We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present, and emerging.
NAIDOC Week is a celebration of the history, culture and achievements of the First Nations people. This year's theme is a call to recognise, protect, and maintain their heritage. We talked to Rona Ngamperle Glynn-Mcdonald, founder of Common Ground. This First Nations-led not-for-profit works to amplify the knowledge, cultures and stories of the First Nations people.
Q: WHO ARE YOU AND WHAT IS YOUR STORY?
A: I am a proud Kaytetye woman from Central Australia. My work focuses on creating spaces for First Nations People centred on storytelling. Since finishing high school in 2013, I have worked across the not-for-profit sector with First Nations and non-Indigenous organisations. I've also founded a not-for-profit called Common Ground and a First Nations consulting practice at YLab.
Q: HOW DID YOU COME TO START COMMON GROUND?
A: Growing up in Mparntwe (Alice Springs), I saw how the colonial systems we live within impacted (and continue to impact) my community in unique and dangerous ways. After attending university, I began to realise the extent to which colonialism permeates all areas of our society, perpetuated by the narratives we've been sharing as a nation since colonisation. As a result, I founded Common Ground in 2018 to create spaces where First Nations individuals and communities could share their perspectives, voices and knowledge.
Q: WHAT DOES NAIDOC WEEK MEAN TO YOU?
A: For me, it's a week to reflect and celebrate the achievements and resilience of First Nations People and communities. I walk with a deep listening of the voices of my Ancestors and leaders in my community every day. So having a week dedicated to honouring them while giving space to appreciate the richness and strength of our communities is always special.
Q: WHY IS STORYTELLING IMPORTANT?
A: First Nations people are the original storytellers—inherent to First Nations storytelling is truth-telling. Both are at the centre of Country, Law, culture and language. It's how we organise knowledge and how we continue to pass on this knowledge for the generations to come. It's what keeps our communities strong.
TO MAKE SURE THESE STORIES LIVE ON
We donated $20,000 AUD to Common Ground—a First Nations-led not-for-profit that works to amplify the knowledge, cultures and stories of the First Nations people
We’re celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at QUAY. Get to know our squad with mini Q/As that highlight some of our Latinx employees—COMMUNITY IS QUAY.
MARIBEL
What is your Hispanic heritage? I am Mexican and Honduran.
What department do you work in?
Retail - Shops
What would you say is one of the biggest misconceptions people have about your culture?
I think one of the biggest...is that all we eat is tacos and burritos. Mexican cuisine has so many different amazing foods! 😍
Help drop some knowledge: What is one thing you would like to share about your heritage? One thing I would like to share would be Mexican culture is the fusion of European, African, and Indigenous culture...This mixing, known as mestizaje, produced a unique cultural identity that makes up the basis for modern-day Mexico, and can be seen in every aspect of Mexican life, including food, clothing, art, music, and even language.
One for fun: What is one thing you could not live without? One thing I could not live without would be music. I love music, it helps me get through the day and gets me energized and motivated with whatever I am doing.
MARIA
What is your Hispanic heritage? I am Nicaraguan.
What department do you work in? Finance
What would you say is one of the biggest misconceptions people have about your culture? That we are lazy people, which is completely wrong. I have traveled to Nicaragua more than 20 times and everyone I’ve met there is extremely hard working and friendly.
Help drop some knowledge: What is one thing you would like to share about your heritage? Every year, around Christmas, families come together to celebrate La Purisima. It is both a religious and cultural event to celebrate the Virgin Mary. Everyone sings and passes party favors, which always include typical Nicaraguan food and drinks. It’s a remembrance of our culture and an opportunity for us to enjoy our nation’s treats.
One for fun: What is one thing you could not live without? Family.
BRENDA
What is your Hispanic heritage? I am Mexican and Spanish.
What department do you work in? Retail - Shops
What would you say is one of the biggest misconceptions people have about your culture? Biggest misconception of Mexican women is that we’re limited to be housewives/stay-at-home moms, and marry “macho men.” That’s quite false. My mother is a psychologist, and I was taught to be very independent. She really enforced to break that glass ceiling and use my bilingualism to advance in my career.
