At SARAH & SEBASTIAN, women are at the heart of our leadership, innovation and purpose. In honour of International Women’s Day 2025, we’re shining a light on some of the key voices shaping the brand and leading the charge—from creative direction to retail, craftsmanship, and philanthropy.

Through candid conversations, we explore their experiences, perspectives, challenges, and the impact they’re making, within their teams, for the next generation, and beyond.

AMELIA FINCHER, CEO

What does a typical day look like for you at Sarah & Sebastian?

No one day is the same. I connect with multiple team members daily, as there is always something new happening. My favourite days are when we discuss new products or strategies. I also love visiting our stores to engage with the retail teams.

What unique perspectives do you think women bring to different teams across the company?

Honestly, every person is unique and brings their own perspective. Our team benefits from so many different backgrounds and experiences and 2/3 of our Executive Team are women. Combining this diversity with curiosity and an inquisitive mindset, we manage to move at pace and achieve incredible outcomes. It also helps when everyone in the business feels connected to the brand values, design, and product.

“I try to create an environment where everyone can be and bring their best. If the most junior person in the room feels free to argue for their opinion, you’re probably doing something right.”

What’s one piece of advice that has stayed with you throughout your career?

Navigating how to tackle career and kids can be tricky and everyone seems to have conflicting opinions on what you “should” do, particularly around maternity leave. I was shocked by how many senior male colleagues told me I would never want to come back to work. The best advice I was given was not to listen to anyone else and do what works for you. You’re going to have to make choices, and don’t bother feeling guilty either way, it is a wasted emotion!

How do you approach leadership in a way that supports and uplifts the women around you?

I try to create an environment where everyone can be and bring their best. If the most junior person in the room feels free to argue for their opinion, you’re probably doing something right. I also know that at times women are juggling a lot outside the office, so I try to be as flexible as possible in the knowledge that this doesn’t last forever.

SARAH MUNRO, CO-FOUNDER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR

What does your role as Creative Director at SARAH & Sebastian entail?

I spend a lot of time with our design team, developing new collections and refining our vision from a product perspective. I’m equally involved with our brand, marketing, and digital departments to ensure our storytelling feels cohesive and true to who we are. As our brand's co-founder, I also work closely with our executive team to map out the business strategy, pushing innovation and exploring new ideas. There are some exciting things ahead that we can’t wait to share.

With a strongly female-led design team, what unique perspectives do you think women bring to Sarah & Sebastian’s design ethos?

Jewellery is deeply personal, and I think women bring an intuitive understanding of how it interacts with the body, emotions, and personal storytelling. There’s also a strong sense of collaboration in our team; we constantly push creative boundaries, experiment fiercely, and love to refine our designs so they feel effortless to wear.

“My mother has shaped my approach to both design and creative direction and taught me to stay curious and stay true to my vision."

Is there a powerful female figure in your life who has influenced your perspective on success and ambition?

From a young age, my mother instilled in me a deep appreciation for perseverance and curiosity. As both my biggest supporter and toughest critic, she’s shaped my approach to both design and creative direction—teaching me to stay curious and stay true to my vision.

What impact do you hope to have on the future of women in the jewellery industry?

I’m incredibly proud of the women who make up our team at SARAH & SEBASTIAN. If we can continue to foster an environment where female artisans, designers, and leaders feel empowered to carve their own paths, that would be a legacy worth leaving.

KATE JOSEPH, MARKETING DIRECTOR

What does a typical day look like for you at Sarah & Sebastian?

Every day is an ever-evolving stream of collaboration, new projects, meetings, troubleshooting, ideation and good people.

As a mother, what are your aspirations for the next generation of women in your role or the jewellery industry?

Commit to a rigorous curiosity, drive and reflection. The belief that you can achieve whatever you dream of. Keep it light and have fun doing it.

“As a female, I lean into our innate qualities of honesty, directness, and authenticity. These qualities frame our marketing and storytelling, hopefully creating an inclusive and empowering narrative around fine jewellery.”

What would you say are the most important qualities of a strong female leader?

Maintaining grace, equanimity, resilience, and respect.

How has being a woman in leadership shaped your approach to marketing and storytelling in the jewellery industry?

