Creative Conversations

CREATIVE CONVERSATIONS

BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE HIDDEN SEA WINES. Creative Conversations is our conversation series that works with our Rosé Friday IGTV and podcast. Get a snapshot of some of the amazing conversations we have here and you can jump over to our podcast or our IGTV channel for an extended chat to get to know guests even more.

Zoi Safiya Vafias | Girl and the Sun @girlandthesun

Who are you and what do you do?

My name is Zoi Safiya Vafias, Founder, CEO & Director of Girl and the Sun, and I empower people to live their best life and look amazing as they do it - whether it be mentoring my team to achieve their goals, or our sisterhood of women we sell our clothing to, so they can look and feel their best.

How did the business come about?

I actually started in fashion wholesaling and saw a gap in the Australian market for casual resort wear that was both stylish and affordable, so decided to take a leap and do it myself! We have since grown such an amazing community of women who value flowy, breathable and accessible pieces that spark a sense of holiday - even from home. I live in them myself!

Best career advice you have ever received?

Don’t take anything personally. This one notion was not only the best career advice but also the best life advice I have received. It has changed my life and the way I look at every situation at work. Everyone is fighting their own battle and everyone is too busy thinking about themselves to think about you.

Worst advice you have ever received?

You are too young to start a business, wait until you are older. - I am glad I never listened to this haha. You have so much less to lose when you are younger so why not just start and work things out as you go!

What is one thing we should invest in for our business?

The right people. Investing in hiring the right people and then investing in keeping the right people.

What is one thing you wish you had known when starting your business?

Hire people who have strengths in areas that aren’t your natural strengths. I was a big fan of captain planet growing up and I have always loved the idea of when our powers are combined, we are captain planet. Collaboration is key, especially in the creative space!

What is your favourite part of your day to day?

Chai O’clock. Haha. 3pm is our usual afternoon slump and a couple of the team and I stop and have a chai break to pick me up!

What was an unexpected joy of creating your business?

An unexpected part of starting my business that brings me so much joy is being able to mentor my team and not only teach them things, but learn from them! I learn so much just by going to work each day, and it has become one of my most favourite things.

Leave us with some words of wisdom?

From my favourite book of all time. The Four Agreements - by Don Miguel Ruiz

“Be impeccable with your word”

“Don’t take anything personally”

“Don’t make assumptions”

“Always do your best”

3 words to live by for 2022

Empower. Collaborate. Freedom.