In conversation with the team behind Seafolly. Get to know the passionate individuals that have helped shape Seafolly in recent years. We check in with how they’re faring in the current climate and why they have dedicated themselves to Australia’s most iconic swim brand.
Kate. Brand Creative Director.
Tell us about yourself + what do you do?
I’m the youngest of 5 girls so you could say I’m pretty used to being surrounded by lots of women! It is for this reason that I feel so at home at Seafolly! I’m the Brand Creative Director and work with an amazing team of Graphic Designers, content creators and social-media coordinators on all things look and feel for the brand. My main focus is campaign shoots across all our brands and the rollout of these to market.
Your favourite thing about Seafolly?
My team! They are all incredibly hard working and dedicated but they also know how to have a great time. We’ve all become good friends over the years so I can genuinely say I love coming to work to see their faces every day!
What’s your go to Seafolly piece?
This changes seasonally but I’m loving one of our collections that’s coming soon that features a beautiful spotted print. I also can’t go past our light weight Beach shirt in white. It’s such a good basic and I never do a campaign shoot without it.
How has COVID effected your work/life?
Considering how often I’m surrounded by so many people, I adjusted so quickly to the WFH lifestyle. My partner continued to go to work every day so I thought I would get really lonely but we set up really good check in points with the team. We had a morning facetime session to check in and set the days tasks and also kept in contact frequently throughout the day on Teams messenger. It helped that I got a kitten just before the lockdown restrictions came in, so she was my daily company and snuggle buddy. I was surprised by how easily we mobilised on tasks I never thought could be done remotely. We even ran a studio shoot without a single team member on site! It involved lots of cameras and lots of screens but the day ran just as smoothly as it would have had I been there in person. I’m definitely a big advocator for working from home, now that I know how productive you can be when you take out the daily commute.
Wendy. Machinist.
Tell us about yourself + what do you do?
I am originally from Singapore and I moved to Australia 40 years ago. I’ve been at Seafolly for over 7 years working as a machinist where I sew the swim and apparel styles. We receive the fabric and patterns and then work on making the signature feel good fit that Seafolly is famous for.
Your favourite thing about Seafolly?
My favourite thing about working at Seafolly is that I can expand my mind and get to learn new things everyday. I learn innovative ways to create fashion pieces in the best way possible. We receive guidance from our production warehouse overseas on sewing techniques and machinery, so I learn a lot through them. I also find myself heading to the shops to get inspiration and to see how other brands are making clothes.
What’s your go to Seafolly piece?
I use my Weekender Linen Pants all the time, they are comfortable enough to wear working on the machine at work and I can wear them to the beach as well.
How has COVID effected your work/life?
Being 62 years old and part of the older generation I was worried about how the virus could affect me. I catch the bus and train to work everyday so I have to be careful when travelling. Thankfully I am back at work now and very grateful to be busy and taking my mind off of everything happening out in the world.
Yichen. Accountant.
Tell us about yourself + what do you do?
This year marks my 11th year working with Seafolly as an accountant. I work on everything from reconciliations to reviewing the P&L statement. In my spare time I love to hike, my average walking distance is 25km, but my record to date is 55km. With my job being so focused on the computer I enjoy spending time outdoors.
Your favourite thing about Seafolly?
I love the friendly and creative work environment Seafolly provides. Another attractive part of the job is that we are able to access the most iconic swimwear and beachwear as soon as it is released. Being able to stay on top of trends in this way can be really exciting. I look forward to seeing Seafolly celebrate its 50 years, 60 years … until for ever.
What’s your go to Seafolly piece?
My favourite piece at the moment is the Gingham Tiered Dress, the new Everyday Linen range and Capri Sea in Ruby. I wear the Gingham Dress to work as the office is quite casual. Another thing I love about working at Seafolly is getting to wear my comfortable beachwear to work!
How has COVID effected your work/life?
During the lockdown in NSW things were uncertain, but everyone rallied around each other and together we came out of a hard time stronger than when we came in. I look forward to what’s next for Seafolly as we are now seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.