I have been lucky enough to have worked with a wide variety of businesses and cultures. I am big on collaboration. It brings more ideas, innovation, and a better output. Furthermore, as a female, I lean into our innate qualities of honesty, directness, and authenticity. These qualities frame our marketing and storytelling, hopefully creating an inclusive and empowering narrative around fine jewellery.

FLORENCE DESOT, JEWELLER

What does a typical day look like for you at Sarah & Sebastian?

I bring the designs to life to the best of my ability while also making sure those around me, who I am proud to call my teammates, can perform at their best and feel heard and supported.

Jewellery production has traditionally been a male-dominated industry—what unique perspectives do you think women jewellers bring to the team at Sarah & Sebastian?

It is true that the jewellery production part has traditionally been male-dominated. So seeing hard-working women on the bench is truly inspiring. In my opinion, it creates a nice balance within the team and a space to feel safe mentally.

Prioritising and continuously working towards a great team dynamic is key to achieving high performance and enjoyment within a team, and I like to believe a feminine touch has a part in this!

“Seeing hard-working women on the bench is truly inspiring…working towards a great team dynamic is key to achieving high performance and enjoyment, and I like to believe a feminine touch has a part in this!”

Tell us about a powerful female figure in your life who has shaped you into the woman you are today.

The woman who has had the most influence on me would be my mother. Anything I have achieved so far, a lot of credit goes to her. She showed me what strength and resilience truly is. The ability to keep changing shapes like water, create new paths when trapped with patience, and carve your way through stone when necessary.

How do you see the role of women evolving in jewellery craftsmanship and innovation?

Women often express themselves through fashion and anything that brings out their best features, so jewellery can play a big part in representing many emotions. I think having more women interested, exploring and learning the craftsmanship would only benefit women more as a whole.

PHOEBE YOUNGER, HEAD OF PHILANTHROPY

What does a typical day look like for you at Sarah & Sebastian?

Most people associate philanthropy with financial contributions, but this is just a small part of my role. At Sarah & Sebastian, philanthropy also involves dedicating our time, creative energy, and platforms to a global audience.

Every day is different. I divide my time between producing NOW YOU SEE ME, our ocean conservation film series, collaborating on initiatives like our expedition with the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, and planning how we communicate our philanthropic campaigns digitally and through events. I also engage the SARAH & SEBASTIAN team through beach clean-up efforts and I am constantly in touch with our Xanthe Project partners.

Can you share a project or partnership that has made a meaningful impact on women’s lives?

Our ongoing partnership with Sea Women Of The Great Barrier Reef is an incredible program that equips Indigenous women with essential marine conservation skills, like planning field expeditions and conducting reef surveys. These roles have traditionally been seen as men’s work, so the program provides opportunities for women that may not have been possible otherwise.

The success of the program, and the achievements of the women, have been recognised globally, and we’re proud to be supporting both marine conservation and the empowerment of Indigenous women as community leaders.

“As a business that primarily connects with a female audience, we believe it’s not only our responsibility to actively support causes that impact women positively but also to inspire the women in our community to get involved.”

Can you share an inspiring female leader or changemaker who you’ve encountered through your philanthropic work?

Naomi Longa from the Coral Sea Foundation leads the Sea Women program across Melanesia and the Great Barrier Reef, collaborating closely with local communities, especially women, to design and implement Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMAs) that support the recovery of coral reefs.

Naomi is an amazing leader whose work not only restores vital ecosystems but also empowers the communities she works with. Recently, she received a prestigious Whitley Award in London to further her mission, and it’s truly inspiring to witness her continued impact.

Why do you think it’s important for businesses to actively drive philanthropy and support women-led initiatives, and in what ways is Sarah & Sebastian leading the charge?

Women and girls are disproportionately affected by so many issues including climate change, violence and inequality in society and the workplace. As a business that primarily connects with a female audience, we believe it’s not only our responsibility to actively support causes that impact women positively but also to inspire the women in our community to get involved.

We partner with organisations that are making a difference, like the Australian Marine Conservation Society, working to protect our oceans from industrialisation and climate change, the Sea Women of the Great Barrier Reef, leading Indigenous female ocean stewardship, Take 3 For The Sea, promoting a cleaner, safer environment, and Ocean Impact Organization, which supports some amazing women-led environmental startups.

Is there a female figure in your life who has shaped your perspective on giving back and making an impact?

