At New Zealand Natural Clothing, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and dedication of women in business every day. But International Women’s Day gives us a special opportunity to pause, reflect, and acknowledge the incredible women who shape our team and community.

To mark the occasion, we sat down with two key leaders in our business—Julie (CFO/Director) and Caitlin (Marketing Manager), a mother-daughter duo—to discuss what this day means to them, the lessons they’ve learnt from working together, and their advice for women looking to build a legacy.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you, both personally and in your role at New Zealand Natural Clothing?

💬 Julie: Can I answer that question with a question? Do we get a day off? Joking!

International Women’s Day is a chance to celebrate women in business—both in leadership and support roles. It’s something I strive to do every day, but having a dedicated day ensures we take a moment to recognise and appreciate the impact of women in the workplace.

It’s a lot like Valentine’s Day—you show love to your partner every day, but it never hurts to receive flowers and chocolates. International Women’s Day is no different—it’s a reminder to acknowledge and celebrate the incredible women around us.

💬 Caitlin: For me, it’s a time to reflect on the amazing women who have touched my life—friends, family, and workmates alike. These are the people who uplift me, support me through tough times, keep me grounded, and help me be the best version of myself.

As a mother-daughter duo, how has working together shaped your perspective on leadership and teamwork?

💬 Julie: Throughout the years, we have had each of our 5 shared children work within the business, which has been amazing.

When the pandemic hit Caitlin returned home to New Zealand from Australia and took up a part time role with us here. This has developed into a full time role, which i am VERY glad about. Caitlin knows me so well that she brings a perspective others might not have, which helps create balance in decision-making. “It’s a precious opportunity I never thought I was going to get.”

💬 Caitlin: From the age of 12, I watched my mum take on the challenge of being a business owner. As a teen, I worked in our local retail store in Ōtaki, never imagining that one day I’d be working alongside her, running the marketing department.

Watching her lead a team has been an incredible learning experience. She’s level-headed and has such an analytical brain. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learnt from her is the importance of communication—if something isn’t passed on correctly, the entire cycle can break down. And when you’re shipping orders internationally, mistakes can be both costly and time-consuming!

Can you share a moment when the support of the women in your team made a real difference in your work?

💬 Julie: Field Days! Those events push us beyond our daily routines, and that’s when teamwork really shines. Just knowing you have the support of a trusted team member is invaluable. “It’s when the going gets tough that you realise how much you rely on your team. That support, that empathy—it makes all the difference.”

💬 Caitlin: A recent moment stands out—one of our Norsewood store team members shared a picture of her socks while heading out for a hike in our team group chat. She encouraged me to use it for marketing material (which is a dream—real-life content is gold!). It sparked a wave of ideas from the team, and seeing that collective creativity come together was really cool.

What advice would you give to women looking to build a legacy—whether in business, family, or their own personal journey?

💬 Julie: Make sure the business you’re in aligns with your heart. Because it will take everything. You’ll be putting so much into it, so it needs to match your values and drive.

💬 Caitlin: You don’t have to have it all figured out by 30. I used to set huge goals—X amount of income, a certain job title, investment properties, kids—thinking I had to achieve it all by a certain age. Now at 33, I’ve ticked off some of those goals, while others are still works in progress, and that’s OK! Take the pressure off and enjoy the journey.

Final Thoughts

International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate the women who inspire, uplift, and lead—whether in business, family, or personal life. At New Zealand Natural Clothing, we’re proud to be part of a community that values strength, support, and authenticity.

To all the incredible women in our lives—thank you. Today, and every day, we celebrate you.