Meet our inspiring member Geetha, Mrs Australia 1st Runner-Up and founder of Mermaid Cosmetics (https://mermaidcosmetics.com.au) – a holistic, minimalistic skincare brand born in Sydney with a purpose beyond beauty. Built on authenticity, compassion, and conscious care, Mermaid Cosmetics offers simple, honest, and empowering skincare crafted with natural, effective ingredients, proudly 100% Australian made, cruelty-free, and free from harsh chemicals. What sets it apart is its heart – a portion of every product supports children’s mental health initiatives, a cause close to Geetha. For her, Mermaid Cosmetics is more than skincare; it’s a legacy of strength, self-love, and healing, turning self-care into shared care.

We recently enjoyed interviewing her.

Q. Your journey from Mrs Australia 1st Runner-Up to founder of Mermaid Cosmetics is inspiring. What moment or experience sparked the idea of creating your own skincare brand?

A. Thank you! The idea for Mermaid Cosmetics was born out of my own healing journey. After struggling with my self-worth for many years. I began to realise how deeply our inner wounds can affect how we treat ourselves, including how we care for our skin. I wanted to create a brand that wasn’t just about looking beautiful, but about feeling worthy of self-care and self-love. I want to help other women experience this too. That’s when Mermaid Cosmetics was born, not as a product, but as a purpose.

Q. Mermaid Cosmetics is built on values like authenticity, compassion, and conscious care. How did your personal values and life experiences shape the brand’s mission and identity?

A. Everything about Mermaid Cosmetics is deeply personal. Through years of healing, I’ve come to understand the power of self-love. This brand reflects that growth. We’re not here to promise perfection, we’re here to nurture real skin, real stories, and real women. I built this brand on compassion because that’s what saved me, and on conscious care because we deserve products that are as gentle and honest as we wish the world had been to us.

Q. You’ve chosen to support children’s mental health through your brand. Why is this cause so close to your heart, and how do you envision Mermaid Cosmetics making an impact in this space?

A. This cause is incredibly close to my heart. Emotional neglect and trauma can leave lifelong scars, but I believe that with early support and awareness, we can break that cycle. Through Mermaid Cosmetics, I want to raise awareness, create conversations, and ultimately have initiatives that help children feel safe, seen, and supported. A 10% of every sale profit goes toward supporting programs focused on children’s mental health and abuse prevention initiatives because healing shouldn’t have to wait until adulthood.

Q. With so many skincare brands on the market, what makes Mermaid Cosmetics stand out, not just in terms of ingredients, but in philosophy and purpose?

A. Mermaid Cosmetics is not just another beauty brand, it’s a healing space that promotes self-love. While we use Premium, 100% Australian-made, 100% cruelty-free ingredients that actually work, what truly sets us apart is our soul. We don’t chase trends, we focus on intentional, minimalist skincare that nurtures your skin. Our philosophy is rooted in self-love, emotional resilience, and empowerment. When someone uses our products, I want them to feel seen, valued, and beautiful not just on the outside, but deep within.

Q. As a woman balancing entrepreneurship, advocacy, and a public role as a beauty queen, what advice would you give to other women looking to pursue their passions with heart and courage?

A. Follow your heart! Start with your heart and let the rest follow. There will be moments of fear, doubt, and exhaustion but if your mission is bigger than your fear, you’ll keep moving. Trust your voice. Surround yourself with people who believe in your vision, even when it’s just a seed. You can be powerful and gentle at the same time. That’s the true essence of Mermaid Cosmetics.

Meet Nicole Voyatzis, founder of Nicole & Baby (https://nicoleandbaby.com), a luxury pet boutique in Sydney. 

“My brand is all about blending high fashion with functional design for pets — from couture-inspired clothing to innovative, anxiety-calming wear — offering exclusive pieces you won’t find anywhere else. Since launching in late 2022, Nicole & Baby has been featured in British Vogue three times and has partnered with leading animal welfare organisations like the RSPCA to help care for abandoned, neglected, and injured animals.

Alongside our boutique, we also host a regular pop-up shop in Double Bay with Fido & Fido, where we run community events that bring together dog lovers, local businesses, and charity partners. This December, I’m hosting the Double Bay Dog Christmas Festival in collaboration with Woollahra Council — a high-energy, glamorous yet community-focused day featuring pet runway shows, VIP experiences, live music, and more, all in support of RSPCA NSW.