My mother’s giving spirit showed me how one person can make a positive impact on our world and inspire others to do the same. From a young age, I would see her clean up rubbish on our rural road, shop mostly secondhand, pay for strangers’ coffees just to make their day, and treat those having a hard time with love and empathy.

ANGIE GUO, RETAIL OPERATIONS MANAGER

What does a typical day look like for you at Sarah & Sebastian? 

My day starts with warm greetings to the team before diving into my top priorities! Throughout the day, I focus on project management, retail support, and addressing any ad hoc operational challenges that arise.

Tell us about one of your proudest moments or achievements, personally or professionally.

 For me, success isn’t defined by a single moment of recognition. It’s the small victories that fuel my motivation—the quiet joy of checking tasks off my list and the sense of progress they bring. I deeply value the learning and reflection that come with every challenge, big or small.

Completing a project or task with my full effort is what I consider a truly rewarding moment. Rather than one defining achievement, I take pride in the continuous journey of growth, knowing that each small step helps me become a better version of myself!

“Leadership, teamwork, and respect are built on leading by example! Whether it’s taking on challenges, putting in effort, or upholding standards, I strive to hold myself accountable first.”

What words of wisdom do you live by?

One of the guiding principles I live by is to avoid expecting or asking others to do something that I can't do myself. I believe that leadership, teamwork, and respect are built on leading by example! Whether it’s taking on challenges, putting in effort, or upholding standards, I strive to hold myself accountable first.

What has been the most rewarding part of working behind the scenes in retail operations, and how does it impact the customer experience?

I like to describe retail as a well-oiled machine, where sales and customer interactions are the heart and soul, the part everyone sees and connects with. But behind the scenes, operations are the mechanics, ensuring everything runs smoothly.

The most rewarding part is how retail operations directly influence every aspect of retail, from team efficiency and productivity to shop fit-outs and aesthetics to the overall customer experience. It’s fulfilling knowing that this role impacts not just the daily operations, but also the long-term success of the business, ensuring that every detail contributes to a positive experience for both the team and customers.

EMILY SMITH, PIERCER & ARMDALE STORE MANAGER

What does a typical day look like for you at Sarah & Sebastian?

My days usually start with a store and lab walk-through, housekeeping and pre-screening the day's appointments.  Aside from morning tasks, my days can look quite different. As a piercer I often wear many hats, and can spend my time styling on the floor, assisting the retail team with size-appropriate pieces for their clients, checking in with clients post-piercing, or adorning some ears during a piercing appointment.

With the introduction of the Ear Alchemy Ear Spa service, I get to create a calm and safe environment to check in with existing piercing clients and bring their pieces back to life through a deep cleaning process of their jewellery and ears.

Tell us about one of your proudest moments or achievements, personally or professionally.

One of my proudest achievements was having a client, Julia, reach out to be pierced by me for a very special anniversary gift from her husband. This was extra special because while Julia lives in Queensland, she decided that she wanted me to be her piercer after researching our Ear Alchemy service and Google reviews, as well as visiting many stores across NSW and QLD.

She made the journey down with her husband to Armadale to have her Daith pierced specifically by me. She was so grateful, and I was so proud that she put her faith and trust in me to host her, as well as the time and money spent making the trip interstate for this special occasion. 

“I see jewellery as empowering as it does not discriminate—jewellery will flatter all bodies, skin tones and personal styles, yet create an individual look on each person, and hold meaning and energy specific to the wearer.”

How do you see jewellery as a form of self-expression and empowerment for women?

Jewellery is a form of self-expression; it’s versatile and durable, and we often attach meaning to pieces. It can represent important milestones or loved ones, or simply be used to elevate your style, either as the hero of an outfit or a subtle compliment. 

I see jewellery as empowering as it does not discriminate—jewellery will flatter all bodies, skin tones and personal styles, yet create an individual look on each person, and hold meaning and energy specific to the wearer.

How do you create a space where women feel valued and confident in their jewellery choices?

I hold and create space for women to feel valued and confident by working collaboratively with them to achieve their desired looks. I guide them to choose pieces they feel aligns with their personal style, and then come in and find a placement on the ear that will suit their anatomy.

Whether they are after a minimalist or a maximalist result, I will work with them to achieve this during their piercing or Ear Alchemy appointment, allowing them to be heard while ensuring the service is conducted safely and works with their lifestyle.