Oranje Creative

Oranje is once again in the running for the prestigious Telstra Best of Business Awards in the Accelerating Women category. While all accolades are wonderful, we’re so passionate about the ethos around these Awards and feel they truly connect with our purpose to elevate female creatives. Having said this, the process is a thought-provoking and fulfilling task. You lose perspective after a while - and over the last whirlwind 20+ years, I realised I haven’t had the time to stand back and reflect on where I’ve been, and what I’ve seen. So, this is where my “models of empowerment” stepped in. Lisa, TJ and I met during our earlier modelling careers, over 20 years ago. I modelled while studying, completing three uni degrees at the same time. Lisa and TJ are solid Oranje advocates and much appreciated life coaches. Like many, public speaking is not my idea of a good time. However, Lisa has been my mentor for the last three years, and is soley responsible for helping me to overcome my fear. This is a huge achievement for me. TJ has been by my side, with every step, on the Oranje journey. She’s my best, and harshest, critic. TJ went over my scripts and responses with a red pen, reminding me of all the things I didn’t include! You can lose sight when you’ve been continuously thinking-outside-the-square, that is running a creative agency, which completely absorbs your life! And that’s simply because I love it. For Telstra, between the three of us, we recaptured my career and the journey of my company Oranje. I can safely say these were among the most insightful, fruitful, and emotional days of my career. TJ and Lisa have always had my back. They’ve always encouraged me creatively and supported my philanthropic efforts. But this was something more. Genuine friends and true champions. Win or lose, the Telstra time we spent together - fully focused - is time I will truly never forget. #modelsofempowerment #telstrabestofbusinessawards #awards #modelling #publicspeaking #pr #career #philanthropy #womensupportingwomen #mentorship #creativeindustries #femalecreatives #celebratesuccess #acceleratingwomen

We’re proud to support the Women in Innovation Awards. Let’s make sure the women around us who are too busy breaking boundaries, too humble to seek recognition, or still flying under the radar, get the spotlight they deserve. Nominations close on 19 August, 2024—spread the word and let’s bring their remarkable work to light! ✨ #WINN2024 #womenininnovation #empowerher #sainnovators

We’re proud to support the Women in Innovation Awards. Let’s make sure the women around us who are too busy breaking boundaries, too humble to seek recognition, or still flying under the radar, get the spotlight they deserve. Nominations close on 19 August—spread the word and let’s bring their remarkable work to light! ✨ #WINN2024 #womenininnovation #empowerher #sainnovators #southaustralia

GWEN EKINS - My Mentor, My Soulmate, My Gran This story in our Women Who Inspire Oranje series is especially close to my heart. I want to honour the most influential woman in my life: my grandmother, Gwen Ekins, or Gwenny as everyone called her. She was more than just my gran; she was my mentor, soulmate, inspiration, and best friend. I lived with Gwenny from the time I left school until nearly finished with uni, and much of my early childhood was spent with her. She was my rock, supporter, and confidante. We shared deep conversations, big laughs, and midnight snacks. She supported me in every way, even taking my modelling bookings - regularly chinwagging with my agent. Gwenny was unforgettable, touching everyone with her generosity, kindness, and cheerfulness. People were drawn to her because she made you feel valued and heard. Her legendary garden was a place people visited—passersby would come off the street just to admire it, and she’d welcome and chat with anyone who stopped by. Born in Rainbow, in the Victorian Mallee, she never forgot the lessons of kindness and humility. Before marrying, Gwenny worked in the Church of England office, where her exquisite handwriting still graces the ledgers. Later, during WWII, she contributed to the war effort by making gun cartridges at my grandfather’s fourth-generation business, WE Ekins & Co. Gunsmiths. Gwenny’s life was full of love and devotion, especially to her husband, Denis. Their bond was unbreakable—Denis would go AWOL during the war just to be with her. Though he returned as a hero, he never fully recovered from the war. Gwenny cared for him with quiet strength that few knew about. She was deeply involved in her community, collecting for the Crippled Children’s Association and delivering Meals on Wheels. At 67, she became a nurse’s aide, showing her endless commitment to helping others. Her generosity and compassion inspired my passion for philanthropy and dedication to giving back. Gwenny was always trying new things—from yoga and wood carving to cooking classes and rowing every day. She made our clothes from the latest patterns, knitted fabulous jumpers, and was the best baker! Her door was always open. My friends and I fondly remember her open house; she was the life of everything—her lively humour and sense of fun were infectious. She beamed with pride over her family’s successes, supporting our education, careers - offering unwavering love. Her spirit of generosity and ability to see the good in everyone continue to inspire me. She taught me to value education, cherish books, and appreciate the stories of every person we meet. People often remarked on how much we looked alike, something that always made me feel bonded to her. It was as if I could see her reflection not just in the mirror, but in the way I carry her with me in my life. Gwenny, you’re with me always. I owe my humble success, my outlook on life, and my strength to you. I miss you every day. #mygran #bestie

Know an inspiring female innovator? Nominate her today and let's give her the recognition she deserves! 🌟 At Oranje Creative, innovation is at our core, and we know that behind every innovation, there's a creative force at work. Innovation has never been more important than it is today. In a rapidly changing world, it drives progress, solves critical problems, drives economic growth, and pushes the boundaries of what's possible. Yet, women remain underrepresented in this space. Let's change that! #womenininnovation #empowerher #celebratewomen #creativewomen #femaleinnovators #womenwhoinspire

