Women of Incu

In celebration of International Women’s Day, we caught up with some of the women who make up Incu, to share what they do, the best advice they've received and what #EmbraceEquity means to them.

BRE

Tell us a bit about yourself.
I’ve just hit 10 years at Incu, I originally started back in Melbourne, working in-store after I finished uni - now I live in Sydney and look after the mono side of the business buying for Ganni, A.P.C., rag & bone and Incu brands. I’ve got a great job, I get to travel, work with great brands and the retail teams are fantastic! 

What's the most important advice you have been given?

Relationships matter, it’s such a small industry, you never know where you might end up.

Natascha

Tell us a bit about yourself.
My names are Natascha & Anastasia. I am a musician & designer from Adelaide originally. I run a small business repurposing secondhand clothing. I am also a stylist for a small number of artists in the music scene here, and I work as a model with Stone St Agency in Sydney.

What's the most important advice you have been given?
“take whatever you like” & “use what you have.”

My Yiayia used to take me on these little shopping expeditions in an effort to spoil me. She barely spoke English so she would use little nudges and smiles to persuade me to choose something that she could buy for me. The language barrier between us restricted my understanding of her beyond a few key phrases, one of which was “πάρε ό,τι σου αρέσει” or, “take whatever you like”. I come from an exceptionally large, traditional, mixed-race household, and when you have many siblings to consider, it can feel selfish to even voice, let alone take what you want. I’m used having to consider a number of other people in my every decision, so whenever I’m given the opportunity to choose solely for myself it seems like a huge undertaking. But every time I move toward my desire I feel growth in many directions. As I grow into my adulthood, I keep discovering the inevitable power of the chemistry between me and all that I am attracted to.

LUSH

Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Leanne however I'm known as "Lush" and this is not due to my overwhelming (or lack of) attractiveness but due to my quite unique last name of Lusher. I have been with Incu now for about 5 and a half years as their HR Manager and I have loved every second of the journey. I was born in England but have been flying the Aussie flag since I was 5 years old settling into what I will forever know as home, Port Stephens. I love my life, I try and live it well and I drag lots of people along for the ride!

The theme of International Women’s Day is Embracing Equity. Could you give an example of how you embrace equity?
By understanding there is a difference between equality and equity. I heard the difference described perfectly once as "Equality is giving everyone a pair of shoes. Equity is giving everyone a pair of shoes that fit." I understand that not everyone is created equal and some people are born into circumstances that will dictate the rest of their lives, whether that is generational wealth or poverty, mental illness, disability and everything in between and this is why equity is so important. We need to be fair and recognise that for some individuals we may have to go that extra mile just to get them to the start line with everyone else before pulling the trigger.

Marieke

Tell us a bit about yourself.
Hi! My name is Marieke and I'm the Incu and Rag & Bone Sydney Cluster manager. I'm lucky enough to be involved in growing both our multi and mono brand stores, working alongside our managers and teams in both operational and front-facing aspects of the business. I love that this role sees me collaborating with a wide breadth of staff, suppliers and clients, and that my days are so varied.

How do you switch off from work?
Usually by getting outdoors. I love a bushwalk, or a dip in the ocean. Preferably both. But for days when a good ol’ ramble about a national park is out of the question, any kind of break in the routine will do wonders; taking dinner to the park, a quick turn around an unfamiliar neighbourhood, or a spontaneous get together at the pub. As they say - a change is as good as a holiday!

Cassie

Tell us a bit about yourself.
I came to Australia when I was 15, just like many international students out there I was overwhelmed by everything! Incu was my first ‘real job’ and believe it or not, it still is! From being a casual while I was still at Uni to co-managing a store, then to being part of client management, it's been such a wonderful experience growing up with the company.

If you could move anywhere in the world where would it be and why?
Anywhere that is an Island. I love water and the sea world. And if only it was real, Pandora from Avatar is my dream world. Gotta go check out those whales!

Photographers: Brogan Chidley & Jesus Manongdo