Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery recently hosted a Champagne High Tea to celebrate International Women’s Day, featuring a panel of Women Inspiring Women.
Macadamias Australia and Farmfresh Fine Foods director Jenelle Gerry, Cha Cha Chocolate owner Melanice Jacobsen and Bulley Bulley co-director Kiara Bulley shared their success stories with the ladies surrounded by the stunning National Photographic Portrait Prize currently on display.
The sold out Women Inspiring Women champagne high tea was served on the Gallery’s vintage crockery and was all about celebrating and inspiring women.
Gallery director Rebecca Maclean said the three guest speakers were invited to share their passion for incorporating business and arts in the Bundaberg Region.
“It’s important for the gallery to recognise International Women’s Day as this year we have a particular focus on strong women through the arts,” she said.
“The afternoon is being held in the gallery space where attendees will be surrounded by the National Photographic Portrait Prize 2020 from the National Portrait Gallery.
“This exhibition showcases some really strong female artist and artwork.”
Abundance of strong women in the region
Taking in the photography work, Susan Jacobsen said there was an abundance of strong women in the Bundaberg Region and it was nice to celebrate this by coming together on International Women’s Day.
Susan said being a mother and grandmother of aspirational women was a tough job, but the pride that followed their achievements was worth every effort.
“It’s hard, its really hard raising determined females,” she said.
“For instance, I come up with ideas and then you realise they come up with their own ideas.
“Melanice has just blossomed on her own, she is doing what she loves and that’s the secret to being a creative person and succeeding.”
Susan said along with Melanice, her daughter Tara and granddaughter Lili were all successful in their own right.
“You put them all together and they are all fearsome – there is this energy,” Susan said.
“It’s this creative energy that flows through us.”
Melanice said it was an honour to be part of the Women Inspiring Women panel.
She said it was her first time speaking in front of other women and hoped her words inspired the audience.
“What International Women’s Day means to me is to surround yourself with the same like-minded women,” Melanice said.
“Women recharge women, so I think what it means to me is to take a look at the women who have inspired us through our lives and continue to look to them into the future.
“It can be pretty powerful – the most inspirational woman in my life is my mum.”
Owner of fashion brand Bulley Bulley, Kiara Bulley, said she was excited to be in the region to celebrate International Women’s Day and hoped to inspire other young businesswomen.
Kiara said she had a fascination with fashion and wearing stories and history which she showcased through textiles and the design processes of her brand.
She said she was involved in mentoring other young women to follow their passion, no matter how daunting.
“I want to encourage them to pursue what they are passionate about,” Kiara said.
“You don’t have to take big risks to jump into business, they can be little risks that propel you forward.
“Taking that first step, or risk, can be monumental and it doesn’t have to be big at all.”
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