At Oranje Creative, we’re passionate about recognising and celebrating the incredible achievements of female innovators in South Australia. If you know a remarkable woman making waves in innovation, or if you are one yourself, don’t miss the chance to be part of the 2024 Women in Innovation Awards. Oranje Creative wholeheartedly supports Women in Innovation_sa and their mission to highlight the vision, hard work, and dedication of these trailblazers who often work behind the scenes, unrecognized. Nominate her today and let’s shine a spotlight on South Australia’s leading women innovators. Visit https://lnkd.in/gp9qpNAv to submit your nomination. ✨ #womenininnovation #femaleinnovators #trailblazers #nominatenow #southaustralia #womenwhoinspire #championingwomen 🚀👩🔬👩💻👩🚀👩🎨

Nominations for the 2024 Women in Innovation Awards are Now Open! Last year’s Awards were another incredible success, celebrating the outstanding achievements of South Australia’s female innovators. We’re on the lookout for WINN’s 2024 Alumni and can’t wait to discover and honor more trailblazing women in our community. Check out the video below to see highlights from last year’s event and get inspired to nominate the remarkable women innovators in your life. We’re about championing tomorrow’s innovators - today. Sometimes heroes go unnoticed. We’re here to change that. Female innovators are changing the world. They work hard, focus on their goals, and do not expect recognition because they are too busy doing what they do best. You know the ones. The trailblazers, wave-makers, the fierce and humble achievers. It’s time to give them the recognition they deserve. Our annual Women in Innovation Awards recognize South Australian women contributing to the state’s innovation economy by creating jobs, revenue, and solutions to address some of the world’s biggest problems and creating positive change. Here’s how to nominate: Visit https://lnkd.in/g8CK25mx to submit your nomination. You can nominate a remarkable woman innovator you know or even nominate yourself by 02 August 2024! Women in Innovation Awards applications open 15 July, 2024 and close 18 August, 2024. Let’s shine a spotlight on the amazing women making a difference. Nominate today and be part of the movement celebrating women in innovation without limitation. #womenininnovation #femaleinnovators #trailblazers #nominatenow #southaustralia #womenwhoinspire #championingwomen #maths #science #engineering #technology #creativeindustries #STEM #STEAM #emerginginnovator #younginnovator #socialimpact #rural #government #environment

Celebrating SA’s Girl Power I am thrilled to finally share that Oranje Creative was featured in The Advertiser’s article over a month ago: “Celebrating SA’s Girl Power.” A huge thank you to Rebecca Whitfield Baker and The Advertiser for highlighting our incredible team and our mission to drive innovation, creativity and gender equity in our industry. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been prioritising my pro bono support for some pretty amazing business initiatives close to my heart, which has slightly delayed sharing this great news! As Creative Director and Founder of Oranje Creative, I am proud to be working alongside some truly incredible women. Through my involvement with Women in Innovation_sa and our collaboration with the fabulous Fearless Females Network to form Fearless Innovators, we are collectively opening-up new opportunities for women, fostering more inclusive and diverse business ecosystems, both locally and globally, plus finding and championing tomorrow’s female innovators. Sometimes heroes go unnoticed. We’re here to change that. Female innovators are changing the world. But often they don’t expect recognition because they are too busy doing what they do best. You know the ones. The trailblazers, wave-makers, the fierce and humble achievers. We proudly advocate for women in business, bureaucracy and boardrooms; in labs, studios, libraries and on the land. It’s time to give them the recognition they deserve. If you would like to read the SA’s Girl Power article, here it is: https://lnkd.in/grKCgYVv #oranjecreative #womenininnovation #fearlessfemalesnetwork #fearlessinnovator #fearlessinnovators #genderequity #creativeindustries #inspiration #empowerment #womeninbusiness #femalefounder #startup #femalestartup

Supporting women-led businesses is crucial for driving economic growth and promoting gender equality. These businesses contribute to the global economy, create opportunities for female leadership, and help build a more equitable economic landscape. Don't miss your chance and apply now!: https://lnkd.in/gY6h9yVf Applications close 01 August, 2024. 💪✨ #womenininnovation #fearlessfemalenetwork #fearlessinnovator #womeninbusiness #femalefounder #economicgrowth #genderequality

A big thank you to SALIFE Magazine, Editor Liz Walsh and Senior Writer Genevieve Meegan, for trusting me with their iconic July "Nostalgia Issue" cover hero image. The shoot took place in my studio, Oranje Creative, and I had the privilege to art direct, style and create the image. What a fun project, especially working with Casana Perryman, Sara Abel Smith and Gordana Kleut again – we've all stayed close over the years and reunited for the cover shoot. I must admit, we felt a bit nervous doing the ‘90s Reunited cover - 30 years later, after having children and balancing life! But slipping back into 'modelling mode' felt effortless and fun. There's always been a genuine 'models bond' between us, which was evident throughout the campaign and captured in the party photos in the feature article, taken at home. Creating this cover image reminded me that my years on the other side of the camera as a model have built a solid foundation for my career. Thanks to Darren Centofanti, the 'it' photographer then and now, who brought his incredible skills to the shoot. And to Emma Hack and Kirstie Wyatt, our go-to hair and makeup artists and absolute legends from the '90s, still rocking it today. A big thank you to Oranje's newest dynamo, Communications Strategist Natasha Bulyga, who took the fantastic behind-the-scenes photos featured on page 32. Read the fabulous article here: https://salife.com.au Thanks, SALife, from me and the girls xx #salifemagazine #nostalgiaissue #90smodels #oranjecreative #behindthescenes #photography #artdirection #southaustralia #community #friendship #throwback #modellife #covershoot #creativejourney