This International Women’s Day, we wanted to go beyond the celebrations and dive into the journeys of the incredible women who inspire us every day.

We spoke with a mix of influential women and the Papier hq team’s very own mums to hear the lessons that defined their paths, the advice that shifted their careers, and the unexpected moments that shaped the way they see the world.

From unconventional career wisdom to heartfelt words passed down through generations, these stories are a testament to the power of women supporting women. Because behind every success, every bold step forward, and every dream realised, there’s always someone cheering us on. Here's what these women had to share:

Kathryn Wilson

1.  Can you describe a time when an unconventional piece of advice from a mentor (or even a peer) shifted your career trajectory in a way you hadn’t imagined?

I completed an ‘Owner manager program’ with the Icehouse when I was around 10 years into the business and was recommended to establish an advisory board with a mixed skill set of all the talents and knowledge I was missing…it was one of the best things I ever did and now 12 years later still have one of those advisors working closely with me as a financial strategist. Its so important to be able to recognise your own area of expertise and to stick to your lane / not to try and be good at everything as there will be people who you can help guide you and provide shortcuts and learnings!

2. Reflecting on your journey, can you share an unexpected moment or influence from your early life that shaped the way you approach business and leadership today?

My mother always had ‘her cup full’ and has an optimistic view of the world… making us think as kids we should follow our dreams and think big… this has been vital to my decision making in business and my leadership style.

3. If you could tell your younger self one thing, what would it be?

Don’t sweat the small things, enjoy the ride and celebrate the wins… no matter how small!

Sarah Stuart

Sarah Stuart is a leading New Zealand fashion stylist and creative consultant, known for her work in media, runway, and personal styling, as well as her role in mentoring and empowering women through fashion.

1. Can you describe a time when an unconventional piece of advice from a mentor (or even a peer) shifted your career trajectory in a way you hadn’t imagined?

A mentor once told me, “Underpromise and overdeliver.” At first, I thought it was just an excuse to keep expectations low, but then I realised - it’s genius! It’s like saying, “I’ll bring snacks,” and then showing up with a 3 course meal. Who doesn’t love a pleasant surprise?

2. Reflecting on your journey, can you share an unexpected moment or influence from your early life that shaped the way you approach business and leadership today?

I often gave my fav childhood dog Sam, my sister’s cat, and my turtle makeovers with ribbons, dresses and glasses. They weren’t fans, but it taught me that not everyone will get your vision - and styling is about working with what’s in front of you, even if it takes a bit of creativity!

3. If you could tell your younger self one thing, what would it be?

I’d tell my younger self: Be bold in your uniqueness, even when it seems like you’re swimming against the tide.

If people think you’re ‘too much’, they aren’t your people. Don’t seek validation from others; once you stop needing it, you’ll be unstoppable. It’ll allow you to help clients more freely and with greater confidence.

Iyia Liu

1. Can you describe a time when an unconventional piece of advice from a mentor (or even a peer) shifted your career trajectory in a way you hadn’t imagined?

I actually never had a mentor in the traditional sense, but I found a lot of inspiration from Sophia Amoruso, the founder of Nasty Gal. Her story really resonated with me—how she built something massive from nothing, taking risks and embracing the power of social media before it became mainstream in business. 

One thing that stuck with me from her journey was the idea that you don’t have to follow the traditional corporate path to succeed. Instead of waiting for opportunities, I learned to create them. 

That mindset pushed me to launch my first business, which eventually led me to multiple ventures, from fashion to beauty to e-commerce.

2. Reflecting on your journey, can you share an unexpected moment or influence from your early life that shaped the way you approach business and leadership today?

One moment that really shaped my perspective was when I started my first business, Waist Trainer. I had no formal business experience—just a gut feeling.

I took a leap and used Facebook and Instagram marketing before it was as widely understood as it is today. 

The unexpected lesson? The power of social media and direct-to-consumer marketing. 

That experience taught me that success isn’t just about having a great product—it’s about understanding how to position it, create hype, and connect with people. 

That approach has stayed with me in every business I’ve launched since.

3. If you could tell your younger self one thing, what would it be?

I’d tell her: “Trust yourself more and don’t be afraid to fail.” 

