#SheCan - From Fashion to Farmer
#SheCan proudly sponsored by the AgriFutures Australia Rural Women’s Award
“I remember the day it all began with a test shoot in the back streets of Kings Cross in Sydney. I was just a 15-year-old schoolgirl when a team of professionals, including a photographer, make-up artist, and stylist, transformed me into a model.
From the beginning, I fell in love with the joy and creativity of the fashion business, and I relished the opportunity to work with clients like Chanel, Dior, Armani, Valentino, as well as closer to home with Country Road and Carla Zampatti.
To be honest, I never thought my career path would lead me to Agriculture.
But as they say, life works in mysterious ways and the connections I’ve made have brought me here.
It wasn’t until I fell in love with a farmer and moved to the country that I discovered my passion for animal husbandry and wool growing.
As a farmer, I have found a unique way to connect my previous life in fashion with the work I do now in wool. I’m as comfortable in our back paddock as I am in Paris. I’m able to sell in the message of wool in a way that is meaningful to a targeted audience.
It’s truly amazing to see how my previous career has influenced the way I approach my work today.
I am proud to be part of the Australian wool industry and to be able to contribute to its growth and success.
When I had my son, I was in search of a cot size blanket to keep him warm. That’s when my mother handed me a family heirloom – a pure Merino baby blanket knitted by my great grandmother Sarah in 1940.
The blanket had a delightful weight to it and was slightly felted by wear, but it was still in great condition even after 74 years! My great grandmother’s beautiful knitting and this blanket became the inspiration and starting point for my business.
I decided to put an ad in the local Gunning newsletter, and by that afternoon, a team of expert knitters, all over the age of 50, had responded. They started working on prototypes and discussing vintage patterns. It’s amazing to think that our oldest knitter is almost 90 years old.
As I began crafting baby blankets by hand with my team of knitters, I came to understand the incredible benefits of wool and how it can improve our lives.
Back in the 1960s, Patty Stone, one of our knitters, used to send her Merino wool to the mills in Italy. She has been an inspiration to me – an expert knitter who also makes the best scones in Dalton.
I’m thrilled my business has been built around empowering older women and retaining their expert skills and knowledge. It’s a privilege to be able to do this.
I’d like to shift the perception that wool is difficult to care for, is too expensive and or wool is (only) a performance fibre.
In essence, I’m trying to show our customers the beauty and durability of Merino wool and how it can add value to their lives and the planet.
I’m asking an entire new generation to choose wool for life.”
- Vanessa
Our #SheCan Campaign is proudly sponsored by AgriFutures Australia, Rural Women’s Award.
AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award is Australia's leading prize celebrating the courageous leadership and entrepreneurial drive of women involved in Australia's rural and emerging industries, businesses and communities.
For over 20 years, the Award has garnered a significant and respected status among parliamentarians, industry, media and Award alumni. Each State and Territory Winner receives a $15,000 Westpac grant for their project, business or program, access to professional development opportunities and alumni networks.
AgriFutures Australia is committed to the future growth and advancement of the Rural Women’s Award as a means of identifying, celebrating and empowering women to make decisions that ensure our rural industries prosper now, and into the future.