moment”
Who inspires you?
My older sister is the obvious choice for me and is a woman in leadership herself. My sister has always had a strong but emotive personality. Great to talk to, positive, loving, thoughtful, loyal, and a real go getter, not to mention funny as. Love her to pieces.
If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?
Don’t stress the little things, thoughts and wants change so strive for what you want in the moment but don’t let it hold you back if change comes knocking.
Michelle – Florist
“Have courage to be your quirky authentic self”
Who inspires you?
My Mum. Growing up, Mum was incredibly compassionate, she never had a bad word to say about anyone. She taught me, and my siblings, to treat people as I would like to be treated, with kindness. She was selfless and always made time to read and draw with us. Mum was extremely creative, she drew and painted; and made everything from scratch; roast dinners, knitted jumpers, our Birthday cakes.
If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?
This is to my teenage self. Please stop worrying about what other people think of you. Have courage to be your quirky authentic self.
Taleisha – Marketing & Communications Manager
“Don’t second guess yourself for doing life your own way”
When was a time you overcame a challenge you were proud of?
Finding my feet again after being made redundant during Covid. It was a big hit to my confidence and my trust that there was a future for my field of work. To come back from that and land what is perhaps the best professional role I have worked in, was a great personal achievement for me.
Name a woman who inspires you?
Laura Waters (Author and Speaker). She hiked over 3000km’s from the top of the north island of NZ to the very bottom of the south island. Instead of being put off by the fact her companion couldn’t commit to the journey, she took on the crazy challenge of such a trip on her own. The fact she overcame so many of her fears and self doubts to complete the trip is incredible. She has since followed the life she dreamed, and broke away from the cookie cutter life she created in Melbourne’s CBD. She pushed herself past her own limits, and now is a freelance writer and has even written her own book.
If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?
Buy Bitcoin hahaha!
Or “Don’t second guess yourself for doing life your own way”
Here at Flowers Across Melbourne we love that we can bring women together with flowers. We created this bouquet to bring joy to the women who make this city, and country great. Send this stunning bouquet of blooms to the woman that inspires you this International Woman’s Day!