Help drop some knowledge: What is one thing you would like to share about your heritage? Not all Mexicans eat spicy foods. Although, the use of chili is quite common, not all of us like the spicy-ness.
One for fun: What is one thing you could not live without? I cannot live without coffee! Especially “cafe con leche,” which is delicious! And Salsa dancing!
NYDIA
What is your Hispanic heritage? I am Puerto Rican and Mexican.
What department do you work in? Inventory Control
What would you say is one of the biggest misconceptions people have about your culture? Not all Latinx are Catholic, I was raised Pentecostal.
Help drop some knowledge: What is one thing you would like to share about your heritage? Puerto Ricans are U.S. Citizens but aren’t allowed to vote for president.
One for fun: What is one thing you could not live without? My Grandma Nydia’s Puerto Rican cooking (I was named after my grandma).
ROB
What is your Hispanic heritage? I am Puerto Rican.
What department do you work in? IT
What would you say is one of the biggest misconceptions people have about your culture? That we’re all “Spanish.” Puerto Rico is actually part of Latin America and the indigenous people are actually called Taíno and are thought to have come from the Amazon Basin. If you look at the DNA of anyone from Puerto, it’s a mix of many cultures including Spain and Africa that made Puerto Rico as amazing as it is.
Help drop some knowledge: What is one thing you would like to share about your heritage? I have DNA from Europe, Africa, Asia and Native Americans! It’s quite amazing to look at all the sources of what makes me, me.
One for fun: What is one thing you could not live without? Photos of my family! I thought at first about a piece of technology like my phone, but photos and memories are irreplicable.
MIGUEL
What is your Hispanic heritage? I am Mexican.
What department do you work in? Retail Operations
What would you say is one of the biggest misconceptions people have on your culture? That people in Mexico all wear sombreros.
Help drop some knowledge: What is one thing you would like to share about your heritage? People in Tepatitlan have a traditional festival every year in April called Tepabril, in honor of the Lord of Mercy, and the festivities go on for 2 to 3 weeks. A sanctuary was created for the Lord of Mercy in Tepatitlan, Jalisco, and his story is displayed on the walls of the sanctuary describing how he was founded and his significance for the town.
One for fun: What is one thing you could not live without? Tamales!
RAQUEL
What is your Hispanic heritage? I am Mexican.
What department do you work in? Global Brand
What would you say is one of the biggest misconceptions people have on your culture? That Mexico is a very dangerous place to visit.
Help drop some knowledge: what is one thing you would like to share about your heritage? In Mexico, we greet everyone with a kiss on the cheek, even people you just met. 😘
One for fun: What is one thing you could not live without? Limes!
BRIANNA
What is your Hispanic heritage? I am Mexican.
What department do you work in? Global Brand
What would you say is one of the biggest misconceptions people have on your culture? That any successful business or family is associated with the cartel. It's sad, but it was a thing my family/friends heard growing up.
Help drop some knowledge: What is one thing you would like to share about your heritage? Mexico has 68 official languages that are officially recognized, but there are even more spoken by smaller communities around the country.
One for fun: What is one thing you could not live without? Family, they are a crazy bunch, but man, do I love them!
TESS
What is your Hispanic heritage? I am Honduran and Nicaraguan.
What department do you work in? Global Brand
What would you say is one of the biggest misconceptions people have on your culture? For me, it's upsetting when others aren't understanding or get frustrated to non-English speaking individuals. Growing up my Mom barely knew any English, so she relied on my brother, dad, and myself to translate. It's also upsetting when non-Spanish speaking people make fun of any latin culture because they find it “weird.” It truly does take a toll on a child growing up because you end up being embarrassed about who you are, when it should never be like that.
Help drop some knowledge: What is one thing you would like to share about your heritage? We don't all have the same food! I grew with native food from Honduras and Nicaragua. For example, although we have tamales, they aren't the same as a mexican tamale everyone learns and eats.
One for fun: What is one thing you could not live without? My film cameras. They're my form of therapy, and I enjoy seeing life through a viewfinder.
CESAR
What is your Hispanic heritage? I am Colombian, Puerto Rican, and Mexican.
