The Journal.

Stories, Notations, Discoveries.

International Women's Day Inspirations

It’s a near impossible task to name all the women who inspire me but for International Women’s Day I wanted to highlight just a few. Three extraordinary women who have navigated and changed the landscape of their perspective fields.


Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart literally changed and influenced how so many of us think about our homes. She has been a household name for over half a century and from her publishing empire to TV to licencing she has literally changed the culture. From creating a global brand to facing some tough challenges her message has remained the same 50 years on.Building a beautiful home is empowering, fulfilling and enriching. 

Image courtesy of marthastewart.com
Image courtesy of Martha Stewart on Instagram


She has inspired so many (me included) and her fingerprints are all over Goop, Megan Markle’s new show, the Kardashian versions and countless others. Whether you gravitate to Martha’s style on not her influence is undeniable. Her mindful approach to interiors (looking at spaces not just functionally but aesthetically) creating a home environment that nurtures and sets the foundation for a happy healthy life is one I so support. Always wanting to elevate and inspire there is no one quite like her.


Donna Hay

An Australian food writer and cookbook author Donna has changed how so many of us think about food. She became a global name and brand through her work as a food writer, stylist and TV personality.

Image courtesy of The Doctors Kitchen
Image courtesy of donnahay.com


With cookbooks that have sold millions, tableware and kitchen ranges and her eponymous magazine she literally altered and inspired so many of us from how food was photographed and presented to super-fast shortcuts in creating the most delicious recipes. Fresh healthy ingrediants, artfully styled, easy to put together with a fantastic combo of flavours have set a global standard. Looking at food as both medicine and art her recipes are in constant rotation in chez AA.


Jenna Lyons

Famously dubbed the woman who dressed America Jenna Lyons is best known for her role as President of J Crew. She worked for three decades dressing women from all walks of life from Michelle Obama to fashionistas and was the creative force of the brands rise from a struggling catalogue chain to a coveted fashion brand. Since leaving J Crew, Lyons the fashion icon and entrepreneur is involved in various projects including TV.

Image courtesy of Jenna Lyons Instagram
Image courtesy of Jenna Lyons Instagram


Her unique approach to getting dressed from wearing sequins during the day and denim during the evening, incorporating casual wear and making it feel polished and eclectic her carefully considered mixes are super inspiring. She has encountered quite a few hurdles along the way. Over six feet tall with incontinentia pigmenti thrown in she faced a bruising on coming out, received much of the blame when J Crew struggled and was all at sea when she left. Yet she pivoted, launch businesses (LoveSeen lashes) and continues to inspire.


My Team

I'm proud to say we're a predominantly female team here at AA. From my sister Gem who is a vital cog in this bonkers biz wheel to my store team and office team. They all bring so much to this business everyday, going over and above and providing unwavering support. I couldn't do it without them, big shout out to my girls - I love you xxx


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