International Women's Day Editorial
We want to take this opportunity to congratulate all the amazing women around us – our customers, followers, collaboraters, collegues, friends and family!
Today we are especially proud to be a company founded and run by women. We asked the hardworking and inspiring women in our office a few questions about womanhood.
JULIE JOSEPHINE BLYSTAD
Founder & CEO
What is the best lesson a woman has taught you?
My grandmother has always reminded me to “la humla suse” – things doesn’t always have to be perfect.
How do you empower yourself and the women around you?
Try to admit flaws and imperfections and also challenges in our day to day life. I think it’s extremely important in todays society that us woman stick together and are able to admit and discuss, that some times, life can be challenging and tiring. Especially when having kids in the mix.
Tell us about a woman that inspires you?
My 92 year old grandma who lost her husband at 63. She has been married two times after that. She doesn’t care what anyone thinks, rarely dwells on the past and speaks her mind. And is super close with all her 10 grandchildren.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Choose your own path.
What hopes do you have for women of the future?
That we find some sort of balance in work and family life, that doesn’t stress us completely out!
What the best thing about working in an all-female office?
Love having talks at the lunch table with other strong women. Exchanging experiences and learning from each other. I also LOVE that women are extremely good at multitasking.
MINA MELBY DYRSTAD
COO
What is the best lesson a woman has taught you?
Where there’s a will, there’s a way! Julie Blystad taught me that my first week working at Julie Josephine.
How do you empower yourself and the women around you?
By thinking there is nothing we cant do or fix or learn or manage!
What women inspire you?
The ladies in the office who show up every day with positive mindset.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Hard work pays off – its all going to be worth it!
What hopes do you have for women of the future?
That they continue to see the value in hard work and good work ethics, and trust that it will eventually pay off!
What the best thing about working in an all-female office?
Lets just say: the lunch converastions are interesting!
THALE KVITERG
Supply Chain Logistics Manager
What is the best lesson a woman has taught you?
Life is too short for regrets and bad hair days, so make every moment count and rock that messy bun!
How do you empower yourself and the women around you?
Personally, I empower myself by continually learning, setting goals, and celebrating my achievements. To empower other women, I offer support and encouragement.
What women inspire you?
Women who defy societal norms, break barriers, and advocate for positive change inspire me.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would advise my younger self to trust in her abilities, embrace failure as a stepping stone to success, and prioritize self-care and mental well-being. I would encourage her to be bold, take risks, and never be afraid to speak her truth. Most importantly, I would remind her that her worth is not defined by external validation, but by the love and respect she has for herself.
What hopes do you have for women of the future?
My hope for women of the future includes advancements in research and healthcare specifically tailored to women’s needs. I envision a future where there is greater awareness and investment in women’s health issues, leading to improved treatments, preventive care, and overall well-being.
What the best thing about working in an all-female office?
The best thing about working in an all-female office is the diverse perspectives and collaborative energy that women bring to the table.
EDWINA THORSEN
Retail Manager
What is the best lesson a woman has taught you?
To always say «yes» to new opportunities and challenges. This usually leads to even greater things than you first imagined.
How do you empower yourself and the women around you?
By setting goals, surrounding myself with supportive and positive people, and by finding the beauty in the little everyday things in life.
Tell us about a woman that inspires you?
My mom.
What advice would you give your younger self?
That anything is possible if you’ve got enough drive and dedication. Hard work will pay off.
What hopes do you have for women of the future?
I hope that women of the future will continue to break down barriers and stereotypes. I wish for women to find their motivation in everyday life and overcome mental health challenges.
What the best thing about working in an all-female office?
No one ever leaves the toilet seat up.
MADELEN HOFFMANN
Design & Product Developer
What is the best lesson a woman has taught you?
My mom always says “when in doubt, there is no doubt”. I always try to trust my instinct and gut-feeling when making decisions.
How do you empower yourself and the women around you?
I feel like the best way to empower both myself and the women around me is to not talk anyone down – we are so much more powerful when we stick together.
What women inspire you?
Women who dare to go against the norm; who breaks down barriers and paves the way for generations of women to come.
What advice would you give your younger self?
You can achieve anything you set your mind to, but don’t be afraid to fail at something.
What hopes do you have for women of the future?
To live in a world where their basic rights are not constantly threatened, where women’s health is prioritised and that they have equality without needing to fit into the male ideal.
What the best thing about working in an all-female office?
To work in an enviroment where everyone is cheering you on and always has your back.
FRIDA TANGERUD
Office Assistant
What is the best lesson a woman has taught you?
Give first, take later.
How do you empower yourself and the women around you?
Working in an all-female office with a team of hard working, positive and bad ass women is empowering in itself. It motivates me to be my best self.
What women inspire you?
The ones that are kind, uplifting and ambitious.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Hard work pays off.
What hopes do you have for women of the future?
That women will continue to take risks, to speak out and care for each other.
What the best thing about working in an all-female office?
Being completely comfortable around each and every one of my coworkers at all times, and getting the best advice when you need it.