What department do you work in? Retail-Shops
What would you say is one of the biggest misconceptions people have about your culture? It’s silly, but I always hear, “Oh, you’re from Colombia...What do you guys eat?” Puerto Rico and Colombia are both so rich in culture and have amazing cuisine that doesn’t revolve around beans and tacos. If you’re ever in Puerto Rico or at a decent PR restaurant, try Mofongo (staple), Tostones, and always order the Arroz Con Gandules. 🤤
Help drop some knowledge: What is one thing you would like to share about your heritage? Being Puerto Rican means that I am not only Puerto Rican, but I am also a beautiful mix of indigenous Taínos, African, and Spanish ancestry.
One for fun: What is one thing you could not live without? I can never live without MUSIC. Puerto Rico is the birthplace of SALSA. 💃
The belief that COMMUNITY IS QUAY and that all people—regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, or creed—deserve respect, opportunity, and love is central to everything that we do at Quay. We are nothing without the unique, diverse group of individuals internally + externally who have allowed us success over the years.
We love an oversized sunnies moment, but sometimes the outfit or occasion doesn’t call for a shade blocking shield.
Whether you’re looking to add a more everyday pair of sunnies to your wardrobe or you have a smaller face shape, you don’t always have to go big. That’s where our minis come in.
Minis are the styles you know and love, like HARDWIRE, but sized down to flatter more face shapes and show off another side to your selfie.
Check out some of our fave mini styles in sunnies and bluelight, and see if you can spot the difference.
HARDWIRE MINI is the same easy-to-wear, classic square shape that makes them one of our bestsellers—just sized down in every way for a smaller face or just a smaller fit. On the flip side, if you often find glasses too small for your face, our OG sizes are great for bigger faces or those who prefer a larger fit. And the cherry on top—HARDWIRE or HARDWIRE MINI blue light frames are prescription-ready, so you can take them to your optometrist and have your prescription put in.
All In Mini: Height: 52mm Width:144 | All In OG: Height: 56mm Width: 151mm
Have you always wanted an aviator shape, but the size stops you from adding to cart? Try ALL IN MINI. Going small never looked so good.
(L) THE PLAYA OG Height: 54mm Width: 147mm | (R) THE PLAYA MINI Height: 54mm Width: 147mm
Players need mini frames too, and that’s why we love THE PLAYA MINI. They keep all the mega glam style you want from an aviator shape without going too big or heavy.
Or are you after a pair of cat eye sunnies that put an exclamation point on your outfit without overwhelming you? Put on REINA MINI. This modern take on the cat eye packs all the sass of REINA, but is scaled down, and perfect to wear everyday.
Want to be sure minis are for you? Take our face shape quiz, or stop by your local Quay shop to see them IRL.
Q/A has been a mark of the Quay Australia brand for years. And it’s more than just our initials—it’s what we stand for. So, we’re checking in with some of the coolest people we know to walk a mile in their shades + get a fresh perspective on some of the topics we think are worth talking about.
This time around, we’re chatting with someone who inspires us daily. Meet Jodi Bricker, CEO of Quay Australia. We’re lucky enough to soak up inspiration from her on the reg, and we want to send a little bit of that magic your way.
Who are you?
First and foremost—I am a mom of two teenaged daughters, and I live in the Bay Area. I’m originally from the Midwest, but I’ve been in California since college, and I’m a hybrid of both places. I grew up as a competitive athlete, so I love pushing myself and reaching for personal bests. And I am the CEO of Quay, which is quite possibly the most fun I’ve ever had at work, and I’m so grateful to be a part of the brand.
We love a boss, let’s talk more about that. What’s the most important thing that you do at work?
I set the vision, mission, and overall direction of Quay. I try to inspire our teams to create and deliver in a way that solves problems for our customers and makes them happy! My background is in product, branding, retail, and digital—but I spend most of my time with people. Listening to our customers in our stores and on social media, coaching the teams at Quay, and connecting the dots along the way. I work to create and maintain a culture and working environment at Quay that inspires everyone to become their best self and do their best work.
Quay team members
And where do you seek inspiration?
