Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women’s equality. Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias.
This International Women’s Day we’re highlighting trailblazing women and the long road it took to get where we are today. There is still so much change to be made for a truly diverse and inclusive world, but we support the women on our team, in our community and around the world helping to bring us there.
We had the pleasure of chatting with just a few of the incredible women who make up more than half of our team here at tentree. Not only do these hardworking women have successful careers, but every day they each use their unique talents and skills to help protect the planet we call home. They shared their personal stories of strong women who have inspired them, imparted a little wisdom for the next generation, and offered their perspectives on what #BreakTheBias means to them when it comes to their careers.
Lisa
Associate Designer, Accessories
Our incredibly skilled Associate Designer Lisa started her journey at tentree over five years ago as our first-ever summer intern, and has since grown into a respected authority when it comes to driving the eco-fashion movement. Originally drawn to the company’s sustainable and ethical values, she’s lent her expertise and breathtaking creativity to various design projects, from digital to apparel graphic work, and now specializes in product design.
What does #BreakTheBias mean for you in your work life?
To me, #BreakTheBias means that IWD is not only about making sure we amplify womxn and create a more inclusive world, but also committing to calling out, rejecting, and breaking biases, discrimination, and stereotypes if they arise. It’s a way to show solidarity and support to the womxn in your life and solidify your commitment to breaking the bias regardless of your gender.
Based on your own experience, what advice would you give to women considering pursuing a career in your field or the field of sustainability?
Diversify your design experiences.
This is my advice for younger industrial designers/fashion designers: to try and take on other roles at the beginning of your career. Sometimes you don’t even know what you don’t know because you’ve never tried it.
Don’t be afraid to try Graphic Design, Package Design, UI/UX, Food Design, or even illustration and photography. Though there’s a reason to leave these to the professionals eventually, it allows you to learn more about yourself, where your interests truly lie and what you don’t like. Even if you build these skills at a preliminary level, you learn the soft skills of a growth mindset, how to create a design brief, how your design work impacts business… And it’s also just fun and stimulating. Think of it as the design process and you are in the “Ideation/sketching stage” in your career. It’s only after 10 sketches that you start to refine it into a rendered design.
Who’s the most influential woman in your life?
Though I’m surrounded by so many amazing women that I look up to, the most influential woman in my life is my mother. She comes from a more matriarchal society in the province of Yunnan in China. Her tiger mom tendencies, strong will, resilience and discipline made me grow up with both fear and respect for her. I can laugh at it now as we have grown closer over the years and see past our differences when it comes to traditional Chinese vs Western culture thinking. Though she says she doesn’t have a bone of creativity in her body, it’s truly her embodiment of compassion, service to others, and authentic integrity that influenced me to become a designer. By drilling in the values of authenticity and being of service to others, it made sense to me to pursue a creative career that could serve our world in small ways, and maybe that meant designing clothes made of ethically sourced eco-materials.
Dana
Human Resources Coordinator
Always a friendly face when you head into the office, you can’t help but smile when you cross paths (in person or virtually) with our talented Human Resources Coordinator, Dana. With a background in Human Resources, her current role felt like the natural next step in her career after initially joining the company as part of the Customer Care Team. A touchpoint for everyone on the team, she knows our company inside and out, and works tirelessly to create an inclusive and supportive work environment.
What does #BreakTheBias mean for you in your work life?
One of the main aspects of my job is helping ensure we’re fostering an equal and inclusive work environment for everyone who walks through our doors. By acknowledging that biases do exist, we can then move forward and develop an action plan to break down outdated and harmful stereotypes. It has been incredibly rewarding to be part of our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee and to see firsthand how these types of conversations can lead to meaningful change.
Based on your own experience, what advice would you give to women considering pursuing a career in your field or the field of sustainability?
For anyone considering pursuing a career in Human Resources, my advice would be to really think about what aspects of HR interest you (trust me, there are many!) and have conversations with people who are already working in this field. If you’re someone who seeks variety in your day-to-day, is comfortable challenging the status quo, and enjoys reevaluating and improving current processes, this could be your next career!
