Meet the Women Behind The Jojoba Company
Co-founded by a woman and consisting of a mostly female team, we believe it's of utmost importance to reflect on the women who came before us, recognise our own team's achievements and simply celebrate women each International Women's Day.
The Theme of #IWD2023: 'Cracking the Code'
This year's theme for International Women's Day is 'Cracking the Code: Innovation For a Gender Equal Future'.
As described on the UN Women Australia website, this year's theme highlights the role that bold, transformative ideas, inclusive technologies, and accessible education can play in combatting discrimination and the marginalisation of women globally.
Vicki Engsall | Co-Founder & Product Development Manager
Not only is our co-founder Vicki incredibly intelligent, but she lights up any room she walks into.
We are forever inspired by Vicki's passion for Jojoba and her enthusiasm to create natural skincare that is safe, vegan, cruelty-free and best of all, transformative for the skin!
"Leading a team that is brimming with smart, talented women, we believe it's important to celebrate International Women's Day here at TJC.
Not only is it a day to recognise the achievements of the women in our team, but it is also a chance to reflect on the courageous women who came before us."
Meet the TJC Team
Here at the TJC headquarters, you’ll find our office filled with strong, passionate and hardworking women. We asked some of our team members about IWD and what it means to be a woman in the workforce today.
Here's what they had to say:
Lawra | Brand Manager
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
International Women’s Day for me personally is a little reminder to always embrace being a woman – plus it’s an extra day in the year I get to keep in touch with all my family around the world since it’s universally celebrated!
Who is a woman that inspires you and why?
I’m very blessed to be surrounded by so many inspiring women, but my mum is the most prevalent inspiration in my life.
She has moved through life in such a graceful way with no obstacle ever seeming too difficult for her to overcome – taking every challenge that comes her way as a learning opportunity without any fear. A true dark horse!
What do you love most about working in a female-led office and team?
I love to draw inspiration from a number of different women so what’s really incredible about a female-led office is how willing they are to share their stories and journeys, especially when going through my own life changes. It has been great having that extra support network.
Have you encountered any difficulties in your professional life/career due to your gender?
I definitely have come across some uncomfortable circumstances that likely wouldn’t have resulted in that way had I been a male, however I really do believe that rather than letting those moments define me, that I need to be the change I want to see when it comes to gender equality.
The TJC skincare product/s Lawra would recommend to a girlfriend?
Australian Jojoba! Such a simple multi-purpose staple that everyone needs to have at home at all times for face, hair, body, cuticles and all skin-related needs – when in doubt, Jojoba!
Deepika | Accounts
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
It's a celebration of all women coming together, celebrating being women and their achievements.
Who is a woman that inspires you and why?
My Mum. She inspires me to get going with all the life challenges with a smile on my face.
What do you love most about working in a female-led office and team?
I would say better communication and understanding.
Have you encountered any difficulties in your professional life/career due to your gender?
Fortunately, I haven’t encountered any difficulties so far.
The TJC skincare product/s Deepika would recommend to a girlfriend?
Ultimate Serum and Ultimate Youth Potion are my personal favourites and I would recommend them to all my friends!
Robyn | Warehouse
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
For me, it’s a day to celebrate and recognise all women.
Who is a woman that inspires you and why?
My two daughters inspire me everyday. They are strong and smart with an incredible work ethic.
What do you love most about working in a female-led office and team?
It’s a happy work environment led by Vicky and the team. We are all very passionate about the products and work hard but we also have a lot of laughs along the way.
Have you encountered any difficulties in your professional life/career due to your gender?
No I haven’t. I think I have been very lucky to work with supportive, caring people.
The TJC skincare product/s Robyn would recommend to a girlfriend?
I always recommend the Australian Jojoba to begin with because it can be added into their existing routine, and then when they see the incredible results they always switch over to the whole range.
Pia | Digital Marketing Manager
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
It’s a glorious day celebrating all amazing women of this world and recognizing the female gender being as equal as the male gender.
Who is a woman that inspires you and why?
I do admire Hillary Clinton and Michelle Obama for their resilience, endurance, intelligence, and strength. But also, Billie Eilish has recently amazed me. Her confidence and the impact she is having on young women is truly inspiring. No women should hide and be shamed!
What do you love most about working in a female-led office and team?
I do love the creativity, endurance, and willingness to prove. But then on the other hand the comprehension for the female requirements in today’s world. Work life balance is key!
Have you encountered any difficulties in your professional life/career due to your gender?
I certainly did! Making the choice twice in my career when to have a child did maybe set me back and didn’t let me progress my path as straight forward. I found it especially hard after the first child to get back into a “work groove”. Who knows where I would be today If I didn’t have to fit in a break into my career. Whereas I do not regret a thing and wish men could experience the magic of being a mother.
The TJC skincare product/s Pia would recommend to a girlfriend?
I would recommend to all my girlfriends the Australian Jojoba from top to toe. I use it for everything! Dry and itchy feet, all over my body for hydration and elasticity, on my face as a booster and to keep my barrier up, and also in my hair!
Sam | Sales Manager
What does International Women's day mean to you?
For me, it's a day to celebrate women and recognise their achievements, across all industries and not only in industries that are traditionally predominately male.
It's a time to celebrate women in leadership, Female entrepreneurs, and women that are paving the way to make a difference for others whether it is in a big or small way.
Who is a woman that inspires you and why?
My Mum. She moved overseas in her twenties and was an EA for a Vice President of a well know Multi-National. She met my Dad and had my brother and me before moving back to Australia where they ran their own successful business for many years and had 3 more children. I know I get my work ethic from her. She is a strong, intelligent woman that managed a household and full-time work and still continues to do so, and I think that we don't celebrate or recognise this enough.
What do you love most about working in a female-led office and team?
This is a hard one, there isn't something that I love most about working in a female-led office. I will say that I have had the pleasure of working alongside some phenomenal female leaders over the years. I think I've been more driven to become a better version of myself and be more agile with their guidance.
Have you encountered any difficulties in your professional life/career due to your gender?
Unfortunately, yes, very early on in my career. I had just started in a new role and my colleague that was supposed to be helping to onboard me wasn't very helpful.
He thought he should have been promoted to the role because he was there longer and he wouldn't leave to get married or have kids. It was the first time that I directly faced gender discrimination at work. Thankfully the business did not share his views.
Being so young though, it was really confronting to have a stranger be so completely rude, and ignorant and make assumptions about me because I am a woman.
The TJC skincare product/s Sam would recommend to a girlfriend?
My 2 favourite TJC products are the Ultimate Youth Potion and Activating Cleansing Oil. These have taken over as my mainstay products. The Activating Cleansing Oil feels amazing and removes my eye makeup as well, leaving my eyelashes feeling moisturised. After using the Ultimate Youth Potion, I can say that I have seen a visible difference in my skin and I love that I can see these results with natural skincare.
