In our “Power of Us” series, we are highlighting associates from around the world who are going above and beyond in their job to bring the Power of PVH to life.
In this edition, we interview Wanyika Mshila, Assistant Buyer, PVH Australia. As she navigates her day job and impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, Wanyika is giving women a platform through social media for their voices to be heard.
Tell us about your role as an Assistant Buyer for Heritage & what are your main focus areas?
I work in Australia with the head of brand for Heritage, and as a result the role includes more than buying. I work closely with the design and production, operations, warehouse, e-commerce, marketing, planning and store teams. Because our team is small, my focus is usually where needed at any particular time but with planning requirements at the forefront.
You are being highlighted for going above and beyond for your work at PVH and also the role you are taking in the community. Can you tell us about your work at PVH and also your work on 2 Sydney Stylists?
Working across several teams, my main responsibility is to be as efficient as possible. I’m also big on learning so, wherever possible I will aim to get whatever further training I need to get the job done. I’m also a big believer in mentorship "you cannot go where you cannot see” and I believe that is what a mentor brings to the table.
2 Sydney Stylists started as an expression of creativity and also a hub where we could offer mentorship, skills training and a sense of community to other women of color. Essentially it was born out of a need to give what we felt we didn’t have growing up in Australia. From a fashion/artistic aesthetic we wanted to be seen because there are so many spaces where we were not represented. So instead of waiting for someone to do something about it, we did it ourselves.
How did working on this in the time of COVID-19 make you feel? How was working on this project rewarding?
Working during COVID-19 is challenging because we are not only dealing with the global pandemic, but also with the social injustice on Black people. And being of African descent living in a pre-dominantly white country, I was feeling the weight of it all. So, working on the project was grounding and made me feel like I was making a difference.
Tell us a little bit about how you are personally weathering the COVID-19 crisis – How do you stay connected? Any tips on staying focused and motivated during these times?
I weathered COVID-19 by taking attention away from myself, I figured if I was feeling a type of way other people must be too. So, I went into problem solving mode; giving voice and spotlighting other women through our 2 Sydney Stylists Live conversations on Instagram. We got to interview amazing women who we had the pleasure of meeting and/or working with, and highlight the work they are doing. The feedback has been amazing.
How I stay focused and motivated? I love making lists, I get a dopamine hit from crossing things off a to accomplish list, so I used to make lists for everything, even the minutest task, like brush my teeth, just so I could tick it off, get the high and get motivated to do more, the key though is to keep it manageable and fun. I hack my brain all the time!