International Women's Day: Sarah Fisher & denu
Entrepreneurship is about more than just business—it’s about vision, perseverance, and
the courage to create something meaningful. This International Women’s Day, we
celebrate women who accelerate action in their industries, pushing boundaries and setting new standards.
Anthea Crawford and Sarah Fisher are two such pioneers—both Melbourne based, female founders who have built their brands from the ground up. After nearly 50 years- Anthea has redefined elegance and confidence in Australian fashion whilst Sarah has created denu, a homegrown skincare and fragrance company that champions natural beauty and sustainability.
We spoke with Sarah to learn more about her entrepreneurial journey, challenges, triumphs and her plans to accelerate action in the beauty industry this International Women’s Day.
*Sarah wears the Fleur Gown at the 21st annual Stevie® Awards in New York City, where denu was awarded for consumer products.
Both brands were founded by women with a passion for quality, craftsmanship,
and purpose-driven design. What inspired you to take the leap into creating your own business?
Many years ago, I had an epiphany in a hotel bathroom - l was looking for beautifully
scented, lovely to use and beneficial bath products that would help me feel relaxed after a long day of meetings. The options l had at the time were synthetic scented, foreign and
mass produced - not appealing to me at all.
Australia has been a leader in the natural wellness space for a long time and l could see a
gap for an offer of body products made locally with premium Australian ingredients,
chosen for their effectiveness, scented with expertly blended, memorable pure essential
oils, highlighting my love of aromatherapy.
Many women dream of starting their own businesses but fear the uncertainty—what advice would you give to aspiring female entrepreneurs looking to take that first step?
Be really clear on what value you are bringing to your customer and know your strengths
and weaknesses; you will need to surround yourself with the best team to help you reach
your goals. Entrepreneurship takes tenacity and passion. Having a business mentor is
something l wish l had earlier, to help me exceed the goals l set and for significant
continued growth.
Throughout your business journey, be prepared to take risks and to fail, not every idea will work out as planned but there is always something to be learnt. Most importantly, back yourself and try to have fun.
What are the biggest lessons you’ve learned as a woman in business, and how have
they shaped your leadership style?
Treating people how l want to be treated, assuming the best and operating with a win-win mindset is how l operate in business. Women are effective communicators, and in my
experience, savvy, kind and incredibly motivated. l have been around many inspirational
women who have demonstrated courage and persistence to achieve their goals.
As a leader l think this has helped me to ensure l am clear on my vision for denu which is
shared with my team and suppliers so we stay focused. l lead in an empathetic, open and
honest manner.
Fashion and fragrance both have the power to evoke emotion and create lasting
memories. How do you want women to feel when they experience your products?
The impact of scent is so powerful; scent can instantly elevate your day; integrated into a
beautiful product, it helps you feel uplifted. Our focus is elevating daily rituals - inhaling the fresh citrus notes led by Australian native Lemon Myrtle whilst she washes her hands - enhancing her soft, smooth, glowing skin and encouraging a clearing mind with our
Exfoliator; the scent blend reminiscent of a day spa.
With several expertly created scent blends, our aim is to foster memorable links to our
beautifully scented range with positive feelings of calm and feeling her best.
International Women’s Day is about celebrating progress while looking ahead. What are your hopes for the future of women in business, and what impact do you hope to leave through your work?
Women continuing to pursue their dreams, bringing their unique perspective and style,
impacting their own lives and those around them without any concerns of being treated
anything other than equal.
Almost 18 years running my business and customer feedback remains a highlight, l am
truly delighted to hear denu is the favourite of someone’s morning or they can’t bear the
thought of going to sleep without first spraying our Relaxing Mist on their pillow first.
Receiving notes of gratitude that our Mist has helped someone recover post surgery -
that’s more than being able to just run a business, that’s positively impacting someone's life which l love.
Watching me, l’m proud my 15 year old daughter knows the importance of routines, self
care, being disciplined to reach your goals and most importantly, that to grow, you have to keep pushing past where you are comfortable. The same can be said for my 19 year old son- they are both my biggest supporters and being their role model is an absolute joy.
Just as Anthea Crawford has empowered women through fashion, denu empowers them through mindful beauty and wellness. This International Women's Day, let’s celebrate and support women-led businesses that are paving the way for the future.
To celebrate International Women's Day 2025, we’re thrilled to offer AC readers an exclusive denu offer.
✨ Enjoy 20% off the denu range (excluding gift packs) on orders $75+
🚚 Free shipping on orders $100+
📅 Valid until March 13, 2025
🛍 Use code: IWDANTHEACRAWFORD at checkout
#IWD2025 #AccelerateAction #AntheaCrawford #denu