Originally published in The Commons Journal.
This International Women’s Day, we look to celebrate just a handful of the many inspiring female founders that call The Commons their (second) home. And who, in their own way, are working toward creating positive change in the world, whether it be by creating magical spaces that turn houses into homes. Or, through empowering people and giving them the tools they need to live happier and more fulfilling lives.
Here’s just six women and their businesses to support now and forever.
fenton & fenton
Member at The Commons South Yarra
Interior lovers will be familiar with fenton & fenton, the Melbourne-based furniture and homewares store that’s been transforming homes for more than 10 years. At the helm is Lucy Fenton – interior stylist, product designer, mum, and all-round boss lady.
Inspired by her love of travel, Lucy started fenton & fenton (then ‘fenton’) after traipsing the globe and being inspired by all the colours, textures and artifacts she uncovered along the way. Today, fenton & fenton exists online and on High Street, Prahran. Walking through their showroom is like falling down the rabbit hole into Wonderland. There’s clashing prints, entrancing art and statement pieces that will have you throwing ‘minimalism’ out the window.
BABY Pink Gin
Member at The Commons Collingwood
Gin drinkers, unite! This one’s for you. BABY Pink Gin is the only 100% female-owned spirits company in Australia. Founded in 2019 by Ellen Weigall, their signature ‘Pink Gin’ has since grown into an international award winner and has been featured in the likes of ELLE Australia, the Herald Sun, Vogue Living and more.
Ellen started BABY to offer women a distinctly feminine yet quality drink, minus all the sugar and sweetness that’s often associated with alternatives commonly marketed at females. Best served on ice, BABY is distilled in small batches, is sugar and gluten-free, and vegan-friendly. You can find BABY in your local Dan Murphy’s or via their website.
Data To The People
Member at The Commons South Melbourne
Every day, every single action we take is mapped out in data. Whether it be a physical action, such as what route you take to get to work, or a digital action, say, Googling how to cut your own hair (one of the top Google searches in 2020 thanks to worldwide lockdowns). Either way, one thing is for sure – more and more organisations are recognising the power of data for increased efficiencies and making smarter business decisions. The problem, however, is a large percentage of the workforce struggle to interpret data–which that’s where Data To The People comes in.
Global experts in data literacy, Data To The People equips leaders and businesses with the tools to assess individual and organisational data literacy, and designs bespoke programs to improve the data competency of their team. Headed up by founder Jane Cofts, Jane is pioneering a data-driven revolution and is a member of the Data Literacy Project’s Advisory Board.
The Courage Project
Member at The Commons South Yarra
When it comes to leadership and living authentically, Casey Benjamin knows a thing or two. Personal coach and founder of The Courage Project, Casey works with business owners, entrepreneurs, leaders and teams, providing tailored coaching services.
Having felt rock bottom herself, Casey started The Courage Project as a way to empower individuals and organisations to find clarity, purpose and confidence in themselves and their future – and it all starts with courage. You can download her free “authentic self” workbook here and learn a bit more about The Courage Project here.
The Broke Generation
Member at The Commons Cremorne
Let’s be honest, nobody likes talking about money. It’s awkward, uncomfortable and, at least for a lot of Gen Ys and millennials, unnecessarily complicated – thanks in part to learning Pythagoras Theorem over budgeting in high school. But don’t worry, The Broke Generation is here to get you financially fit.
The brainchild of self-proclaimed “recovering spendaholic” Emma Edwards, The Broke Generation provides a series of guides, exercises and challenges to empower you to live your best life, avocado toast and all. You can check out some of Emma’s work here or tune into her podcast via Spotify here.
Professional Babe
Member at The Commons South Yarra
Business strategist, writer, digital marketer, cat mum and former Pilates instructor and studio owner, there isn’t much that Peta Serras (AKA Professional Babe) can’t do. What started as a career change in 2019 has since grown into comprehensive programs aimed at helping business owners and teams implement proven digital and email marketing strategies to help scale their business.
Peta has worked with over 400 businesses of all size and scale across various industries. Her humorous, no BS attitude toward strategy takes the guesswork out of navigating the ever-evolving digital space. You can learn more about Professional Babe here or get to know Peta (and her cat Audrey) on a more personal level here.