My mission is to create beautiful, solution-based pet fashion that not only makes pets look incredible but also deepens the connection between pets and their owners.” – Nicole. 

We enjoyed interviewing her recently.

Q. What inspired you to blend high fashion with functional design for pets, and how did that vision evolve into Nicole & Baby?

A. The inspiration came from two great loves — my dogs and my lifelong passion for beautiful design. I’ve always believed pets deserve the same level of craftsmanship, comfort, and style that we expect for ourselves. I saw a gap: pet fashion was either functional but plain, or stylish but impractical. I wanted both. That’s how Nicole & Baby was born — a brand where every piece is runway-worthy yet solves real needs, from weather protection to calming anxiety.

Now, that vision is coming to life in a whole new way with the very first Double Bay’s Festive Fashion Pawrade, l on Saturday, December 7, in collaboration with Woollahra Council. It’s going to be a day of couture dog runway shows, festive activities, and VIP experiences — and I’d love for every pet lover, fashion enthusiast, and local family to join us. Bring your dog, dress to impress, and be part of a moment that’s set to become a new Double Bay tradition.

Q. Nicole & Baby has been featured in British Vogue three times. How did those opportunities come about, and what impact did they have on your brand’s growth?

A. The British Vogue features were beyond a dream — and the most incredible part is they reached out to me after discovering Nicole & Baby on social media. They loved the way we merged high fashion with practical petwear, and that recognition put us on the map internationally. The response was phenomenal, with customers from around the world discovering us.
Now, with our first-ever Double Bay’s Festive Fashion Pawrade on December 7, I’m bringing that same high-fashion glamour off the pages of Vogue and into real life — right in the heart of Double Bay. If you’ve ever wanted to experience luxury pet fashion up close, see a designer dog runway, and shop exclusive collections, this is your chance. Mark your calendar and join us for an unforgettable day.

Q. Your anxiety-calming wear is both stylish and solution-oriented. Can you share the design process behind these pieces and the feedback you’ve received from pet owners?

A. This collection came from a personal need — my own dogs, especially Ralphie, get anxious during storms, travel, or loud events. I wanted something beautiful that could also help them feel safe. After months of designing, we created garments that use gentle, hug-like pressure and include a discreet lavender pouch for extra calming benefits. Pet owners have told us their dogs are calmer, more relaxed, and even happier wearing them.

Q. You’ve partnered with the RSPCA and are launching events like the Double Bay Dog Christmas Festival. How do you balance creating a luxury brand with fostering community and supporting animal welfare?

A. For me, luxury isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about the values and the impact you make. Partnering with the RSPCA felt natural because animal welfare is at the heart of Nicole & Baby. The Double Bay’s Festive Fashion Pawrade, debuting on December 7 in collaboration with Woollahra Council, is a perfect example of that balance.

It’s a glamorous, high-fashion day that also raises vital funds for abandoned, neglected, and surrendered animals. I want everyone who attends to leave feeling inspired — knowing they’ve been part of something beautiful that also changes lives. Whether you’re a pet owner, a fashion lover, or someone who just wants to support a good cause, you’re warmly invited to join us.

Q. Where do you see the future of high-end pet fashion heading, and what exciting projects or innovations are you working on next?

A. I see pet fashion moving toward designs that don’t just look good, but actively improve pets’ lives — from anxiety-reducing clothing to climate-responsive fabrics. For Nicole & Baby, the next step is expanding our anti-anxiety range, experimenting with sustainable luxury materials, and creating couture pieces worthy of the world’s top fashion runways. The Double Bay Dog Christmas Festival on December 7will be the launchpad for many of these innovations. It’s our biggest stage yet, and the perfect opportunity for you to see — and shop — what’s next in luxury pet fashion. If you love dogs, design, or just being part of something new and exciting, you won’t want to miss it.

Nicole and Baby Luxury Pet Boutique

+61 450 126 791

contact@nicoleandbaby.com

www.nicoleandbaby.com

Purpose! What is your Purpose? How many times I have heard this asked. How many times have I asked myself what my purpose is? 

