Let’s go girls!
International Women’s Day is an opportunity for us all to celebrate and show appreciation to the amazing women in our lives. At Orion Creative, it’s a day to recognise the significant contributions our three amazing women make to our business on a daily basis.
Jasmine Ng, Lauren Grenier and Angie Xu. They make up the entirety of our graphic design department. They are at the centre of every one of our client projects. They are our Photoshop and InDesign experts, our photographers and our videographers.
They are our idea generators, our design architects and our creative direction. They are a huge reason as to why so many clients we work with for the first time return to us again and again: because they know our graphic designers are going to make them look good. Damn good.
But these are just their roles from 9 to 5, Monday to Friday. 40 hours a week out of a possible 168. The outstanding work they do for our business makes up just a small portion of who they really are. Out of the office, they are mothers, daughters, sisters, wives, partners, carers and the sunshine in the lives of their family, friends and loved ones. Above all, they are women.
To recognise the achievements of our three strong, talented and beautiful women and the impact they make on both our business and the people around them, we asked them each a few questions on what International Women’s Day means to them, as well as other pertinent questions about the wonderful world of womanhood.
Jasmine Ng
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
For me, this day means girl power! *fist pump in the air* It’s all about celebrating women’s history and how far equality has come, to uniting with women to make meaningful change in the world.
What’s the best part about being a woman?
We have the ability to split between being the loving, caring and supporting woman at home and being resilient and thriving at work. We also have the ability to multitask!
What women-related myths need to be broken?
That women are ‘naturally’ better at tasks related to housework and childcare.
What can men do to contribute more to help empower women?
Support girls and women in taking the lead!
Lauren Grenier
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
It’s a great reminder to take a moment out of our busy lives to appreciate the efforts of women who have made our current way of life possible.
What’s the best part about being a woman?
Before becoming a mum, I would probably flippantly answer something about how my husband will open any jar for me with no questions asked. Now, having grown and birthed a baby, my favourite thing would be how that experience has put me more in tune with nature and life in general.
What women-related myths need to be broken?
That a person’s sex has any bearing on their ability to drive.
What can men do to contribute more to help empower women?
Not necessarily just men, I think humans need to support one another more where it’s needed. More support could make the difference between more strength, confidence and opportunities – all empowering things.
Angie Xu
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
It’s about celebrating women – who we are and what we can achieve. It’s also a reminder to show gratitude and empathy, and to uphold the women in our lives. So treat the special women in your life!
What’s the best part about being a woman?
Hmm, it’s hard to tease out what, specifically, is the best part about being a woman. In a very obvious way, I do love being a mother to two girls. Though it’s keeping them alive and reasonably decent human beings that needs a village!
What women-related myths need to be broken?
That being equal means being identical. I think the way to approach equality is by respectful listening and being curious about the different priorities and the ways women think; before assuming and jumping to conclusions.
What can men do to contribute more to help empower women?
Everyone can contribute to the respect and wellbeing of women. Be kind and decent! Have empathy and curiosity for different perspectives. You can’t always get it right, but listening and a willingness to help goes a long way. On a wider scale, consider supporting companies who pay fair wages, small businesses run by women and charities who champion education and wellbeing for women and children.