At Kip&Co, we’re a proudly female-founded business that believes in the power of women lifting each other up. Today, on International Women’s Day, and every day, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and incredible talents of women everywhere.
Today is the perfect moment to celebrate, recognise, and cheer on the wonderful women in our lives. With that in mind, Kip&Co founders Hayley, Alex, and Kate share their experiences of being women in business, and our incredible friends at Kip&Co share their thoughts, challenges, and triumphs as women who inspire us every day.
Join us as we celebrate the women who are making waves and #AccelerateAction for a more equal world!
How do you ensure that Kip&Co not only celebrates but actively accelerates gender equality within the workplace?
"Founded by women, Kip&Co has always had a strong foundation in female leadership, and gender equality is at the heart of what we do—it’s something we care about deeply. We’re so lucky to have an incredible team of strong, smart, ambitious women, and making sure they have a voice at every level of decision-making is a top priority for us. We know that work-life balance can be a challenge, so we support flexible work arrangements, parental leave, and an inclusive environment for working and new parents. Essentially, we’re always striving to create a workplace that truly supports women through all stages of life in a way that feels fair and right.
Beyond our team, we also love collaborating with female artists, designers, and entrepreneurs, using our platform to elevate women in creative industries. We’re currently partnered with the Global Sisters mentorship program to help keep pushing progress forward. At the end of the day, we don’t just want to celebrate gender equality—we want to play an active role in making real change where we can."
Kate Heppell, Co-Founder Kip&Co
Can you share an experience or lesson learned from a woman in your life that continues to shape the way you approach leadership today?
"One of the most valuable leadership lessons I’ve learned comes from my amazing co-founders, Alex and Hayley. They’ve shown me firsthand the power of gratitude and empathy in business. Every day, they remind me that being a strong leader isn’t about having the loudest voice in the room—it’s often the opposite. Thoughtful, intentional communication and decision-making are far more effective in influencing outcomes and empowering the team. I carry that lesson with me every day at Kip&Co, making sure our workplace fosters collaboration, respect, and a deep appreciation for each person’s experiences, skills, and development. "
Kate Heppell, Co-Founder Kip&Co
The theme for IWD this year is #AccelerateAction, what change do you want to see in the world and how do you intend to contribute to it?
"Last year I joined the board of an incredible crisis accommodation shelter for women and children on the Mornington Peninsula called Moonah House. It's been sobering to learn that there are over 500 women sleeping rough in my own neighbourhood, primarily as a result of domestic and family violence. We will open the shelter this year, and I believe that will be a meaningful action for these individuals.
I have learnt so much through this process and truly believe we need to accelerate the education for all Australians about the barriers that women still face - I think there's a very worrying (growing) perception that measures advancing equality and equity have gone too far and are at risk of being wound back. I'm on a bit of a journey right now, listening and learning to the women and girls in Australia and overseas who are experiencing these challenges and I think that first hand story is so important."
Alex McCabe, Co-Founder Kip&Co
Who are some of your top female role models and why?
"SO MANY! Last year we were lucky enough to be mentors for Global Sisters. The Sisters we mentored, and the team at Global Sisters are all role models; smart, resilient women who by believing in themselves are helping to create a better future for a whole network of women.
My fellow board members at the crisis accommodation shelter are also truly inspirational, giving up their own time to help those in need is a beautiful act of community.
My business partners are also role models, fearlessly navigating motherhood, marriage, friendships and business with a tenacity that is second to none. And my own mum, of course, because she's truly the greatest and it is because of her unwavering quiet support that I have been able to live this wonderful life."
Alex McCabe, Co-Founder Kip&Co
How does it make you feel working with a predominantly female company like Kip&Co?
"As one of the female founders of Kip&Co, having a predominantly female-staffed and run company is something I feel extremely proud of. From the very beginning, we set out to create a brand that was genuine, inclusive, fun and authentic and so it feels incredibly natural that the people driving it embody those same values. I am so grateful and proud to work alongside a team of talented, passionate women who bring so much creativity and hard work to the table every day. Together we have created a culture that is collaborative, supportive, and dynamic, one where ideas flow freely, leadership is shared, and success is celebrated collectively. At Kip&Co we have a lot of fun, lift each other up and work hard."
Hayley Pannekoecke, Co-Founder Kip&Co
What is a moment or lesson you’ll never forget from an important woman in your life?
"I learned early on from both our mum and our aunties, the importance of sisterhood and what this truly means. Respecting each other, being kind to each other and lifting each other up. Always there for one another in the tough times and of course for the fun times."
Hayley Pannekoecke, Co-Founder Kip&Co
What is one lesson you’ve learned from an important woman in your life that stays with you?
"One invaluable lesson I’ve learned from an important woman in my life is the significance of self-worth. She taught me that self-worth means recognising your inherent value, setting boundaries, and believing that you are deserving of respect, love, and opportunities. It affects not only how you see yourself but also how others perceive and respond to you. When you lack self-worth, it can lead to accepting less than you deserve, but when you embrace it, you carry yourself with confidence and attract relationships and opportunities that align with your values. She also reminded me that we are always in control of our actions and choices, and that what is truly meant for us will never pass us by. This lesson has stayed with me as a guiding principle for living authentically and with purpose.
As we celebrate the strength and determination of women everywhere, we’re reminded of the collective impact we can make in creating a more equal world. We’re proud to stand alongside you in this movement—and we can’t wait to see the change we’ll accelerate together. Happy International Women’s Day."
Therese Lum, Cake and Food Creative
As Executive Director of MECCA M-POWER, you’ve been at the forefront of promoting gender equality and empowerment for women and girls. Can you share more about this initiative and how it has become a driving force in your work?
"M-POWER is MECCA’s social change initiative, and the pointy end of our company-wide vision to do what we can do achieve gender equality, in our lifetime. The beauty industry has such an important role to play in building confidence, promoting self expression and acceptance, and celebrating diversity and inclusion.
We believe beauty can be a real force for positive social change and we hope to bring our community of more than 7,500 team members and 4.5 million customers together behind our vision. In addition, through M-POWER, we invest in a collective of social change makers all working to advance gender equality."
Lisa McKeenan, Director of Mecca M-Power
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
"Honestly, I wish it led to more action—it often feels symbolic. It does shine a light on women's needs globally which can spark small ripples of change, and that’s a good thing, but real impact comes from action. Big companies have such power and visibility, it would be great to see them actively driving change."
Mandy Richards, CEO Global Sisters
