Boardroom Briefing: NASA, designer pyjamas and Dissh's $90M investment
and getting invited to dinner with Sofia Grainge
If there’s ever been a week for female power in business, this could be it. We’re talking new business launches (go Lara Worthington!) to billionaire investments (goals Lucy Henry-Hicks) to redefining ‘personalisation’ ( genius Racquel Bouris). Coupled with your need to know updates including Australia’s grocery retailers being the most profitable in the world and welcoming home NASA astronauts after almost a year in space!
🎙️ ICYMI
Boardroom Briefing
Coles & Woolies are some of the world’s most profitable grocery retailers according to a major inquiry conducted by the ACCC. However, it didn’t mention price gouging - (via TDA)
Pre-election sweetener: $150 “relief” coming for struggling Aussies to reduce the impact of expected energy price hikes. - (via news.com.au)
Work-from-Home vs. Job Cuts: Labor backs WFH entitlements for cost savings and workforce inclusion, while the Coalition plans to cut 36,000 public service jobs, claiming services won’t suffer. - (via The Guardian)
NASA astronauts returned to Earth last week after 286 days in space - far longer than their planned eight-day stay due to mechanical problems on their spacecraft. - (via NBC)
Culture & Influence
Netflix’s ‘Adolescence’ racked up 24.3M views in four days. We binged watched it in one. It is timely commentary on toxic internet subcultures.
PepsiCo acquires Poppi for $1.95B - (via Forbes)
Grand Prix Shock: Lando Norris ends Max Verstappen’s 1,029-day winning streak in a major Formula 1 upset.
Beauty & Fashion
After scoring a $90 million investment, Dissh is plotting US growth. The brand that started in the Gold Coast in 2001 with a Princess Polly-esque style but was revamped by current owner Lucy Henry-Hicks and quickly gained popularity on Instagram - (via Vogue Business)
The original Aussie IT girl, Lara Worthington, is launching a new beauty brand, Ommage Beauty in a next few months and her LB Cream is back - (via Substack)
Estée Lauder Announces Dr. Matthew Walker as Brand’s First-Ever Global Sleep Science Advisor. We think sleep beauty is the next big thing to hit our shelves in 2025 - (via Business Wire)
Forever 21 files for bankruptcy…again - (via NPR)
Air France taps Jacquemus to design first-class pajamas to help them unveil their new La Première cabins suite which has a seat and chaise longue that can transform into a lie-flat bed that’s two metres long - (via WWD)
📝 DEEP DIVE
Scent of Influence: How ‘Who is Elijah’ Captivated Sofia Richie Grainge
In the dynamic world of niche perfumery, few brands have captured attention as swiftly as 'Who is Elijah'. Founded in 2018 by Sydney-based entrepreneur Raquel Bouris, this independent fragrance house has rapidly made its mark with a collection of gender-neutral scents that challenge traditional olfactory boundaries. Each fragrance is meticulously crafted to embody minimalistic elegance, inviting wearers to explore and express their individuality.
A recent marketing endeavor has propelled 'Who is Elijah' into the spotlight: the founder's personal delivery of their signature scent, NOMAD, to style icon Sofia Richie Grainge in Los Angeles. This initiative began with a TikTok video suggesting that "if Sofia Richie was a scent, she'd be this one," referring to NOMAD. The video caught Sofia's attention, leading to an exchange that culminated in Raquel Bouris flying to Los Angeles to hand-deliver the fragrance and being invited to her home for dinner.
The journey was documented on social media, with 'Who is Elijah' sharing moments from the trip, including the delivery and a subsequent dinner with Sofia. These posts not only highlighted the brand's commitment to personalized experiences but also showcased their agility in leveraging organic content to foster genuine connections.
This approach underscores a broader trend in contemporary marketing, where authenticity and direct engagement resonate deeply with audiences. By aligning their product with Sofia Richie Grainge's personal style and involving her in the narrative, 'Who is Elijah' effectively bridged the gap between brand and consumer, creating a compelling story that extends beyond traditional advertising.
The success of this campaign reflects the brand's innovative spirit and dedication to redefining luxury in the fragrance industry. As 'Who is Elijah' continues to blend sophistication with modernity, their ability to craft scents that transcend conventions positions them as a noteworthy player in the evolving landscape of perfumery.
For those intrigued by NOMAD, it's described as a woody, amber, floral fragrance that evokes feelings of connection and boundary-blurring moments. This scent, along with others like ELECTRIC SOUL and CHERRY FIESTA, exemplifies the brand's commitment to creating versatile and memorable fragrances.
In essence, 'Who is Elijah' not only crafts scents but also curates experiences, inviting individuals to explore their narratives through the art of fragrance.
Our favourite Who is Elijah perfume is Eau. With its fruity coconut scent and woody undertone, it is the perfect everyday perfume.
👜 STYLE SESSION
Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 39 Bag, Coach, $537 - currently on sale!
Kitana Dove Napa, Tony Bianco, $199.95 - 20% discount is applied at cart!
✨ THIS WEEK’S MOOD BOARD
💌 ANONYMOUS TIP
Corporate girlies and freelance hustlers, this might be Sydney’s best-kept workspace secret. Kingsmede House at 25 Bligh Street isn’t just another co-working space—it’s a private luxe office experience for those who take their work (and their aesthetic) seriously.
Here’s the vibe:
✨ Work in style – Think executive suites with height-adjustable desks, custom lighting, and air-con you actually control.
💪 Sweat, then strategise – A private gym and squash court to smash out stress before your next big pitch.
☕ Coffee first, cocktails later – Barista-made coffee during the day, then wind down at their exclusive bar after hours.
📍 No long-term leases? No problem. – You can even grab a day pass for $150 to work from their luxe lounge and get a taste of the good life.
It’s giving power move energy, and we’re here for it. You just have to know the right people to get in. Now you do. 💼🔑
💻 JOB BOARD
Job hunting is tough but we’re here to help.
📖 Interesting read: Five women in power share the best career advice they ever received - (via Forbes)
Share with your friends or leave a comment if you can refer a Mode girl to one of these jobs!
See you next week,
Adrianna & Maddi x