With Aotearoa home to an ever-growing network of trailblazing women, International Women’s Day presents the perfect opportunity to celebrate those who are making waves across industries.
From fashion and beauty to politics and business, these women are not just leading—they’re driving change.
In 2025, the theme for International Women’s Day is ‘Accelerate Action’, a call to push forward, break barriers, and create meaningful impact. To quote the official International Women’s Day website: “IWD isn’t country, group or organisation specific. It’s a day of collective global activism and celebration that belongs to all those committed to forging women’s equality.”
This year, we’re shining a light on some of the innovators, entrepreneurs, and change-makers who are shaping New Zealand’s landscape in 2025. From Emily and Anna-Lise Sharma of RUBY to MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke, Emma Lewisham’s groundbreaking work in beauty, and the Te Wiki Āhua O Aotearoa fashion week organisers, these women are proof that action leads to transformation.
The following profiles offer just a glimpse into the immense talent and determination found across Aotearoa. As they accelerate action in their respective fields, they inspire the next generation to do the same.
Emily & Anna-lise Sharma from RUBY
At the helm of one of Aotearoa’s most beloved fashion brands, Emily and Anna-Lise Sharma are redefining what it means to be a fashion leader in 2025. As the creative forces behind RUBY, they have built more than just a brand – they’ve cultivated a community driven by creativity, conscious consumerism, and meaningful connection.
For over two decades, RUBY has been a staple in the New Zealand fashion scene, known for its playful, feminine designs and commitment to sustainable production. Under the Sharma sisters’ leadership, the brand has continued to evolve, placing an even stronger emphasis on ethical fashion, transparent supply chains, and mindful consumption.
Beyond the racks, Emily and Anna-Lise have used their platform to spark important conversations – from championing local manufacturing to advocating for circular fashion. Their approach goes beyond trends; they are shaping an industry where sustainability is not an afterthought but a fundamental pillar.
As they continue to accelerate action in 2025, the Sharma sisters prove that fashion can be both beautiful and impactful. With RUBY, they are paving the way for a future where style and sustainability go hand in hand – inspiring a new generation of conscious consumers and designers alike.
Āhua Organisers Nina Bailey and Sophia Kwon
In a time when mainstream institutions hesitate to take risks, independent creatives are stepping up to make space for themselves – and for the future of the arts in Aotearoa. Leading this charge are Nina Bailey and Sophia Kwon, two of the powerhouse trio behind Āhua, a groundbreaking initiative that is redefining fashion, art, and community.
Āhua, short for Te Wiki Āhua o Aotearoa, was born out of necessity. When New Zealand Fashion Week was canceled due to economic pressures and a shrinking pool of artists, Nina, Sophia and their team saw an opportunity. Instead of accepting the loss, they built something new – a week dedicated to celebrating emerging and early-career artists across multiple disciplines, from fashion to photography, music, dance, and beyond. Their vision is clear: create an inclusive, artist-led movement that champions collaboration, creativity, and cultural resilience.
With an open call for designers, photographers, videographers, models, musicians, writers, makeup artists, and stylists, Āhua is shaping up to be one of the most significant creative collaborations of the decade. In a world where corporations often dictate what is seen and celebrated, Nina and Sophia are proving that independent voices can, and will, create their own platforms.
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate these trailblazing women for accelerating action in Aotearoa’s creative landscape, proving that art, fashion, and activism are more powerful together.
Rachel Sloane from Naveya & Sloane
As the co-founder and creative visionary behind Naveya & Sloane, Rachel Sloane has spent over a decade crafting more than just fine jewellery – she’s creating legacies. In an industry often defined by tradition, Rachel has carved out a unique space where innovation, sustainability, and deeply personal storytelling come together in every meticulously designed piece.
Since launching Naveya & Sloane in 2009, Rachel has transformed the brand into one of Aotearoa’s most coveted names in fine jewellery, known for its exceptional craftsmanship and ethical sourcing. Under her leadership, the brand has continued to push boundaries, embracing conscious luxury with a commitment to using responsibly sourced diamonds and precious metals.
More than just a designer, Rachel sees jewellery as a symbol of love, legacy, and individuality. Whether it’s a bespoke engagement ring or a modern heirloom, each piece tells a story – designed to be cherished for generations. Her dedication to quality and craftsmanship ensures that every creation is not just an accessory, but a work of art with a soul.
In 2025, as the conversation around ethical jewellery and mindful consumption continues to gain momentum, Rachel remains at the forefront – accelerating action and proving that true luxury isn’t just about beauty, but about integrity, intention, and timeless impact.
Sarah Lindsey from Sala
As the founder of Sala, Sarah Lindsay has redefined what it means to move, breathe, and connect in Aotearoa’s wellness space. Since opening its doors in 2020, Sala has become far more than just a boutique movement studio, it’s a community-driven sanctuary where strength, mindfulness, and self-expression are celebrated in equal measure.
Sarah’s approach to wellness is holistic and inclusive, blending yoga, Pilates, and strength training with an emphasis on mental well-being and self-discovery. Her vision extends beyond movement, Sala fosters a deeper connection to self, to others, and to the environment, creating a space where everyone feels seen, supported, and empowered.
