RUBY HAMILTON, BRAND & CREATIVE CONTENT MANAGER

This year’s International Women's Day theme is Choose to Challenge, creating conversations and challenging gender bias to create change. Can you share with us some career challenges you have faced and how you have overcome them?

2020 was a huge year of adversity and change for the whole world. The most memorable challenge in my (so far) rather young career was losing my job in the midst of a global crisis. Although this was a major shock to the system, I was lucky to have a lot of support from a very creative community of women around me. I ended up in the deep end of freelancing and managed to turn a redundancy into self-employment. With one of my first regular clients being La Tribe! I think the biggest thing I learnt from this experience is just having faith in yourself, which it has been systemically engrained in us to second guess ourselves as women in the work place. This has been such a huge reminder to just back yourself 100% and use your voice.

As well as working together, Team La Tribe are also very good friends. Tell us what sisterhood means to you?

To me sisterhood means being in it together, it's a connection like no other. It's supporting your sisters through everything, and being their biggest hype team. For me, sisterhood means never doubting each other.

Exploring creativity is a key value for us at La Tribe, what does creativity look like for you?

Pushing boundaries, sharing ideas and exploring the beautiful parts of even the most simple parts of existing.

We find great joy in getting dressed and expressing ourselves through our fashion choices. Which La Tribe pair are you coveting from the upcoming Walk With Me collection?

Hands down, the Platform Boot. She's casual and cool and a bit of an edge which I love. I will be pairing mine with voluminous dress for a nice bit of contrast. Keep an eye out for them, arriving soon with our beautiful AW21 collection. I've also been loving my Studded Sandals in nude for a more transeasonal option! 

HOLLIE SWEETIE, GENERAL MANAGER - LOFFT FASHION AGENCY

This year’s IWD theme is Choose to Challenge, creating conversations and challenging gender bias to create change. Can you share with us some career challenges you have faced and how you have overcome them? 

I read a fascinating statistic this week that a staggering 43% of the world's female entrepreneurs have earned their fortunes via their companies pertaining to Fashion. Women in my industry are definitely celebrated and valued, however I would like to see women more supported in other male dominated industries such as property & finance. I have experienced the feeling of being underestimated when sitting in business & financial meetings with the opposite sex; however I have turned these experiences into my motivation rather than see them challenging. It just propels me to strive for success and work smarter. 

As well as working together, Team La Tribe are also very good friends. Tell us what sisterhood means to you? 

Women are an army of silent achievers, who are the queens of multi-tasking. We are bonded by our capacity to nurture and empathize, the La Tribe team are an extension of my family and friendship circle. We could spend hours discussing life, fashion as well as business, it is our secret language. 

If she met you now, what would you tell your younger self? 

I’d tell my younger self to slow down. You don’t have to know everything and remain a consistent student, always learning. Age has given me a perspective on time and its value.