Our Bra Guru
What is your name, bra size, and secret power?
Sue, 14G , I can make gin disappear at hyper-speed ….
What makes you the happiest in life?
Watching my daughters grow as people. Spending the weekend with them, watching them compete at their chosen sports. There are lots of ups and downs, but being part of their life makes me happy.
Who inspires you the most and why?
Ruth Bader Ginsberg, having listened to her being interviewed many times and then reading her book, I find her words as relevant and poignant today as they were 50 years ago. They speak to the independence of women. I particularly love her quote "My mother told me to be a lady. And for her, that meant be your own person, be independent."
Why did you start Rose & Thorne?
I can’t lie - originally it was a necessity. After leaving Bendon my choices were simple - move overseas to work, or start something in New Zealand.
The choice wasn’t hard. It was only while working out the “what makes us different” when the reality of what we had with Rose & Thorne actually hit. Talking to so many women about their bra woes it became so very clear that women really didn’t understand bras shouldn’t hurt, and what they put up with just wasn’t good enough.
So the mission started to take the pain away from bra shopping by creating comfortable bras that were also affordable and looked good. We are still on that journey and I think that we shall always be on it - it has become my obsession!
What makes you so passionate about Rose & Thorne?
Our Rose & Thorne customers - they are truly amazing. After I’ve been in a fitting room and we've found the right bra - regardless of age - being able to actually see the change in both face and confidence, I just want to shout “hell yeah!”.
What is your favourite part of the job?
I don’t think I actually have a favourite part because my role is so varied! I think I’m a bit strange as I actually enjoy the numbers side of it as well as the design and creative - there are favourite bits to all of it.
But, I do have a part of the job that's my least favourite and that's washing the dishes…….
What’s something most people wouldn’t know about you?
I hate moths and butterflies! If a Puriri Moth flies into the room I can exit faster than any Olympic sprinter. The only things that should fly are planes!!!
What is your favourite thing about yourself?
Sense of humour, although not appreciated by all
What is your favourite way to get your body moving and grooving?
Tom Jones on full blast in our lingerie warehouse - hahaha.
What do you do for yourself?
Catch up with my bestie, drink champagne and put the world to rights.
What has been your biggest body struggle?
Watch out I’m now stepping on my soapbox!
I really don’t like this type of question - it assumes you’ve got or had a body struggle which by implication is negative. I don’t subscribe to all the body positive affirmation that is currently so popular. In my opinion, it means the complete reverse. It assumes there's something wrong with what you have and the need for external affirmation.
What you’ve got is yours. Love, and enjoy it - you're a long time dead. You don’t need someone else to tell you that you're OK.
What do you do to boost your body confidence on days you're feeling down about your body?
I never feel down about my body its beaten cancer twice, carried me through until now and I’m super grateful for that.
I can outwork more than most people half of my age and have more stamina than most. I’m fit, and I'm healthy. OK - I can’t run a marathon, but I couldn’t do that 40 years ago and have no compulsion to do so now!
What's the best thing about being a woman?
Being outrageous if you feel like it and people simply thinking, 'it's OK, it's just that crazy old lady….'.
What is beauty to you?
Four legs, a mane and a tail :)
What's the best piece of advice you've heard or received about body confidence?
I don't have a problem with my body so I take no notice of all the "Debbie downers." I carry on in my own way! I’m happy.
What's your favourite go-to Rose & Thorne bra, and why?
The Active bra, being bigger boobied I like to feel comfortable and in control. It's great while I’m working or helping the girls with their horses. This bra does it all. And, for lace bras, I can't resist the delicious Peony Lace Bras.
Our Bra Guru Sue is truly an upbeat, one-of-a-kind, amazing superwoman. We love you, Sue! Thanks for sharing all of your great insights with us.
Shop Sue's Favourite, the wire-free compression Sports Bra. Let Bra Guru - Sue help you find your perfect fit by scheduling an online bra fitting.
You can find your perfect Rose & Thorne bra size at home with our helpful Bra Fit Tools and Bra Sizing Advice, including our Bra Size Calculator and our Bra Size Chart. We are here to help, so feel free to schedule a one-on-one online bra fitting.
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