• Why am I here? 
• What am I here to do? 
• Who am I here to be? 

Have you asked yourself this? I am sure you have. Did you come up with an answer? Did you come up with what your purpose is? I truly hope you did and that you are living and loving what your purpose is and being that in the world. If you haven’t come up with an answer, this is ok. I know I haven’t really come up with an answer. Sometimes I think I have and then nope, it’s not that. Is our purpose even tangible? Is it an actual thing we do, or teach, or share or what else? It could be doing and being who you are right now? 

I’ve been asking this question of myself for as long as I can remember and I am still asking. In discussions with people when this question has been asked there has been varied responses like; we are here to be happy, to experience all that life has to offer, to teach, to share our gift (if we even know what that is), to make this world a better place or to evolve spiritually. I’m sure there are many other reasons as to what our purpose is and why we are here. Is our purpose different from others or is there a fundamental underlying purpose that is the same for us all?  Is it to all evolve spiritually to create a better life for all? What does that even look like?

I find it interesting when connecting with the energy of purpose and what that could be. For me it feels like whatever the purpose is, that it is just beyond the reach of my current awareness. Just sitting there on the sidelines waiting for me to connect and allow it in. I have had many experiences in life, shared lots with people who have come into my world and I can see the change that has taken place for them and me from this interaction. Am I already being and living my purpose?

Is this my purpose? To open up possibilities for people to look deeper within and connect to themselves to choose more, to choose differently? Possibly. How does this look? Am I making it more complex than is needed? Possibly. 

Where have you done this in your life? Where have you questioned your purpose in life? Is what you are doing right now your purpose? Does it bring you joy? Does it give you energy and light? Do you wake up and feel a deep inner contentment of gratitude for you and your purpose? Are you one with your purpose or is it outside of you? 

• What if our purpose was to create more connection and kindness in the world? This starts with you. Where are you being this?
• What if our purpose was to gain a deeper understanding and knowing of who we are?
• What if our purpose was to do the job we are doing that creates a better world or makes life easier for another?
• What if our purpose was ? You fill in this. 

What I do know is that each one of us has a gift to offer. A purpose if you like for being here in the world right now. It could be in the smile you give another that can change their day, a kind word, taking action towards achieving a goal, anything.  Any of this can be our purpose. I guess it’s all about our perception of what purpose is and how significant we wish to make it? 

Live your best life. Make choices that feel good for you. You get to choose how to live your life. 

Author: Jacqueline Koloski

(https://www.connectingwithjacqueline.com/)

Meet Sukruti Narayanan, a visionary STEM advocate, journalist, and educator who co-founded the Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Foundation (RAIF) in 2012 to democratise access to emerging technologies in India. As President, she led national outreach initiatives that reached over 500,000 students across 23 cities, with a special focus on underprivileged communities. Her efforts in STEM education and gender inclusion earned her the Young Visionary Award by PRCI and a spot among India’s Top 10 Women Technologists by TechStory. Now based in Australia, she continues her mission through RAISE ME, a nonprofit empowering young minds through Robotics, AI, STEM, Entrepreneurship, and Media.

Suk serves as Global Head of Partnerships for Mission ShakthiSAT – an all-female-led lunar space mission involving 108 countries and 12,000 girls – and as Head of Social Media for the UN-endorsed World Space Week Organisation. She is also an active journalist with Desi Australia, Hustler Journalist, Space Kidz Times, and PreSense, and an advisor to the Digital Journalists Association of India (DiJAI). A proponent of constructive journalism, she presented a paper on science communication at the GloCal Butterfly Exhibition in Finland. Sukruti is also the author of Excuses to Empowerment and Mentor Code, and her work continues to bridge gaps in education, equity, and ethics across technology and media.

Here is an interview with her:

1. You began democratising access to robotics and AI education in India over a decade ago. What inspired you to take on such a visionary mission at a time when these fields were still in their infancy?

As an Electrical & Electronics Engineer, I was often the only girl in rooms full of boys, coding robots and integrating embedded systems while still in college. With IT giants hiring en masse, core engineering talent was overlooked, pushing me to take a different path.

