Penny Cantle

Female

Lake Macquarie, NSW

Australia

Profile Information:

Profession / role:
Founder/designer/manager/younameit
Company / organisation:
Zenana Women
Website (if you have one):
www.zenanawomen.com.au
My primary role in relation to fashion is:
Designer, Supplier, Manufacturer
I am looking to discover or buy
Contacts, support and outlets for the label
About me / About business or organisation:
I'm new to fashion, having arrived here through the 'back door' and later in life. A life-long interest in fashion/design/sewing has been dragged to the fore as I needed to become a designer as well as manager of a label to be the end-point of setting up an ethical workshop I set up after living in India.
Career history / Company history:
After teaching for 20 years I went to India, tagging along with my husband on an Aid job. We both loved India and I studied for a Masters in Development so I too could work in Aid, as a Gender Specialist. I learned heaps but when the next job came, involving 2 years living in Lucknow, north India, I realised I couldn't wait and started a social enterprise to employ poor women in the often exploited work of hand embroidery. So now I design and manage the production of garments for Zenana Women, which feature this beautiful handicraft.

Comment Wall:

  • Kelly Elkin

    Hello! Sorry for the late reply, I am still getting use to how to use this network system!

    Yeah it is quite hard to have support here, however I am finding it has really expanded lately! Please check out my blog- there are a few ethical designers from Australia on it.

    I am also launching my own label which is also sourced from india!

    All the best,

    Kelly

    Apr 26, 2011

  • Lara McPherson

    Hey Penny, I'm the Director of Sustainable Fashion Australia - we have a very active facebook group I think you might get some value from. I notice you've been chatting to Kelly who is also a member. Hope to connect up with you - feel free to get in touch.

    Nov 25, 2011

  • Rebecca Vernum

    Hi Penny,

    It's been a while since you commented... I've been off having a baby and just now trying to get things running and hopefully off the ground some time in the not too distant future.

    I had a look at your site. Your collections are beautiful.

    Have you gotten anywhere in getting your label picked up?

    I've not got much to suggest to help you as yet but will be in touch if I get anywhere with my research.

    Jan 13, 2012