Looking back, every risk I took—whether it worked out or not—taught me something valuable. 

Also, it’s fine to start small!! My first goal was to make $300, I unexpectedly did $3.5million that year instead.

Jess Molina

Jess Molina is a storyteller, content creator, and body positivity advocate, using her platform to celebrate authenticity, self-expression, and the power of representation in fashion and media.

1.  Reflecting on your journey, can you share an unexpected moment or influence from your early life that shaped the way you approach business and leadership today?

I would have to say starting a blog at 12 years old! Back in the early days of blogging, before social media was even a thing, I had a Xanga, a Multiply, and a LiveJournal account before moving everything onto Blogspot. Those websites don’t even exist anymore! I have been a blogger for a long time (I’m 33 now!) and quite literally grew up on the internet. I have always thought of my blogs then as an extension of myself — I used it as an online diary. It’s seen me through so many seasons of my life and versions of me.

And the thing is, I still treat my online platforms in the same way. When I first signed on to my awesome agency, they asked me if I had a social media strategy. And I said “oversharing on the internet” and we all laughed, but really, I was serious. Whenever I share anything online, be it an IG post, a personal essay on my Substack, or a TikTok, I still feel like that 12 year old girl who found a sense of belonging on her own little corner of the internet. It’s that passion and love for blogging and expressing myself that developed into storytelling. Even during my decade long corporate career before I started my own business, I would use the same approach of authentic storytelling as a way of creating connection in life and in business.

2.  If you could tell your younger self one thing, what would it be?

Younger me! You don’t know this yet but in 2012 you’re going to join a new social networking platform (before it became social media) called Instagram while at uni. You’ll use it to share blurry and terribly filtered pictures of your day for the next few years. And then you’ll get to know more of yourself the more you share on this platform. Eventually it will be how you support yourself and put food on the table. It will open up a world of possibilities, travel, working with your favourite brands, being a runway model for an underwear brand at fashion week, and connecting with the most incredible community. You’ll find your voice, you’ll doubt yourself, and you’ll keep pushing through anyway. You’ll wear the most incredible outfits and exist as a fat person in fashion and beauty and you won’t really care about how your body looks like because you are so so happy in your own skin. You’ve got big dreams coming true ahead of you and I am sooooo excited for us and I am so proud of you. Thank you for carrying me through so we can make it here! Oops, sorry that’s not one thing. Turns out I have a lot to say to her!

Jude Dobson

Jude Dobson is a bestselling author, producer, and respected TV and radio personality, known for her storytelling, engaging presence, and contribution to New Zealand media.

1. Reflecting on your journey, can you share an unexpected moment or influence from your early life that shaped the way you approach business and leadership today?

My mother’s wise advice. ‘Think of the flip side’ (always clarifies decision making) and ‘this too shall pass’. That can be applied to the shitty times and the golden moments. It makes you realise things move on always. And I have sent that. My mantra is that the only constant in life is change, so we need to go with it as best we can.

2. If you could tell your younger self one thing, what would it be?

My sales manager in pharmaceutical sales in 1989 suggested I take the job in television that I was offered, even though I wasn’t entirely sure it was me. She said it wasn’t that she didn’t want me to stay but that new, scary opportunities with some potential should always be embraced. I took the job (and she said she’d keep mine open for a couple of months in case I changed my mind as a wee back stop). I stayed in media ever since so it was a good jump to make into a completely different industry.

Tess Stockdale

Tess is the founder and owner of Nomu Matcha, a brand dedicated to bringing high-quality, thoughtfully sourced matcha to everyday rituals. With a passion for wellness and a commitment to excellence, she has built Nomu Matcha into a trusted name, inspiring a community to embrace the benefits of this vibrant, antioxidant-rich tea.

1.  Reflecting on your journey, can you share an unexpected moment or influence from your early life that shaped the way you approach business and leadership today?

It came from a manager, early in my career, who told me I took feedback personally. Hard to hear but true; it struck a chord and was such a shift in mindset that I carry now. Business is never personal. It's just business. It's about the work. Put your shoulders back and get on with it.

2. Can you describe a time when an unconventional piece of advice from a mentor (or even a peer) shifted your career trajectory in a way you hadn’t imagined?

