International Women’s Day: We celebrate women working in greenlife

GROWER 

Sonja Cameron, Cameron’s Nursery 

Sonja initially studied Certificate III Horticulture as an apprenticeship immediately after leaving high school. She quickly gained a team leader role, before moving on to start Cameron’s Nursery with her husband, Andy. Sonja is currently studying for her Master of Business and is the Managing Director of this production nursery, overseeing its human resources, planning, accounting, business development, sales and marketing.  

What does it mean to you to be a woman working in the greenlife industry? 

When deciding to pursue a horticultural career, it was deemed a non-traditional trade for women. I certainly learnt that very quickly! My first day at TAFE I was one of only two young women in a class of 50. I feel women bring many talents to our industry, given many consumers of our product are women. Plant selection, attention to detail and design of our packaging is an important part of our final product. When employing staff, we look at the strengths and what talents the applicant brings to our company. We require many skills. Therefore, diversity is very important to our business. 

Which other women have inspired you in the greenlife industry and how? 

I have been inspired by many, both men and women within our industry. As in many agribusinesses, women play a crucial role. There are so many woman that inspire me with their amazing resilience and successes. Collectively, we support and inspire each other. 

What words of encouragement would you provide to other women seeking to enter the greenlife industry?  

If you have a passion for horticulture, follow your heart. Work is a big part of your life, if you love your work, then turning up every day is so easy. Find an employer that supports and encourages you, offering you learning opportunities and a career path. COVID has seen an increased interest in our industry; working with plants is a very rewarding career. 

RETAILER

Tennille Sharp - General Manager, Brookfield Gardens

Before becoming General Manager of Brookfield Gardens, Tennille was a florist and stylist for 18 years. She now oversees this retail nursery’s operations, buying, controlling quality, installing displays, and managing staff and customer service.

What does it mean to you to be a woman working in the greenlife industry?

I feel very empowered and motivated by the other incredible women that I work with. I am surrounded by a very experienced team of women, with a variety of backgrounds and skills. We have many young female horticulturists coming up the ranks, and I love seeing more and more younger women starting out on their journeys.

Which other women have inspired you in the greenlife industry and how?

Robin McLay (Brookfield Gardens’ owner) inspires me and is very well respected in the industry. She gives a lot of her personal time to its development through her involvement in the EKKA and associations, as well as supporting all of us to develop individually. This all comes from her passion for gardening and authenticity in caring for people and plants, which I admire and look up to.

What words of encouragement would you provide to other women seeking to enter the greenlife industry?

It is a busy but rewarding industry to work in. Being surrounded by beautiful plants every day has wonderful benefits and allows you to be creative and enjoy nature. It is a great industry with so many opportunities based on what you love; nature, gardens/plants, the environment, styling, sustainable gardening, or just generally being outdoors.

DESIGNER

Tammy Huynh, Leaf an Impression

Tammy has a degree in horticultural science, a diploma in landscape design and over 10 years’ experience in the industry. She began her career as the Assistant Gardening Editor for Better Homes and Gardens magazine and was more recently the Consumer Experience Team Leader at Yates. She now runs her own business specialising in indoor plant styling and plant-based workshops.

What does it mean to you to be a woman working in the greenlife industry?

I have never really considered my gender whilst working in this industry. For me, I am lucky that it has been a non-issue.

Which other women have inspired you in the greenlife industry and how?

Jane Lloyd from The Plant Exchange also known as _strangeplantlady on Instagram. Jane really ties in the horticultural science behind her plants, educating the public on botanical matters and best practices. Also, AJ from Growing Grounds has come up with some innovative ways to get plants to customers, conducting live sales on Instagram directly from wholesalers.

What words of encouragement would you provide to other women seeking to enter the greenlife industry?

Do not be afraid to try different aspects of this industry. There are so many things you can do, from freelance writing to designing interior plantscapes to growing plants at a production nursery. If you do not like the path you are currently on, look elsewhere

INDUSTRY OFFICER

Celeste Cook, Plant Projection Officer, Greenlife Industry Australia

Celeste’s first job involved garden maintenance. She then studied plant science and biosecurity at university and conducted research into the use of fungi as bioherbicides on Prickly Acacia. After a stint teaching high school science, Celeste landed her ‘dream job’ working as a Plant Protection Officer with Greenlife Industry Australia.

What does it mean to you to be a woman working in the greenlife industry?

The greenlife industry is a natural place for women to be. I see women who are production managers, business owners and working along the production line. The women that I work with are embracing new ideas and technology. It is really rewarding to help them solve their plant pest and disease problems and to encourage more sustainable methods of production.

Which other women have inspired you in the greenlife industry and how?

I like to learn from everybody. My earliest inspiration was from my family. Working in the industry, I now see women in charge making very technical decisions. I really admire their ability to synthesize complex information and then transform that into practical outcomes for their business.

What words of encouragement would you provide to other women seeking to enter the greenlife industry?

If you enjoy being outdoors, love learning and have a technical mind, it is a great industry to work in.