I find inspiration everywhere. Not just in eyewear, fashion, or retail—I see the world from a consumer perspective everywhere I look, and I always have my antennae up. I try as much as possible to be in different cities and environments observing people, patterns, and trends. LA and Miami are amazing for sunnies attitude and lifestyle inspiration. Merci in Paris is one of my favorite retail spots because it’s a hybrid store—part café, part vintage art installations, fashion, and home décor.
I’m currently obsessed with Glossier and Outdoor Voices—of-the-moment brands founded by women. I am also 100% drawn to the outdoors—my favorite places in the Bay Area are Stinson beach, Mt. Tam in Marin, Hayes Valley and the Mission neighborhoods in San Francisco, and local restaurants and shops in Berkeley and Oakland.
Stinson Beach—one of Jodi’s favorite places to soak up inspiration
What exactly do you like to read?
Anything involving a story and storytelling. Books, articles, news, and Twitter everyday to get mentally sparked and stay on top of what’s going on. I’m currently reading the bookSapiens…A Brief History of Humankind. I love documentaries and podcasts and am currently listening to “How I built this” on my commutes.
In general, I’m someone who’s really curious and interested in what people think, what people do, and how they behave. All of this informs how we think about our products at Quay and the role our brand can play in people’s lives.
Self-expression is such an important part of Quay’s brand identity. What does that mean to you?
Self-expression is having a certain sense of who you are at your core, and owning that, and being willing to be vulnerable with sharing that with the world. I also don’t believe there is a finish line in life. Humans are constantly evolving, so for me, self-expression and exploration are tools for accessing personal growth.
Self-expression can feel easier said than done sometimes. What piece of advice would you give to someone trying to manage beauty standards and expectations online while owning their self-expression?
l feel grateful that I’d already developed my sense of self and had my value system in place before social media blew up. While I think it can be an incredible source of inspiration, it can also be mean-spirited and cause anxiety. My advice would be to make sure that you aren’t letting social media be a part of forming your sense of self. Go form that on your own, use social media as an amplifier.
How do you continue to express yourself personally?
The biggest thing is pushing myself out of my comfort zone—trying new things and going to new places. It can be as small as wearing a bold pair of red glasses to turn up my outfit or much bigger—like trying fly fishing for the first time (I loved it) or taking a leap into a new job. I believe that every time we try something new and push the edge a little bit, we realize we have more depth, range, and ability than we give ourselves credit.
Expressing her selflie with different sunnies style
Do you consider yourself a role model, and how do you handle that responsibility?
I don’t wake up every day thinking, “I’m going to be a role model today,” but I’m conscious of the fact that many people in my life count on me to do the right thing and want to be inspired. I hold myself to high standards—particularly as it relates to my roles as a mom and a female leader.
It’s very important to me that I walk the talk for my daughters, so through that filter I ask myself—am I showing up as a kind person? As someone who is learning, evolving, taking risks, and being open minded and vulnerable? It’s a journey, and I am a constant work in progress.
We agree—you are a role model and a total boss. How do you balance your own self-care, being a mother, AND having such a big career?
I try to think about it more as a concept of flow vs balance. I find it’s easier when I integrate my work and life instead of strictly thinking in terms of balance, which feels like a relentless scorecard. Life is incredibly dynamic and always evolving. Some weeks, work requires more of my time, and other weeks, my family needs me, or I need to put myself first. I start with being clear on what’s important: my health and wellbeing, my kids, partner and family, friends, work, learning and growing, contributing to the world. With this in mind, I try to make work a holistic part of my entire life.
Jodi + her two daughters at high school graduation
We’ve talked a lot about education at Quay this year. What does it mean to you that Quay is giving back to our community with our Education is Quay scholarship program?
Having two teenagers and watching the process of getting into college compared to my experience growing up—it’s clear that education has become too exclusive and overwhelming, and that many people simply can’t get access to it. The ability to gain an education is an important part of our society, so I love that Quay can use our platform to help open that door up for a few more people while we figure this out as a larger society.
Can’t get enough? Check Jodi out on Instagram @jodi.bricker for inspiration, behind-the-scenes at Quay, and more.