I co-founded RAIF, a tech NGO that brought robotics and AI education to over 500,000 students across 23 Indian cities,making me earn the Young Visionary Award and recognition as one of India’s Top 10 Women Technologists in 2015 by Tech in Asia. Inspired by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam’s belief that “all children are equally curious, regardless of their background,” I launched RAISE ME in Australia to empower youth in Robotics, AI, Science, Entrepreneurship, and Media, and later founded Thrive X, helping teens explore future-ready careers.

2. Through RAIF, RAISE ME and Mission ShakthiSAT, you’ve empowered hundreds of thousands of young girls across the globe. You are also a certified NLP practitioner. What keeps you going?

Everyone is born with a purpose, but discovering it requires exposure, emotional growth, and grounding. If we can offer young people broad experiences early in life, we help them find their path faster and make a meaningful impact.

As Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam said, “No one is useless, people are only used less.”

Being raised by inspiring mentors, I feel a deep responsibility to guide the next generation – academically, spiritually, and in helping them realise their limitless potential.

3. You wear many hats, from leading global space missions to advocating for constructive journalism. How do you balance your passion for science education with your commitment to ethical storytelling in media?

Waking up to a flood of negativity on social media is more than exhausting, it chips away at confidence and hope. After over a decade in media, I’m committed to shifting the narrative: amplifying everyday voices, celebrating unsung contributions, and bringing dignity back to storytelling. Mainstream outlets often overlook the stories that truly matter. And in covering breakthroughs in AI, space tech, and STEM, I’ve seen firsthand, especially through Mission ShakthiSAT, how urgently science journalism needs a transformation.

This inspired me to launch Hustler Journalist, a platform for constructive, science-focused journalism that informs with accuracy, uplifts with purpose, and aligns with my PhD journey to reshape how we report the future.

4. The ShakthiSAT mission is historic, especially in terms of female participation in space science. What challenges did you face in building partnerships across 108 countries, and how did you overcome them?

The journey has been filled with challenges but each one has fuelled immense growth and purpose.

From identifying and onboarding country Ambassadors to enabling them to reach 108 girls in their nations, and leading global outreach audits while engaging journalists worldwide, this mission has tested and shaped every facet of my leadership.

As both the Australian Ambassador and a key player in Mission ShakthiSAT’s global operations, I’ve gained firsthand insight into micro and macro outreach, navigating cultural, digital, and operational complexities.

I’m deeply grateful to Dr. Srimathy Kesan, whose visionary leadership has empowered me and thousands more. Together, we are building a legacy.

Key milestones that continue to inspire and challenge me:

• 9,000+ students from 108 countries are now learning through the Mission ShakthiSAT LMS.

• In many regions, internet access remains a luxury, and relentless efforts by Dr. Kesan have brought connectivity to underserved girls—turning hope into access.

• I now serve as the Global Social Media Manager for the UN-endorsed World Space Week Organisation, driving space awareness across 90+ nations.

• My academic paper on science journalism and constructive media was selected for presentation at the GloCal Butterfly Conference in Finland, where I proposed new global frameworks for reporting on space, education, and public policy.

• Honoured to be appointed Australia Country Chair for Space Technology & Aviation with G100 | Mission Million—a global network for women leaders.

This mission has not only advanced my professional path but also deepened my commitment to global equity, access, and innovation in space education.

5. Your books, “Excuses to Empowerment” and “Mentor Code,” reflect your focus on transformation and leadership. What key messages do you hope young readers and future leaders take away from them?

I cant thank my mentor – Shri Srinivasan sir enough for making me author both the books. Both these books have been a great reflection of my journey and I have had tremendous joy in writing this as I relive all the incidents that feel so fresh. I have to mention how my mentor took the extra step of having my book “Mentor Code” launched by the Parliamentary Affairs Minister of India – Shri Kiren Rijuji.

I encourage the young readers to keep reading more and more. Nothing can impart wisdom more than a book. And each time you read the same book multiple times, you will have a very different understanding out of it. 

“What you see in the social media is the people’s version of the book. So for you to understand what a book is trying to say, you need to experience it yourself. So keep reading and keep growing!”