It’s about finding the right balance between supporting your team members and making sure business needs are being met, while also understanding that we’re all working towards the same goal… to better our planet.
Who’s the most influential woman in your life?
This is such a difficult question for me because I am fortunate enough to be surrounded by so many amazing and inspiring women. I believe the most influential people are often those who challenge me and my perspectives because it’s the only way to grow. With that said, if I had to choose only one woman, it would be my sister. Her strength, resilience, and fierce commitment to her family are unmatched and I’m so proud to call her my forever role model.
Natasja
Senior Designer, Women’s Collection
Driving tentree’s progressively sustainable apparel design for the last four years, Natasja’s the Senior Designer of our women’s collection — a dynamic role, that in her own words, she loves and thrives at. Helping bring some of our most stylish and sustainable collections to life, she encourages women to channel their inner confidence by looking the part. Wise words we’ll happily take from this experienced and talented designer.
What does #BreakTheBias mean for you in your work life?
No matter what career path you choose, gender equality should be the norm. Generations of women before us worked hard to get this far and it’s up to us to keep evolving, removing barriers and championing equal participation of women in the workforce. I’m fortunate to be at a company where we work together to #BreakTheBias and encourage each other to commit to an inclusive world.
Based on your own experience, what advice would you give to women considering pursuing a career in your field or the field of sustainability?
Building a career can be stressful and overwhelming, with so many choices ahead of you. My advice is to follow your instincts and when you venture down your chosen career path, turn it into something great through hard work and dedication. Build bridges throughout your career with the people you meet, as I’ve found you often cross paths again further down the road. Above all, believe in yourself. You’ve got this! There’s always going to be pressure to advance your career, but being happy in your job and having a healthy work-life balance is most important.
Who’s the most influential woman in your life?
For this question, I have to change it to who are the most influential women in your life. The first is my mother. Mothers have a profound impact on their daughters, and mine always did her best, raising me to think positively and believe in myself. These are life lessons I passed on to my daughters, the two other influential women in my life. Together we share a passion for travel, sport and adventure, and we remind each other that life is a journey where we’re constantly evolving together and becoming better versions of ourselves.
Jessica
Brand Partnership Lead
Jessica is our Brand Partnership Lead and a driving force behind some of our most successful and memorable collaborative campaigns. (tentree x The Lorax was one of our personal faves.) A key member of the Brand Team for the past four years, Jess has been pivotal in advancing and cementing tentree’s presence in our community and boldly pioneering new roles within the company with her unique skillsets, undeniable talent, and infectious enthusiasm.
What does #BreakTheBias mean for you in your work life?
#BreakTheBias for me means that women are given the space to thrive in their roles within the workplace. Gender equality isn’t simply checked off by hiring a higher percentage of women but ensuring that they’re heard, empowered and supported, and most importantly, treated with respect by their co-workers and leadership teams.
Based on your own experience, what advice would you give to women considering pursuing a career in your field or the field of sustainability?
Surround yourself with female and male allies who are equally as passionate about sustainability as you are. What better way to learn and become inspired than by having a network of humans who are also committed to protecting our natural world? And if sustainability is what you’re passionate about, then do not for a minute doubt yourself and your ability to make an impact.
Who’s the most influential woman in your life?
Hands down my mom. She’s always encouraged me to be the most unapologetically authentic version of myself. This was extremely valuable growing up, especially when I was still trying to figure out who I was, all while feeling the societal pressure of acting a certain way, or wanting to feel accepted. There were many times when mom would call me out and question whether I was making a decision for myself or someone else. She always framed it so simply, yet in practice, it’s much easier said than done. Over time, I’ve allowed myself to be vulnerable while accepting my imperfections and worrying less about what others think. This is an ongoing work in progress but continues to help me to let go of who I think I’m supposed to be and embrace who I actually am.
We’re so appreciative of all the women featured in this post for taking the time to share and inspire us with their insight and perspectives.
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