Megan Fairley - Notion

What is your background?

I come from Balclutha, went to South Otago High School. Studied a Diploma in Tourism and Travel and recently completed a Bachelor in Applied Management at the Otago Poly. I have worked for the last 17 years for Cadburys in Dunedin, the last six years I was in leadership positions and during the redundancy I was the Front Line Leader on the second floor nightshift team.

What has been your career path?

Since my early twenties I have loved designer fashion and love buying New Zealand made. I wanted to created an experience that was different, service that was on another level to give customers more. During the redundancy at Cadburys in 2017 I completed a market validation on the idea and this was focal point for starting Notion. I think it is important for people to understand that careers are like vehicles: you travel in them for a period of time and then you get out of one vehicle and then get into another.

What drives you?

I want to create the best retail experience in New Zealand and I will. Along this journey I have had lots of knocks from people in the fashion industry, people in business and have been judged for being a factory worker entering the fashion industry.  I am proud to say that I worked inside the Cadburys factory and was a factory worker.  Its okay to be different, different is what you want to give you an edge. Turn your knocks into the fuel that drives you and prove them wrong.

Advice for young women starting their careers?

Make sure you have lots of support around you, surround yourself with like minded people and complete a market validation because this is something I still go back to every day.

What does International Women's Day mean to you?

Balance for Better is the campaign theme for this year's International Womens Day. Right now is a great and important time in history to do everything possible to help forge a more gender-balanced world. Women have come such a long way and we will strive to achieve more. 

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