International Women’s Day is a moment to celebrate progress — but it’s also a reminder that real change happens in the everyday. In the conversations, the support, the knowledge shared, and the women backing each other long after the spotlight fades.
In 2025, we partnered with Global Sisters to mentor four incredible founders: Luisa, Tash, Vanessa, and Stephanie. Over the year, we worked together through tailored coaching, hands-on workshops and one-on-one mentoring sessions, supporting each woman as she refined her strategy, tackled challenges and built confidence in her next chapter of growth.
This partnership has been about so much more than business advice. It’s about connection. About creating space for honest conversations, shared experiences and meaningful progress. It’s about building a community of women who lift each other up, open doors and create opportunities — not just for themselves, but for others too.
As we mark International Women’s Day 2026, we’re proud to share their journeys and introduce you to the businesses shaping their futures.
What were your expectations coming into the coaching program?
I came in very open and excited, hoping to learn anything that could improve the business, even by 5%. I didn’t expect leaps and bounds just fresh, professional perspective from people who understood creative brands, marketing, customers and pricing, beyond the encouragement of family and friends. It felt like a perfectly timed gift, and I was genuinely grateful to be part of it.
What was the most valuable part of working with Kip&Co’s experts?
The most valuable part was having access to experienced founders and business mentors I would never normally be able to learn from. Through those conversations, I gained real confidence that my pricing, product focus and brand direction were sound, which helped me stop second-guessing and start making clearer, more strategic decisions for Madge Goods.
What’s one key business insight you’ve gained through this program?
How important marketing and finding your audience is in launching or growing a new business. Even though I have worked in brand and marketing for 2 decades, it was a amazing to me just how much time and money it takes to break through the noise with a new brand or new idea.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to other Sisters considering entering?
Just do it. Enter. You have nothing to lose. No matter where you are in business, you will learn so much from working with Kip+Co and Global Sisters.
Vanessa Maver, Vanessa Maver Art
What motivated you to apply for the Kip&Co × Global Sisters programme?
Honestly? I was at that classic “this is working… but it’s getting big” point. Weary Theory had grown really quickly, I’d just placed a huge stock order, and I could feel myself holding the whole thing together with sticky notes and late nights.
I was wearing every hat — ads, socials, stock, website, finance, freight — and I wanted proper guidance from people who’ve done it before, so I could build systems and grow in a way that’s sustainable (and still feels like me).
What’s one key business insight you’ve gained through this programme?
That growth isn’t just about doing more — it’s about doing the right things consistently, and tracking a few key numbers so you’re not guessing. For me, that means budgeting monthly and tracking my marketing efficiency weekly. I love a good “let’s just try it” moment… but I’ve learnt you can’t scale on vibes alone.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to other Sisters considering entering?
If you’re NOT considering it, you’re mad. Go for it - it’s not a hard application process at all, and what’s the worst that could happen?
What’s next for you—any exciting plans, launches, or pivots?
We’re currently gearing up for Easter, and launching a new pick’n’mix rocky road gift cylinder with the cutest little bunnies on it! And then, of course, we will be attending the Melbourne Life in Style event again this year, which is always an exciting event for us, and we’d be stoked to see the Kip&Co gals while we’re in town too!
A shared future
This International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating the women building businesses with purpose, courage and creativity. We’re proud to continue our partnership with Global Sisters and to keep championing female founders in every way we can.Because when women support women, real momentum begins.
