Meet the women behind Mocka, Australia and New Zealand’s contemporary furniture brand

Founded in 2007 in New Zealand, the furniture brand Mocka is passionate about inspiring everyday living with its on-trend, design-led pieces to elevate every room in your home.

From baby cots to bedroom storage and dining room essentials, Mocka delivers outstanding quality at affordable prices for families across Australia and New Zealand.

But there’s much more to the brand than meets the eye, and an essential aspect of its growing success lies in the incredible team of women leading the way.

The women behind Mocka

Led by a talented and diverse group of women managing all aspects from supply chain to product design and development, warehouse management, customer service and marketing, Mocka has proudly supported women in business for over fifteen years.

“So much has changed for women in the workplace in the past decade, and I am incredibly proud to be a part of that change. Supporting each other is key,” says Vanessa Brennan, CEO of Mocka.

“We are so tough on ourselves and each other as many of us face the challenge of navigating our roles as mum and business executive. Extending our fellow women respect and, most importantly, kindness and support will set us apart. It seems simple, yet it can make all the difference.”

Mocka isn’t alone in realising the significant opportunity and potential that women bring to a business. A University of Queensland study on the impact of board diversity has revealed that companies with female directors experience a wide range of benefits.

“I am very proud to be part of the Mocka team and humbled to work with such an exceptional group of women. These women are incredibly talented, and their support for one another makes it possible for us to continue to challenge and grow as people and a business,” adds Vanessa.

The Mocka difference

It’s no secret that historically, women have faced challenges and barriers to accessing work and progression to leadership and management positions. 

According to a report from Harvard Business Review, women are held back more than men as they are encouraged to make accommodations in the workplace that hinder their careers. This includes taking part-time work or shifting to roles with less responsibility.

At Mocka, women are encouraged to pursue their careers without barriers. The workplace is shifted to suit their needs so they can continue to develop as professionals and deliver in their roles - not vice versa.

It’s something that’s felt throughout the entire business.

“Women are endowed with strong communication and networking skills, encouraging collaboration and generating a feeling of togetherness in a team,” says Mocka head of planning Katie Smith. 

“Working alongside female founders and board directors, with women running distribution, women building furniture and driving forklifts, women in customer service, women developing product and managing teams of staff, women creating aesthetics and women working across brand and marketing,” creative lead Kate Lewis.

“I am proud to know and stand alongside the strong women of Mocka. Intelligent and educated women with a wealth of knowledge, talent, inspiration and experience.”

Mocka is definitely reaping the benefits of a female-led team in an industry typically dominated by men. It’s reflected in their authentic, customer-centric branding that connects with their target audience.

“I love that Mocka is a diverse and inclusive company offering many opportunities for women. I am lucky to have the support of the company in my role to allow me to lift women, provide them with training and working opportunities without gender bias, inside an industry traditionally dominated by men,” says Mocka supply chain and logistics manager Tania Misa.

Mocka

Founded in 2007 in New Zealand, Mocka is passionate about inspiring your everyday living. Bringing you on-trend, design-led pieces to elevate every room in your home, Mocka delivers outstanding quality at affordable prices. Whether you’re a new family looking for stylish family-friendly furniture on a budget, creating the perfect home office set-up, or simply looking for your next versatile piece - Mocka has you covered.