NEW BREED SCHOLARSHIP
SYDNEY 2026
NEW BREED SCHOLARSHIP
SYDNEY 2026
About The Judges
About The Judges
The New Breed Scholarship is a program designed to support up and coming designers as they take the leap into wholesale. With a prize that will most definitely change your future, learn a little about our judges who have already been in your shoes.
Jenny Cui, Co-Founder, Rhino Rhino
Jenny Cui, Co-Founder, Rhino Rhino
Why did you want to be a part of this exciting initiative?
To empower emerging founders. Seeing fresh ideas gain momentum—especially with a platform like Life Instyle—is energising. Contributing to a community of driven, like-minded creatives is genuinely rewarding
What is it that you look for in a new brand or product?
• Clear purpose: the problem it solves and for whom.
• Distinctive aesthetic: cohesive, original, and on-brand.
• Go-to-market readiness: an intuitive website and compelling, consistent social presence that tells the story and convert
Being a successful business owner, what is your one piece of advice to new start-ups and people running their own small business, especially during this uncertain time?
One piece of advice for new start-ups/small businesses? You don’t know what you don’t know—map your gaps early, seek advice from people who’ve done it before, stay curious, and iterate quickly.
Hayley Barrett, Creative Director and Founder, Kollab
Hayley Barrett, Creative Director and Founder, Kollab
Why did you want to be a part of this exciting initiative?
I love seeing new ideas and brands grow from concept to launch, it always takes me back to when Kollab first launched at First inStyle 11 years ago. It’s a really special reminder of that moment, and I feel so inspired watching emerging brands take the same leap I did all those years ago.
What is it that you look for in a new brand or product?
I’m all about practical products, those that are built with purpose. For me, it’s less about chasing trends and more about seeing the passion behind a brand and its ability to bring something meaningful to people’s everyday lives. I look for products that solve a problem, feel intuitive to use, and elevate the little moments in daily routines.
I’m also drawn to originality, authenticity, a strong story and clear alignment with customer needs always stand out to me, and I believe that’s what creates long-term impact over short-lived trends.
Being a successful business owner, what is your one piece of advice to new start-ups and people running their own small businesses?
Never place all your focus in one vertical or channel. For us, building a strong wholesale B2B network has been a cornerstone of Kollab’s growth and continually focusing on creating new and exciting products for our customers. The support of small independent stockists has been instrumental in getting our products into the hands of everyday people. Wholesale has allowed us to reach more customers than we could alone, while also building credibility and trust by showing that our products are backed by so many respected retailers, which has been a real pivotable moment in assisting and building our D2C business over the years.
Heidi Albertiri, Owner, The Life Style Edit
Heidi Albertiri, Owner, The Life Style Edit
Why did you want to be a part in this exciting initiative?
Nothing beats supporting someone in the beginning of their journey. It takes guts to get something off the ground and whatever support we can offer to assist in that we are happy to do.
What is it that you look for in a new brand or product?
Originality. I am not interested in something that has been copied from another brand. Authenticity is important. It’s ok to get inspiration but if you dont create the product and make it your own it will never work.
Being a successful business owner, what is your one piece of advice to new start-ups and people running their own small business?
( that’s nice, thanks… ) Make good choices, but don't be scared of failing. Most people start their own business because of an itch, or need to share something that they love, remember that when you are doing the day to day grind, reconnect with your values, what you stand for and what makes you unique, it's easy to compare yourself and lose track of your original game plan but having you driving it, your vision, your passion, your love for it will be what makes the difference in the end.
Nina Vidale, Event Director, Life Instyle
Nina Vidale, Event Director, Life Instyle
What made you want to continue the New Breed Scholarship?
The Life Instyle team love nothing more than seeing our brands flourish and thrive, it’s why we do what we do! We know that it takes a hell of a lot of blood, sweat, tears and sleepless nights to start a new business and we want to support the bold and the brave business owners who take these risks. We understand and appreciate one of the biggest challenges for small start-ups is getting your product in into the hands of potential customers, there really is no substitute for retailers being able to touch and try the product out. In addition to this growing your networks is also an essential part of the mix. The program has been designed to provide just that and is complimented with expert mentoring during the journey to ensure you feel supported and have the best chance at success. We have been completely humbled by the positive feedback of this program being a game changer for start-ups and we are excited to continue to play a part in the growth and success of emerging small business.
What is it that you look for when a new brand applies to exhibit at Life Instyle?
We know that Life Instyle visitors are continually looking for ‘what’s new’ so we are always on the lookout for brands that are original, creative, innovative, unique, and of course…beautifully designed. Brands that have a strong focus on being, sustainably produced, ethically produced, cruelty free , socially conscious and Australian designed and owned.
What is your one piece of advice to someone starting out?
Don't be afraid of being afraid. Sometimes the one thing you need for growth is the one thing you are most afraid to do.
Melissa Robbins, Product Business Coach, thelotco
Melissa Robbins, Product Business Coach, thelotco
Why did you want to be a part in this exciting initiative?
I love seeing all the new creative business owners out there!! So much innovation and excitement. Those who have a passion for a new product or new approach and in their early years are so great to work with to help through the start up phase.
What is it that you look for in a new brand or product?
Someone who has thought of a unique selling point. Whether that is a new design , new product or a new way of doing things. That may be in packaging, branding, the story they tell or even colours. I also want to see they have thought of the whole package. Who their customer is, how they will sell it, the packaging, the price points and that USP again!! To see the imagery and the way they present that product is so important now also. No longer can it just be a good idea. You have to know how to market your product too.
Being a successful business owner, what is your one piece of advice to new start-ups and people running their own small business?
Running your own business requires persistence and resilience!!! You cannot give up if barriers present themselves or things go wrong. You need to be resourceful and know when to ask for help and outsource certain tasks also. You cannot do it all!! Accept that early on and get a mentor or coach to guide you.
Janet Pogorelc, Creative Director, Fox & Fallow
Janet Pogorelc, Creative Director, Fox & Fallow
Why did you want to be a part in this exciting initiative?
We’ve loved being a part of the Life Instyle Community and have exhibited at Sydney and Melbourne for the past 7 years. It’s such an amazing, supportive world full of founders creating beautiful brands and products with a focus on design, integrity and quality - we’ve definitely found our “tribe” at Life Instyle.
What is it that you look for in a new brand or product?
Unique design, amazing quality and innovation. A brand with a strong point of view and aesthetic.
Being a successful business owner, what is your one piece of advice to new start-ups and people running their own small business?
Building a brand takes time (and more money than you think or planned for). Be patient, ask for help (from mentors or coaches) and always keep learning, improving and innovating. It’s a marathon, not a sprint!