For over 85 years, Sussan has been celebrating the spirit of Australian women. Our 'For Women. By Women.' series highlights the remarkable women behind the brand, whose creativity and expertise shape everything we do.
This month, we’re celebrating Emily, who is the steady link between our leadership and wider team — coordinating across every corner of the business and anticipating the unexpected.
Here, she shares how her role offers a rare view across every department, why she believes fashion is anything but frivolous and how a simple splash of colour can shift her whole mood.
Tell us about your role at Sussan—how does it contribute to Sussan’s story, and what does an average work day look like for you?
My day is a bit of a mix. I work on the operational side of the business, rather than the creative side, and act as a bridge between our Managing Director and our wider team, as well as the company. My tasks include a lot of scheduling and meeting invites, drafting emails and preparing agendas and minutes. I support events and presentations, manage expenses, compile reports, obtain approvals, file documents, and support the leadership team. There is also a lot of problem-solving, handling last-minute changes and anticipating these to try to keep things running smoothly.
What's something about your role that would surprise people?
People might think of an EA role as an admin role, but it can be a lot more involved than that. Because I support our Managing Director, I get visibility across every part of the business from buying and planning to retail, marketing, visual merchandising, QA and finance. It means I’m constantly learning, connecting the dots between the teams, and understanding how each department contributes to the brand. That variety keeps my role exciting, and it also means I can help with the missing pieces, because I have visibility of the bigger picture.
Tell us about your role at Sussan—how does it contribute to Sussan’s story, and what does an average work day look like for you?
My day is a bit of a mix. I work on the operational side of the business, rather than the creative side, and act as a bridge between our Managing Director and our wider team, as well as the company. My tasks include a lot of scheduling and meeting invites, drafting emails and preparing agendas and minutes. I support events and presentations, manage expenses, compile reports, obtain approvals, file documents, and support the leadership team. There is also a lot of problem-solving, handling last-minute changes and anticipating these to try to keep things running smoothly.
What's something about your role that would surprise people?
People might think of an EA role as an admin role, but it can be a lot more involved than that. Because I support our Managing Director, I get visibility across every part of the business from buying and planning to retail, marketing, visual merchandising, QA and finance. It means I’m constantly learning, connecting the dots between the teams, and understanding how each department contributes to the brand. That variety keeps my role exciting, and it also means I can help with the missing pieces, because I have visibility of the bigger picture.
‘For Women. By Women.’ was so evident from the moment I joined Sussan. I’m lucky to be part of a large team made up almost entirely of women. It’s great to collaborate with people who understand our customer because we are her.
What does 'For Women. By Women.' mean to you in the context of your work?
‘For Women. By Women.’ was so evident from the moment I joined Sussan. I’m lucky to be part of a large team made up almost entirely of women. It’s great to collaborate with people who understand our customer because we are her. The products are so good because they’re designed with women in mind, not just for ourselves but for the many women in all our lives.What is the best piece of advice you have received from another woman?
One of my idols is Dolly Parton. One of my favourite things she has said is “We can’t direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails.” This resonates so strongly with me and my role because we can’t control everything that comes our way each day, but it's so important to be able to cope with the changes and even try to use them to our advantage.
How has working at Sussan shaped your style or approach to getting dressed?
Since joining Sussan, I have so many more beautiful pieces at hand, and no longer need to dress so corporate every day. I’ve started to experiment more and enjoy pushing my style a little further.
What's a small ritual or reset that helps you unwind at the end of the day?
For me, it’s usually a walk around the Tan with friends. I enjoy the fresh air, a bit of movement, and time to catch up and switch off from the day. A good day then ends with a nice dinner at home. A great day ends with steak night at the pub.
This month, our campaign is Colour Your Mood. Which colours make you feel your most confident?
I keep things simple most days, but when it’s time to celebrate, I will wear something bright and fun. Colour is my way of adding a bit of fun.
Is there a colour you reach for when you want to lift your mood in the morning? Which colour makes you feel your most confident?
When I want to lift my mood in the morning, I usually reach for blue. It feels fresh.
Which shades are you gravitating towards this season?
This season, I’m gravitating towards brown — there are so many beautiful shades in the collection. It looks great paired with pinks, blues and even red.
If you could tell the woman wearing Sussan one thing—about your work or why you do it—what would it be?
There’s a real reward in knowing my skills can make a difference and contribute to the team. People sometimes might see fashion as frivolous, but I don’t think it is at all. What we wear has such a big impact on how we feel. It’s a form of self-expression, and the right clothes can make you feel comfortable, confident, and ready for anything. That’s why I love what I do; it’s about helping bring that to life for women every day.
