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.
Meet Rachael, our Digital Manager and the creative force behind Sussan’s vibrant online presence.
Having moved from Chicago and now calling Melbourne home, Rachel juggles the busy life of a mum (and soon-to-be mum of two) while keeping our digital channels running smoothly.
Her passion for crafting effortless, engaging online experiences ensures you always discover our latest collections in a way that feels authentic and connected.
How does your role contribute to the world of Sussan?
In my role, I have the pleasure of overseeing our digital channels and ensuring our brand truly comes to life online. It’s often the first place our customers discover our latest collections, see our campaign stories or explore our full range of products and services. Most of my time is spent collaborating with the team, constantly refining and enhancing those experiences to ensure they’re the best they can be for our customers.
What does an average day look like in your role?
That’s a tricky question because no two days are ever quite the same. In digital, especially in retail, things move fast and constantly evolve. To succeed, you need to stay flexible and open to new ideas—whether adapting on the fly or completely reworking a plan. While challenging, I love how it pushes me to think creatively and problem-solve in real time. For me, it’s all about staying true to our mission and vision by ensuring that the Sussan story is told in a way that feels fresh, authentic and always connected to our customers’ needs.
What excites you most about your role?
What excites me most is the incredible team I work with at Sussan. I truly believe the people around you significantly impact how you feel about your work. I’m so fortunate to be surrounded by talented, hardworking, and genuinely wonderful individuals. Their energy and passion make every day rewarding.
‘For Women. By Women’ is at the heart of everything we do at Sussan. To me, it means that we’re not just designing clothes—we’re creating pieces with a deep understanding of who our customers are and how fashion fits into their everyday lives.
What is the best piece of advice you have received from another woman?
I’ve been fortunate to receive incredible advice from so many amazing women. One piece that stands out is something my mom has said: “Bloom where you’re planted.” So many of the chapters in my life haven’t gone exactly as I envisioned—like moving internationally, which took me far from family and friends, or the unexpected challenges I faced during my son’s birth. I think it can be natural to feel disappointed when things don’t turn out how you imagined, but letting go of those initial expectations and finding the beauty in the unexpected has taught me so much about resilience. Sometimes, those tough circumstances help you grow in ways you never anticipated.
How do you balance work and home life?
I’ve learned to take each day as it comes and focus on what’s in front of me. When I’m at work, I’m fully there, and when I’m at home, my family is my priority. Of course, there are times when the two overlap—like needing to log on after hours or picking up my son on a workday if he’s unwell. For me, the key to balancing it all is open, honest communication with my partner and colleagues. That way, we can all support each other, and I can make sure neither side starts to feel out of balance.
How do you unwind at the end of the workday?
Balancing a full-time job, pregnancy, and caring for a little one can make finding time to unwind and prioritise self-care challenging. I sometimes wrestle with feeling selfish for putting myself first, but one word that has really resonated with me this past year is ‘grace.’ I’ve been practising extending that grace not just to others but to myself as well. So, I make it a point to carve out small moments of self-care each day. This might mean taking a 20-minute walk with our dog in the morning, enjoying a bath in the evening, or simply setting aside 10 minutes to read or knit before bed. These little rituals help me recharge and maintain balance.
This month, our campaign is all about Life’s Chapters. In what ways has your style changed when navigating different life milestones?
New chapters in life often come with new circumstances and new people who can influence how your personal style fits within a different culture. Moving from Chicago to Melbourne was a significant shift for me—not just because of the weather but also the distinct fashion cultures. I’ll never forget attending my first work offsite here and discovering that a change of clothing for the evening was expected—a detail I hadn’t encountered before. That experience taught me the importance of always double-checking what’s considered appropriate for different settings, and it gave me a new appreciation for adapting my style to fit the culture around me while still being true to myself. It also broadened my appreciation for how fashion can reflect cultural nuances, enriching my approach to style and making me more adaptable and mindful in diverse environments.
As a mother, how has your personal style evolved to accommodate the demands of motherhood, including pregnancy?
Since becoming a mum, I’ve really come to value clothing that not only feels great but fits the pace of life we’re in right now. Whether through pregnancy, post-partum, going back to work, or chasing after a toddler on the weekends, I’ve learned that practicality is key. I still love discovering beautiful pieces for my wardrobe, but if I can’t wear them day-to-day, they end up as clutter that’s quickly out of style. Now, I find myself drawn to dresses and versatile separates that I can mix, match, and layer through all the seasons.
What role does your wardrobe play in helping you feel confident and ready to face new challenges or changes in your life?
There’s something truly empowering about a favourite piece of clothing that makes you feel ready to take on anything—those pieces that just fit well and look fantastic. I’m naturally more reserved, but when I need a confidence boost, especially when navigating the uncertainties of a new chapter, reaching for an outfit I love always gives me that extra assurance. It’s incredible how a well-chosen outfit can transform your mindset and help you face new challenges with greater self-assurance. I’ve found that certain pieces have become my go-to choices for pivotal moments, reminding me of my strength and ability to handle whatever comes my way.