You connect with Suk on Linkedin – https://www.linkedin.com/in/suknarayanan/

In a world that celebrates success and perfection, we often overlook one of the most powerful forces behind personal and professional growth – making mistakes. The idea that “the most valuable thing you can make is a mistake” challenges the perfection-driven culture that tells us failure is something to fear. In reality, mistakes are the foundation of learning, creativity, and transformation. They force us to slow down, reevaluate, and dig deeper into our understanding. Every mistake holds within it the potential for clarity, insight, and innovation.

Perfection, by contrast, is static. It offers the illusion of control but limits the opportunity to grow. When things go perfectly, we often glide over the surface, missing the deeper lessons. It is only when we fall short, when things don’t go according to plan, that we are truly invited to evolve. Mistakes demand resilience, humility, and adaptability, all essential traits for success in life and business. They teach us what doesn’t work so we can uncover what does. They sharpen our instincts, broaden our perspectives, and develop our problem-solving skills in ways no textbook or theory ever could.

Throughout history, some of the greatest inventions, breakthroughs, and works of art were born out of errors and failed attempts. From Thomas Edison’s many trials before inventing the lightbulb to accidental scientific discoveries like penicillin, mistakes have consistently paved the way for progress. Yet, in our day-to-day lives, we often strive to avoid them at all costs, forgetting that each setback is a stepping stone to something greater.

When we shift our mindset to view mistakes not as defeats, but as data (feedback from the universe), we unlock our potential to grow without fear. We stop hiding behind perfection and start showing up authentically, ready to learn. The truth is, you can’t learn anything from being perfect. Perfection may look good on the outside, but it’s in the raw, unfiltered experience of failing and rising again that real wisdom is born. So, the next time you make a mistake, don’t regret it, respect it. It’s a sign that you’re trying, growing, and becoming more of who you’re meant to be.

Weaving Rituals into the Fabric of Our Lives

By Jacqueline Koloski

How present are you being as you go about your day? Are you awake and aware of what you are doing or are you functioning from habit? What if you elevated your everyday actions into an intentional ritual? 

Life is busy, full and many of us do not take the time to connect with ourselves, or stop and look at what it is we are really doing in our lives. We do not take the time to slow down and be present in all that we do. Many of us have created habits for ourselves and we live our lives functioning from this space. We function with a lack of being present  and being aware of what we are doing. Habits allow us to not use up brain space as I like to call it. Our habits are what we have repeated over and over again to the point that we no longer think or sometimes even remember what we have done as it’s so habitual. The repetitiveness of a habit becomes such a part of who we are that we stop being present in our own lives. Like when you get up in the morning you have a routine. You do the same thing every morning without any conscious thought, you get out of bed, go to the bathroom, make a coffee, scroll on social media and before you know it time has gone by and you need to get ready for the day. In that moment you haven’t been present with yourself or possibly not even present with anyone around you. You function from autopilot, from habitual unconscious actions. There is very little conscious thought put into it. Often we don’t even remember doing the habit, it is so automatic. Is this really how you want to live your life? 

Rituals are done with purpose, with conscious choice and deliberate action. When we consciously perform a ritual it can provide us with clarity, purpose and mindfulness of what is going on for us. Rituals offer us a chance to become very present in that moment, assist in creating energetic shifts, healing, renewing our connection to self and having a deeper connection within to hear our own guidance. They require us to consciously make time and prepare for them. You can make anything in your life a ritual. It’s about being present and consciously aware of what you are doing. You could make having a shower everyday into a ritual. When taking a shower, be present with yourself and your body. Allow yourself to feel the water on your body, the joy of washing your hair and be intentional with what you are doing. This tells our bodies that we love and care for it. We appreciate all it does for us.

When doing a ritual there is an energy that weaves its way into the fabric of our lives. They create a foundation from which we can build our lives. To be present in all we do, to be mindful of our thoughts, feelings and actions, in how we live and interact with ourselves and others. They bring us back to ourselves and ask us to know who we are and what we are about. They offer us the gift of living consciously and with intention. Rituals weave their way into our very core to offer us the gift of truly being present with ourselves and the world around us. These rituals become traditions that are passed onto the next generation to weave the fabric of their lives. Rituals have always been with us and when we use them with intention they become the foundation from which we build our lives. 

• What foundations are you laying? 
• What life are you wanting to create? 
• What habits do you need to stop and let go of? 
• What rituals can you start and add to your life that will create a beautiful foundation from which to build your magical life.
• What if we created our own rituals that we can use everyday as we live our life.  
• What could we change in our life? 
• What is possible for us when we stay present and allow the gifts of rituals to weave their magic into our daily lives.

