Finding Fulfilment in Every Season: A Chat with La Sierra’s very own Wise Woman
We believe that a brand's success is built on more than just beautiful products; it's about the people who make it happen. Today, we're shining a spotlight on Lyn, a true embodiment of La Sierra's values. As Sophie's mother and our dedicated bookkeeper, Lyn brings a unique blend of family values, organisational expertise, and a warmth and wisdom that strengthens our team's foundation.
Get ready to be inspired by her insights on life, style, and the importance of choosing ethical brands.
Q: You've lived a full life, juggling a career, family, and now retirement. What are some of the key lessons you've learned about finding happiness and fulfilment in each stage of life?
A: Career: The best parts of my career were working with good people, fostering strong friendships, and being part of an organisation with a meaningful purpose. I enjoyed helping others with their information needs and found contentment in a middle management role, which allowed me to balance work and family life. This taught me that finding fulfilment in work comes from connecting with good people, having a meaningful role, and maintaining a balance between work and family life.
Family: Growing up with a strong family connection, I learned the importance of independence early on. Later, while balancing family and work, I realised the value of supporting both my parents and my children, even when facing challenges like distance. As a parent, I embraced a flexible approach, letting my children develop their own paths, while prioritising good education and supporting their choices. These experiences taught me that strong family bonds are crucial, but independence and support are equally important, whether it’s caring for aging parents or nurturing the growth of your children.
Retirement: While I wasn't ready to fully retire, I embraced the early option and enjoyed supporting my children's transition into adulthood. This brought a sense of freedom, but I soon realised the need for a new purpose. Starting La Sierra provided that, allowing me to find fulfilment in supporting Sophie's business and connecting with new people. This experience taught me that even in retirement, finding a sense of purpose and contributing to something meaningful can bring immense satisfaction.
Q: What does 'style' mean to you now? How has your approach to fashion evolved over the years?
A: I have mostly had a practical approach to style and fashion. I like to be comfortable in my clothes, both physically and for my sense of confidence. When I have a look that I like, that feels comfortable, and I feel is reasonably stylish, I tend to stay with it. I still wear some older items that are now considered ‘vintage’.
I don’t like ‘shopping’ but, when I do buy something new, I find I am often buying an update on something I had in the past or an item to replace something that I have worn out!
Q: What are your favourite ways to spend time with family and friends? Do you have any special traditions or activities you cherish?
A: Gatherings of family and / or friends are usually centred around food. I also enjoy walking (strolling!) in nice places while having a chat. Sharing memories and anecdotes with family & old friends is especially … memorable. Kids are not geographically close, so it’s nice when we can celebrate the special events together - Christmas, birthdays, really any excuse to get together with wider family and friends, but often for no particular reason when we can just talk, watch a movie or compare books we are reading. For me it’s really about sharing the simple things with my loved ones.
Q: What's one thing you've learned about yourself or the world that surprised you in your later years?
A: I still believe most people to be good, but am surprised to see the world is more troubled and less kind than it used to be. And people have not been so kind to the natural world. I see more problems caused by bad governments and bad people, often in bad groups. The world is much more complicated, and everything happens faster with modern communications – which is both good and bad.
I like to think I have adapted to the changes that make our modern world but am starting to feel that I’m ok with being left behind, that I don’t have to keep up so much any more. From actively having a stake in the future, for my children and potential grandchildren, I find I’m sliding into thinking these will all be someone else’s issues to deal with, but I am optimistic that people will find a way. This outlook creeps up on me so can be a bit of a surprise when I think about it.
Q: How do your values align with La Sierra's commitment to sustainable practices? Why is it important for you to support ethical and sustainable brands?
A: I feel so many brands that say they have ethical and sustainable practices are just using these as buzz words for marketing. I feel these values actually are incredibly important: for people in the present and for the future of the planet.
The Who made my clothes? message resonates strongly for me – we are so often removed from having any connection to the makers of the things we wear, or we simply have no idea where an item is made. So I consciously choose to support brands that demonstrate transparency in upholding these values. I would love to go to South America one day to meet some of our artisan makers!
Q: I know you're a big fan of history, culture and exploring different places. If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would you go and why?
A: I’m thinking more adventurous travel is for younger years, and I did that, but I could still go to new places, just doing it more comfortably.
Somewhere I’ve been before – GREECE - to see husband’s extended family again, to see parts of it I’ve not been to before, to go outside the main tourist season! or EGYPT – revisit my 21st birthday, see the new museum in Cairo, go further south than I went before, learn more about this ancient land …
Somewhere new(ish) – more of SPAIN, especially the areas ruled by the Moors, learn more about their time there and their contributions to the modern world.
Somewhere I might not get to – SOUTH AMERICA! Connect with La Sierra’s roots, meet some of the artisans, see the Alpaca herds, see the Galapagos Islands.
Closer to home – New Zealand, more of Australia – these are places I always thought one goes when one is ‘old’, but I’m ‘not that old’ just yet!
Q: What is your favourite La Sierra piece, why do you love it, and how do you style it?
A: Two favourites – my Blanket Scarf which I also use as a throw for my bed and my Peacock Charley Jumper.
Blanket scarf is something I use more often as a throw or a blanket for naps. I did that on a recent trip as the bedding provided everywhere was always too warm. The baby alpaca weave is a beautiful weight and feels so soft, and I slept comfortably with it for six weeks – truly taking the comfort of home on my travels.
Charley jumper is a beautiful colour, is soft, warm & breathable, with a high neck that provides that feeling of comfort in colder weather. I wear it with everything over so many occasions!
Q: And this question to satisfy my own curiosities, what made you say yes to my starting a business with your daughter all those years ago?
It was something interesting to do together and, I guess, to keep our closeness when you became more independent. Also, I hadn’t found much purpose when entering the Empty-Nest phase of family life, and husband was still working, so helping out as part of the business has been something I have enjoyed immensely.
A Note From Sophie:
My mother Lyn has been such an integral part of La Sierra since day 1. We work so well together and complement each others skill set really well. From airport picks ups of our stock when I am overseas, covering days at the shop, helping set up and work weekend market stalls and being the most responsive person I have ever come across on emails, my mum is really one of the most patient, kind, supportive, grounded and intelligent women I have ever come across.I am so grateful for her dedication, her work ethic, and the amazing support she provides. It feels really special to share the experience of doing meaningful work together.
I hope she is part of this business for many years to come (though maybe I should let her enjoy retirement a little more soon… but honestly, who else would answer my late night work texts?
Ready to explore La Sierra? Browse our website www.lasierra.com.au to discover the faces that make this brand possible!