Meet the women at Barcats

Mar 07, 2023

In light of celebrating #EmbraceEquity for International Women’s Day this Wednesday (8th March), we thought we'd share a little Q&A with some of the women here at Barcats 🥰. Read below for some lessons we've learnt, who we’re inspired by and some advice for the hospo girlies 🫶.

Gemma, Marketing Executive
Who's the first person who inspired you?
My mum, who continued her career when both me and my brothers were born and still found a way to be at every school event while I was growing up. 

What lessons and experiences can you share as a female in your industry? 
Having moved from the UK, working in multiple temp job roles (due to visa restrictions) and then losing my Sponsorship during the Covid pandemic, my biggest lesson to share would be not to give up hope - the hard work will all be worth it in the end. And I can proudly say that I have just applied for my PR (permanent residency) in Australia, which will open many doors and further opportunities for me.

What advice would you give to the younger version of you starting their careers? 
Having worked in the hospitality industry early on in my working career, it’s to understand that this is a stepping stone to many bigger things to come and all the experiences will be relevant in my future. 

Grace, Marketing Intern
Who's the first person who inspired you?
My older sister Lily. Her enthusiasm and determination has always been a huge inspiration 

What lessons and experiences can you share as a female in your industry? 
Know your worth, take risks and enjoy the ride. 

We work with some of the best hospitality venues, share with us your favourite dish and venue.
I'm such an antipasto lover, can't go past Tottis with the gals. 

Jess, U18 Marketing Intern
Who's the first person who inspired you?
Barbie when I watched her land on the moon.

What advice would you give to the younger version of you starting their careers? 
Take risks, it's the quickest way to grow and learn. And ask and you shall receive!

We work with some of the best hospitality venues, share with us your favourite dish and venue 
Kingfish ceviche at North Bondi Fish.

Jay, Head of Marketing

What lessons and experiences can you share as a female in your industry? 
For anyone in any industry, I will always warn you that the working world is never as big as you think it is. Be open to creating connections, finding mentors and building your network as much as possible. It doesn't have to be super formal or mean you have to be a LinkedIn influencer by any means. Have conversations with the people around you, take an interest and be kind. You never know who you'll bump into again in the future. 

What advice would you give to the younger version of you starting their careers? 
Young Jay - stop worrying so much, everyone doesn't really know what they're doing either. Yes, office work is mostly looking at your emails, no - you're not expected to be the most knowledgeable or professional in the room, don't forget to ask for help. Finally, be irrevocably and unashamedly you. 

We work with some of the best hospitality venues, share with us your favourite dish and venue.
Oooft, hard question. Forever a must order every time I visit is the Miso Glazed Toothfish at Sokyo. A very seemingly simple and small looking dish that absolutely blows me away. I have no idea what Chase Kojima's done to make it so buttery and delish, but there's nothing like it. 

Vanessa, Head of U18 Community
Who's the first person who inspired you? 
My mother

What lessons and experiences can you share as a female in your industry? 
Speak your truth and have a voice despite adversity. Always operate with integrity, transparency and be willing to respectfully challenge authority as required

What advice would you give to the younger version of you starting their careers? 
Choose people in work and life based upon a strong set of values and be passionate about social justice (and representing those with less power)

 

Danielle, Sponsors Manager:
Who's the first person who inspired you? 
My mum, through seeing how she absolutely smashed some career goals.

What lessons and experiences can you share as a female in your industry? 
Don't take sh*t (excuse my french), like just stand up for what you believe in because half the time the loudest voice in the room often comes from the person who's wrong.

What advice would you give to the younger version of you starting their careers?
Everything works out, like literally always. Embrace your creativity and don't let one "no" stop you from trying.

Penelope, Marketing Manager
Who's the first person who inspired you? 
My Grandma, the best cook in the family.

What lessons and experiences can you share as a female in your industry? 
Always stand up for what you believe in and have the data/facts to back it up. Don't compromise on your values.

We work with some of the best hospitality venues, share with us your favourite dish and venue.
I love my inner west local restaurant perama2 ( Modern Greek/Mediterranean cuisine). Favourite dish LAMB SKARAS ~ 12 hour slow cooked lamb forequarter finished on charcoals, on a bed of tomato mustard seed & cumin sauce. Yum!

Julianne, National Account Coordinator
Who's the first person who inspired you? 
This was a hard question because there were so many people in my life growing up that all brought something unique that inspired me. But my mum reminded me the other day that when I was 3 years old I used to watch Young Talent Time and every time Tina Arena or any of the other kids singing on the show would be on, I would be glued to the tv watching them. So I guess I was inspired by them to become a performer. Music was something that made me super happy and whenever I saw someone perform I'd always copy and follow along. Thanks to music teachers, my parents and my peers, I've made a great career out of music.

What lessons and experiences can you share as a female in your industry? 
Find compassion and understanding. Learn your boundaries and how to communicate them well. Never stop learning and hold onto the magic and joy of the childlike wonder throughout your day. 
My mantra: What can you do today to make it better than yesterday? Even if it's one small thing. 

We work with some of the best hospitality venues, share with us your favourite dish and venue.
Too many to choose from! Especially when there's so many delicious cuisines we get to choose from here in Australia! But if I had to quickly pick one - Ryo's Noodles (Ramen) in North Sydney! 

Caitlin, Training Manager
Who's the first person who inspired you?
I'm so grateful that the stories I loved as a child focused on intelligent, creative, and assertive women. Characters like Hermione, Mulan, and Evie O'Connell showed me how complex and unique women can be when they follow their hearts. 

What lessons and experiences can you share as a female in your industry? 
Self-doubt or 'imposter syndrome' can't be defeated quietly or independently. Offer your support to others and you will receive the support you need. If you meet someone you admire, tell them so and ask them for their advice and support. 

What advice would you give to the younger version of you starting their careers? 
The things you were told were too much will be your biggest assets; ask too many questions, learn everything you can, and speak up when you know what's right. Stay curious. 

Tilly, Venue Partner UK 
Who's the first person who inspired you? 
So many amazing women, my Grandma has to come top though!

What lessons and experiences can you share as a female in your industry? 
Every no really does make you closer to a yes! Seek to understand, then to be understood.

What advice would you give to the younger version of you starting their careers? 
You might not be where you want to be right now, but you are where you are meant to be - enjoy it! 

Caitlin, Venue Partner UK 
Who's the first person who inspired you?
The first person who inspired me was my first boss, Clare, when I was 14. She had been one of the youngest female licensees in Birmingham in her younger days, and continued to successfully run pubs into her 60's. 

What lessons and experiences can you share as a female in your industry? 
As a female in hospitality my biggest takeaway so far has been how much I’ve grown in confidence. Working in this industry will force you outside your comfort zone and build your confidence quicker than any other! 

What advice would you give to the younger version of you starting their careers? 
The advice I would give to a younger me would be to unashamedly push to achieve whatever you want, regardless of what others think. It might be tough, but you are tougher. 

                                              

If you’d like to give working in the hospitality world a go just like these women, see here for our open roles you can apply for! 
If you’d like to read about the women taking great strides in the Hospitality industry, see our recent article here. 
Looking for ways to celebrate International Women’s Day? See their official website here.