The consistency of small repetitive steps taken each day creates the rituals on which we live. The repetitive patterns of rituals can have symbolic meanings and can be personal, cultural, religious and can include words, gestures and objects.

 A few tips when creating rituals:

• Be present with yourself.
• Look at the everyday acts you perform that you would like to create as a ritual.
• Keep it simple. Don’t over complicate what you do.
• Rituals are generally repetitive and are performed regularly.
• What is your intention behind the ritual?
• They have a specific order to the actions.
• They can be symbolic in nature and ceremonies can be formal or informal.
• Create space for you to do your ritual. If you need time away from others then create that space and the time.
• Be present and conscious when doing your ritual. Whether it’s a daily task or a ritual that is for a specific reason, like a full moon ritual or letting go ritual or inviting things into your life ritual.
• What items do you need to use to complete your rituals?
• Give yourself permission to be present and create your rituals.
• Finish your ritual with the gift of gratitude.

When I started weaving rituals into my life, I knew that I needed them to be simple and not overcomplicated. I would look at all the areas of my life and start to see what rituals I could add. What daily rituals could I do to be more present in my life? I started looking at an act I performed daily and turned that into a ritual. Like brushing my teeth, showering, eating, exercising, interacting with others, cooking, sleeping and more. The more I focused on performing these acts as a ritual, I could feel my body and mind start to ease and slow down and relax as I became more present with myself and not rushing around just to get things done. I became aware of a shift in how I felt about myself and my world. I started seeing clearly how rituals were weaving their way into my life. 

Occasional Rituals are rituals that are done for specific reasons like full moon, new moon rituals, religious, cultural, ceremonial or sporting rituals. You might do a ritual to release things from your life or a ritual to invite something into your life. You might have a family ritual for birthdays or other special occasions that you celebrate. Whatever the ritual is that you are choosing to do, do it with intention. Set yourself up before doing the ritual. 

For example, if you choose to do a release ritual, what do you need? You might decide you want to use sacred cacao in a ceremony where you choose the cacao and lovingly make it up all the while being present in that moment. You may choose to have a journal, your favourite pen, crystals, incense, questions that you ask yourself or anything that you wish to have with you. Whatever it is you wish to include in your rituals, be present and listen to your inner knowing of what is needed. Take the time to set yourself up and be intentional with all you do.

Rituals bring us together as a community, they can reinforce values, have personal meaning, reduce stress and allow us to live our life intentionally.  Allow the magic of rituals to weave their way into the fabric of your life and watch as it transforms the way you live. 

About the author:

Jacqueline is an author and intuitive mentor, who  knows that true change is the result of the cumulative impact of small, consistent steps taken daily. She understands that healing and transformation flourish in the fertile soil of self-love and kindness.  She offers practical tools, strategies and introspective questions to invite you to look inwards to discover the magic of your true self. 

Here is the link to her book on Amazon:

The Autumn Edit

As the air turns crisp and the days begin to shorten, autumn sweeps in with its golden charm and a gentle reminder to slow down and savour the beauty around us. It’s a season that invites us to step outside, breathe in the earthy scent of fallen leaves, and of course, update our wardrobes. ‘The Autumn Edit’, our 2025 autumn fashion feature in collaboration with She Magazine (https://www.shemagazine.com.au/), is dedicated to this season.

Autumn fashion is all about finding the perfect balance between comfort and chic. Some prefer to wrap up in stylish sweaters and coats, embracing the cozy layers that the season calls for. Think vibrant tones like red and pink or earthy tones like orange and brown. 

Others, however, hold on to the carefree spirit of summer, donning dresses. Whether you’re team sweater-weather or team eternal summer, autumn fashion offers room for creative self-expression.

Beyond the wardrobe, autumn is an ideal time to enjoy the outdoors. The weather is normally pleasant, not too hot, not too cold, making it perfect for long walks in the park, picnics at the gardens, or even a quiet stroll along the beach. Whether you’re admiring the colourful foliage in a botanical garden or watching the sun set over the ocean, there’s something incredibly grounding about spending time in nature during this season.

