As we honour International Women's Day - Friday 8th March, we have taken a look at our own team to celebrate the 2024 theme, #InspireInclusion.  At Partridge Jewellers, we are proud to have a growing number of women not only within our sales team, but also at a management and head office level. From our Product Manager Sylvia Halim, and Head Designer Andrea Lethiers, to Marketing Manager Aimee Williams, and Content Manager, Nicole Ku, we asked a few of our Partridge leads to share what inclusion means for them in the workplace.

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Sylvia Halim, Head of Jewellery

Can you tell us a little about your background and your experience of ‘inclusion’ generally?

I was born in Indonesia with a very traditional upbringing and a loving and caring family. While I was appreciative of all the support I had, I wanted to build my own independence and discover what would make life most fulfilling to me. I chose New Zealand and have been fortunate that I have been able to pursue the opportunities that I was looking for and build a network of people here that have supported me personally, professionally, and socially. My current role felt like the first step along my career path in New Zealand and I was wary that I was coming into a very traditional industry. As I reflect on this, I have been surprised and excited to see where the industry is and where it is going. Day to day, I work in a team of people from a variety backgrounds and experiences. There is a clear level of mutual respect, both within our team, as well as amongst the partners we work with. I can see this through the encouragement I receive in my role, our wider business relationships, and the way my input is genuinely valued.

 

What inclusion means for you in the workplace, and more specifically, at Partridge Jewellers?

To me the most important thing in life is that everyone has an equal chance to succeed. A focus on inclusion and diversity has become hugely important in the workplace recently. It is encouraging when people from different backgrounds and experiences are able to be seen and treated equally. From my perspective, I will feel like we have achieved the ideal when inclusion and diversity no longer needs to be championed so openly in business or social groups. It will simply be second nature.

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Andrea Lethiers, Gem-Setter & Head Designer

Can you tell us a little about your background and your experience of ‘inclusion’ generally?

I'm from France and I arrived in New Zealand seven years ago. I've always felt very welcome here and I deeply appreciate the diversity of this country. For the past 10 years, I've worked as a gemstone setter. Recently, I joined Partridge, where I've been given the opportunity to work as a jewellery designer. Since entering the industry, I've witnessed significant changes in the jewellery industry; It used to be predominantly male-dominated, but now we see more and more women entering the field, both as bench workers and designers. It's truly inspiring to witness the rise of talented female designers who are revolutionising jewellery fashion. It's an exciting time for women, and I wish all women around the world could experience the same freedom and opportunities that I feel fortunate to have today.

 

What inclusion means for you in the workplace, and more specifically, at Partridge Jewellers?

Partridge is a fantastic example of gender and ethnic diversity, providing ample opportunities to learn from others with diverse backgrounds and experiences. I'm grateful to be a part of a workplace that values inclusivity and embraces the richness of diversity.

Aimee Williams, Marketing Manager

Can you tell us a little about your background and your experience of ‘inclusion’ generally?

I was very fortunate to have an upbringing where inclusivity was normal, which has certainly helped shape my values as an adult. My late father was an incredible advocate for women in sport and he created opportunities for girls from all walks of life to participate and were never disadvantaged because of their ethnicity, financial situation or any other barriers. This grounding gave me a much deeper perspective on acceptance of others and empowerment to see the good in everyone and to help those around me shine. I am so grateful that this foundation gave me exposure to a diverse range of people from a young age, and through this I have forged some incredible lifelong relationships.

 

What inclusion means for you in the workplace, and more specifically, at Partridge Jewellers?

Inclusion in the workplace is pertinent; it is so important to nurture our people and allow them to share their voice and their unique perspectives, cultures and experiences, to collaborate, to ensure we understand our clients better and enhance their experience with our brand. There is so much that can be learnt from the talent within our team.

Partridge Jewellers is a complex business, stocking 29 watch and jewellery brands and our own proprietary brand which celebrates 160 years this year, however we are a ‘people business’ first and foremost. Inclusion is all about diversity and connection and playing to our strengths within our team to make us a stronger collective. The evolution of the brand and wider team over the past couple of years has been incredible, in particular the leadership team has inspired inclusion creating opportunities for amazing female talent to take the lead and contribute to shaping the future of the Partridge Jewellers brand which makes me immensely proud to be part of.

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Aimee wears Pasquale Bruni Bon Ton Dolce Vita Earrings, Bon Ton Dolce Vita Ring and Bon Ton Sautoir Necklace.

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Nicole wears Roberto Coin Yellow Gold Venetian Princess Diamond Flower Drop Earrings and Partridge Jewellers Yellow and White Gold Diamond Chain Necklace.

Nicole Ku, Content Manager

Can you tell us a little about your background and your experience of ‘inclusion’ generally?

I was born in Taipei, Taiwan and my family immigrated to New Zealand when I was a child. I have worked as a freelance fashion photographer and stylist since 2015 before working in Marketing. Looking back, it took quite a while to get my foot in the door as there weren't many Asian faces in the New Zealand industry to lead the way and show that we can do good work. Given that I was young and driven with no fear at all, I self-funded my own photoshoots, volunteered in fashion-related events, and did a lot of free work to begin with. I was determined to show that being inclusive is beneficial and that we are capable. It has been a blessing that I have since worked with magazines and brands such as Remix Magazine, Viva, Urban List, Maggie Marilyn, Estèe Lauder and more. I can see there is now incredible diversity and inclusivity throughout many more industries which I am sure allows the younger generation to be able to carve their own path with less restraint.

 

What inclusion means for you in the workplace, and more specifically, at Partridge Jewellers?

Inclusion in the workplace for me indicates to me that the company that I work for is willing to utilise different viewpoints and culture to connect, connecting through staff relationships on a colleague level and staff to clients and beyond. Partridge Jewellers is one of the most inclusive companies that I have had the pleasure of working for and it's beautiful to see so many cultures when you walk through the door. We are able to learn different ways of doing things, languages, cultures, backgrounds, and so much more, allowing us all to grow together.

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Photography by Kevin Ku.