With an ever-growing community and a commitment to sustainability and conscious living, Sarah continues to push the boundaries of Aotearoa’s fitness and wellness industry. As International Women’s Day 2025 embraces the theme of ‘Accelerate Action,’ Sarah embodies this momentum-championing wellness as a radical act of self-care and empowerment.
From the mat to the mind, Sarah’s impact is undeniable. Through Sala, she’s not just changing the way we move—she’s redefining how we show up for ourselves and for each other.
Jaimee Lupton
In an industry where premium often equates to exclusive, Jaimee Lupton has built a career on challenging the status quo. As the founder of MONDAY Haircare, she disrupted the haircare market by offering salon-quality formulas at supermarket prices – proving that luxury doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Now, in 2025, she’s taking that same ethos into body care with her latest venture, Châlon Paris.
Jaimee launched MONDAY Haircare in 2020, filling a gap in the market for affordable yet high-performance hair products. With its signature millennial-pink packaging and commitment to cruelty-free, sustainable formulas, MONDAY quickly became a global phenomenon. In just five years, it has expanded to over 33 countries, stocked in 50,000 retail locations, and become TikTok’s #1 haircare brand – outpacing heritage names like L’Oréal and Olaplex.
Building on this success, Jaimee introduced Châlon Paris in 2024, a brand designed to elevate body care in the same way MONDAY revolutionised haircare. With luxurious formulations, high-end fragrances crafted by Parisian perfumers, and an affordable price range ($8-$17), Châlon is making premium skincare accessible to all. The brand is Leaping Bunny-certified, cruelty-free, and housed in recyclable packaging, reinforcing Jaimee’s commitment to ethical and sustainable beauty.
At the heart of Jaimee’s work is a belief that beauty should be inclusive, not exclusive. Whether through MONDAY or Châlon, she is setting new standards in the industry – proving that affordability, sustainability, and innovation can coexist.
As she continues to expand her brands globally, Jaimee Lupton remains a trailblazer in the beauty world, accelerating action toward a more accessible, conscious, and innovative future in personal care.
MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke
At just 22 years old, Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke has made history as New Zealand’s youngest MP in 170 years, stepping into parliament with a bold commitment to Indigenous rights. From her powerful maiden speech, where she performed a haka, to standing firm against efforts to erase te reo Māori, Maipi-Clarke has proven she is not afraid to fight for her people.
As a Māori Party MP, she challenges Christopher Luxon’s conservative government, which has rolled back Māori rights, including dissolving the Māori Health Authority and limiting official use of the language. Despite facing scrutiny, even over laptop stickers symbolising her heritage, she refuses to be silenced.
Her impact is undeniable. A 1News poll placed her among New Zealand’s top five alternative Prime Minister candidates, a testament to the growing support for her fearless leadership. For Maipi-Clarke, the mission is clear: protect Māori culture, amplify Indigenous voices, and ensure a seat at the table for future generations.
Emma Lewisham
When it comes to skincare innovation and sustainability, Emma Lewisham is setting the global standard. Her revolutionary business model is so effective that she’s made it open-source, inviting other brands to adopt the same planet-positive approach. It’s a bold move – one that proves true sustainability isn’t about competition, but collective progress.
Emma launched her namesake skincare brand in 2019 after recognising a gap in the market: natural, scientifically advanced skincare that not only delivered results but also left a positive environmental footprint. Today, Emma Lewisham is carbon positive, B Corp certified, and 100 percent circular, ensuring that every aspect of the business – from formulation to packaging – actively benefits the planet rather than depleting it.
Since its inception, the brand has seen extraordinary success in New Zealand, Australia, the UK, and the US, stocked by luxury retailers like Space NK, Liberty, Harvey Nichols, Net-a-Porter, Harrods, Goop, and Onda Beauty. In 2025, Emma continues to build on this momentum, expanding into new international markets and pioneering advancements in refillable skincare, sustainable ingredient sourcing, and regenerative business practices.
But Emma Lewisham isn’t just growing – she’s evolving. With scientific innovation, uncompromising quality, and sustainability at the heart of every decision, she’s proving that beauty can be both luxurious and responsible. As the world shifts toward a greener future, one thing is certain: Emma Lewisham is leading the way.
Anna Mowbray
Few entrepreneurs in Aotearoa embody bold ambition and unstoppable drive quite like Anna Mowbray. Formerly a key force behind ZURU, she has now set her sights on revolutionising the job market as CEO of ZEIL, New Zealand’s latest and most innovative jobs marketplace. With a vision to redefine how people connect with opportunities, Anna is applying her expertise in automation, technology, and business growth to reshape the future of work.
Beyond ZEIL, Anna has expanded her influence into sports investment, becoming a co-investor in Auckland FC, Aotearoa’s newest A-League football franchise. Her commitment to building dynamic, high-performing teams now extends beyond business and into the world of elite sports.
A passionate advocate for innovation, sustainability, and women in leadership, Anna continues to break barriers in traditionally male-dominated industries. Her career is a testament to the power of fearless leadership and an unwavering commitment to excellence – proving that when bold vision meets action, anything is possible.
With no signs of slowing down, Anna Mowbray is shaping the future of work and sport – and Aotearoa is watching what she does next.