And it’s not just about the aesthetics. Being outdoors and dressing up has a powerful effect on our mental health. Nature, fresh air, and natural light are known to reduce stress, boost mood, and increase feelings of happiness. Dressing well, meanwhile, can boost confidence and self-esteem, adding a little extra spring to your step.

We hope you enjoyed the autumn season, from soaking in the golden hues to stepping out in style, wrapped in cozy layers or breezy dresses. Whether you embraced the chill or kept summer alive in your wardrobe, this season was all about expressing yourself, enjoying the outdoors, and feeling good inside and out.

Many thanks to our members for sending us their autumn photos for this feature.

Thanks to:

AU Gallery Boutique

Shrirang Khandekar Photography

Usana Australia

The purpose of our fashion features, photoshoots, online magazine issues etc, is to empower and uplift women through fashion and make them feel confident about themselves. Another purpose is to provide a platform for women in the fashion & beauty industry to showcase their talents, skills and products.

Every purchase we make, whether it’s a cup of coffee or a luxury car, is ultimately driven not just by logic, but by emotion. As much as we like to think we’re rational consumers, the truth is that behind every buying decision lies a deeper emotional trigger. Understanding these triggers can unlock powerful insights for marketers, brands, and entrepreneurs who want to build meaningful connections with their audience.

Here are the five key emotional triggers that influence consumer behavior:

1. Autonomy: “Let Me Choose. Don’t Force.”

People want the freedom to make their own decisions. They resist being controlled or coerced. When consumers feel like they’re being sold to aggressively or manipulated, they push back. But when they’re offered options, guided with empathy, and empowered to choose, they lean in.

Application: Provide flexible options. Use language that respects the customer’s agency – “you might like,” “you can choose,” “here are some ideas.” Avoid hard sells; instead, facilitate informed decisions.

2. Appreciation: “Make Me Feel Valued.”

Consumers are drawn to brands that make them feel seen, heard, and appreciated. A personalised message, a thank-you note, or even remembering a customer’s name can turn a one-time buyer into a loyal fan.

Application: Use personalisation wherever possible – in emails, packaging, and service. Acknowledge loyalty. Celebrate milestones. Show gratitude. Make customers feel like they matter beyond their wallet.

3. Affiliation: “Show Me I Belong to Something.”

Humans are wired for connection. We want to be part of a community, a tribe, or a movement that reflects our identity. When a brand aligns with our values and offers a sense of belonging, we’re more likely to buy into it, literally.

Application: Build communities around your brand. Highlight shared values. Use inclusive language like “join us,” “our tribe,” or “your people.” Foster engagement through stories, social media, and group experiences.

4. Role: “Help Me Feel Like I Matter.”

People want to feel useful and important. They want to know that what they do and what they choose to support makes a difference. When a brand gives them a role to play, they feel empowered and significant.

Application: Let your customers co-create with you. Give them a role in your mission. Encourage feedback, involve them in campaigns, and show how their support drives change. Let them be heroes in your brand story.

5. Status: “Let Me Stand Out or Level Up.”

Consumers often buy things that help them feel more successful, more attractive, or more respected. This doesn’t always mean luxury or flash, it means meaningfully elevating their self-image.

Application: Offer exclusivity. Showcase transformations. Use aspirational messaging that allows people to envision their “next level” self. Position your product or service as a stepping stone to their goals.

When you understand these five emotional triggers – Autonomy, Appreciation, Affiliation, Role, and Status – you move beyond selling products and start creating emotional resonance. You stop pushing transactions and start building relationships. And in today’s crowded marketplace, that’s not just a smart strategy, it’s essential.

So next time you design a campaign or craft a message, ask yourself: Which emotional trigger am I tapping into?

Because in the end, people don’t just buy products, they buy feelings. 

We are taught from a young age to strive for results, to reach the finish line faster, and to measure our worth by accomplishments. But the truth is, success is temporary, while growth is transformational. And the moment we shift our mindset from chasing success to embracing growth, everything changes.

Success, as society defines it, often revolves around external validation. It’s about what you can show the world – your grades, your job title, your social media following, or your income. But success can be fragile. One failure, one missed opportunity, or one unexpected setback can feel like a step backwards. And when we attach our self-worth to this fragile structure, it creates anxiety, pressure, and constant comparison.