"If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room.” How can you grow into your potential if you take comfort in the unchallenged? Feeling unchallenged in a previous role pushed me to start Nomu—and now, I can confidently say, I’m challenged every single day.

Simone Anderson

Simone Anderson is a dynamic content creator, entrepreneur, and business owner known for her authenticity, creativity, and ability to connect with her audience. Through her engaging storytelling and passion for wellness, fashion, and lifestyle, she has built a loyal community while successfully launching and managing her own business ventures.

1. Can you describe a time when an unconventional piece of advice from a mentor (or even a peer) shifted your career trajectory in a way you hadn’t imagined?

Stop waiting for the ‘right time.’ Just start. The perfect moment doesn’t exist, and the longer you wait, the more you’re delaying the life you could be living. You don’t need all the answers, and you don’t have to have everything figured out—you just have to take the first step. Every mistake, every challenge, every time you feel like you’re failing—it’s all leading you somewhere. Keep going, trust yourself, and know that the things that feel impossible now will one day be the very things that make you proud. You are so much more capable than you realise.

2. Reflecting on your journey, can you share an unexpected moment or influence from your early life that shaped the way you approach business and leadership today?

Growing up, I watched both my parents and grandparents work for themselves, building the lives they had always dreamt of. They never worked for someone else—they worked for something of their own, something that gave them the ultimate flexibility and freedom. Without even realising it, that shaped me more than anything.

That independence, that drive to create something meaningful, is exactly what has guided me in my own journey. Whether it’s starting my own businesses, growing my platforms, or finding ways to do what I love while balancing family life, I’ve always been motivated by that same sense of purpose. It’s not just about working hard—it’s about working toward something that truly matters to you.

Judith MacDonald

Jude MacDonald, mother to Papier HQ’s founder Gabby, is a compassionate and resilient woman who has dedicated her life to helping others. As the CEO of Whanganui Regional Primary Health Organisation and with a background in nursing, she has played a vital role in improving community healthcare, advocating for better services, and supporting those in need with unwavering dedication and care.

1. Can you describe a time when an unconventional piece of advice from a mentor (or even a peer) shifted your career trajectory in a way you hadn’t imagined?

A suggestion from my mentor to move my family from our well-established, deeply connected rural community to advance my career seemed utterly ludicrous at the time. In my mind, the disruption to my family just wasn’t worth it.

But how right he was—and how wrong I was! The opportunities, experiences, and broader scope have allowed me to grow professionally, and I’ve never looked back. I needed that push to get out of my comfort zone.

2. If you could tell your younger self one thing, what would it be?

“You are worth it—so go for it.”

I didn’t follow my dreams in the early years because I didn’t believe in myself enough. It took time, and the support of my life partner, to build the confidence I needed to move forward. Once I had that foundation, I took professional risks and truly believed I could succeed.

Growing up in a small community, stepping outside the traditional path wasn’t easy—it came with tension and challenges. But pushing forward with purpose, despite the doubts and expectations, is what ultimately leads to achieving your goals.

Becky Negus

Becky Negus, mum to Papier hq’s marketing assistant Sophie, is a caring and resilient woman who has dedicated her life to helping others, whether through her work as a nurse or by supporting those around her with kindness.

1. Can you describe a time when an unconventional piece of advice from a mentor (or even a peer) shifted your career trajectory in a way you hadn’t imagined?

At school, my parents were told by my teacher I would never make it as a nurse due to not being academic enough. I remember them saying 'prove that teacher wrong, you're more than capable'

I followed my heart and went onto qualifying as a registered nurse, working for 15 years as an intensive care nurse leader in the UK. I was privileged to be involved with patients and their families at the most vulnerable stage of their lives. This shaped my career and is who I am as nurse now.

2. Reflecting on your journey, can you share an unexpected moment or influence from your early life that shaped the way you approach business and leadership today?

As a child I was lucky enough to have a horse who I rode competitively, I also attended pony club camp where we were taught discipline around horse/pony management and learnt to be supportive and respectful to other members of our team. The motto was incorporating loyalty, character and sportsmanship.

I have used these skills throughout my career within the nursing team, to ensure the smooth running of day to day work.