On the other hand, growth is internal. It’s personal, silent, and often invisible to others, but deeply fulfilling. It’s about becoming more aware, more skilled, more compassionate, and more aligned with your true self. Growth doesn’t demand perfection; it thrives on curiosity, learning, and persistence. When you chase growth, you embrace failure as a teacher, not a defeat. You value the journey over the destination. You begin to ask, “What am I learning?” instead of “What am I achieving?”

Here’s the irony: when you focus on growth, success often follows naturally. Whether it’s building deep relationships, becoming a thought leader in your field, or reaching personal goals, these outcomes become the by-products of a growth-oriented mindset. Growth is sustainable; it builds character, resilience, and long-term fulfillment. Success may open doors, but growth ensures you’re ready to walk through them.

To chase growth means to redefine what it means to ‘win.’ It means being proud of your effort, your progress, and your inner evolution. It means choosing feedback over flattery, consistency over quick fixes, and authenticity over appearances. In this narrative, success isn’t the goal, it’s a milestone along a path of lifelong development.

If you feel lost in the race for success, pause and ask yourself: “Am I growing?” Because growth is where true empowerment lies. It doesn’t fade with time, and it doesn’t depend on who’s watching. When you chase growth, you don’t just become successful, you become unshakable.

Meet our member Jalni Shah, the dynamic owner of SSS Foods (https://sssfoods.com.au/) who has built a thriving food business driven by her passion for authentic flavours. With a background in finance, she transitioned into entrepreneurship in 2018, managing a food manufacturing business while her husband launched a recruitment company. Identifying a gap in the market for fresh and unique chutneys, she successfully secured a national launch of Jalsa Chutneys into Woolworths in November 2024. Committed to quality and innovation, Jalni ensures her chutneys stand out with bold flavors and high-quality ingredients. Passionate about helping others navigate the challenges of working with large retailers, Jalni is eager to share her experiences and support aspiring food entrepreneurs.

Here is an interview with her. 

Tell us a bit about yourself – what you do, your hobbies, passions, dreams etc

I’m a UK-born Gujarati who moved to Sydney in 1999 with just backpacks, and over the years, Australia has become my home. I have three children, aged 21, 19, and 16, and we live in Castle Hill. While my background is in finance, in 2018, my husband and I decided to dive into business. He launched his own recruitment company, and we also acquired a food manufacturing business, which I ran. Food is my passion, and I love seeing people enjoy the creations I put together. We identified a gap in the market for fresh, unique chutneys, and despite the challenges, we managed to secure a launch with Jalsa Chutneys nationally into Woolworths in November 2024.

What marketing strategies have worked best for your brand’s success?

In terms of marketing strategies, we focus heavily on promoting our products through Woolworths and have built strong relationships with influencers who actively engage with our brand. Food is one of those things that everyone loves to share on Instagram, and we leverage this by encouraging influencers to showcase our products, which helps boost visibility and create buzz around our brand.

What does a typical day in your life looks like? 

A typical day for me involves a mix of planning, managing orders, procurement, social media, and promotions. I also make time to talk to customers, staying connected and listening to their feedback to ensure we’re meeting their needs. On production days, I like to roll up my sleeves and help out with the team, identifying areas for improvement. If I’m not directly involved, how can I know where things can be better? With trucks arriving every day, forklift driving is also part of my routine. We run a tight ship, and I’m always hands-on to keep everything running smoothly.

What makes your chutneys and dips unique compared to others on the market?

Our chutneys are unique in the marketplace because they offer a fresh, flavourful twist on traditional recipes, using high-quality ingredients and authentic methods. We focus on creating unique combinations of spices and ingredients that aren’t commonly found in the typical condiment section. Each batch is crafted with care, ensuring bold, fresh flavours that stand out from mass-produced options. Additionally, our chutneys cater to a growing demand for innovative and gourmet food products, making them a perfect addition to modern kitchens. With a focus on quality, freshness, and creativity, our chutneys bring something new and exciting to the market.  Please view our chutneys and more information on http://www.jalsafoods.com.au

We have had enough learnings dealing with large retailers, and would be happy to provide assistance to anyone wanting to embark on this journey.