Steph Say, CEO of Melbourne-based streetwear label and social enterprise HoMie, will take the stage on the first day of the Social Enterprise Jobs Summit, alongside Bianca Stern, General Manager of All Things Equal, and Rebecca Crawley, Manager of Thamarrurr Youth Indigenous Corporation. They will be sharing stories from the frontline — bold ideas, honest lessons and fresh inspiration.
Two insights that Steph will be sharing as a new leader in the social enterprise space: how to get comfortable with being uncomfortable, and why embracing commercialism is so important.
Four weeks before changemakers, innovators, social enterprises, intermediaries, government and funders gather in Melbourne for the summit on 11-12 June, we sat down with Steph to find out more about what drives her.
Finding purpose through curiosity
Steph never had a five-year plan. A former journalist, she’s driven by a natural curiosity and interest in people. Before becoming CEO of HoMie, she discovered the power of sport in bringing people together through a digital marketing gig at Port Adelaide Football Club. Then she was part of “one of Australia’s great social enterprise stories” as communications and partnerships lead at The Big Issue.
As someone with an interest in young people and mental health, Steph had admired HoMie for a long time. She came to the role with no CEO experience, but lots of energy and a start-up mindset.
“It’s the best job I’ve ever had. No two days are the same. I’m able to be involved in everything from marketing and clothing design, right through to board meetings and governance. It’s really diverse and fun.”
HoMie runs four impact programs that support young people affected by homelessness or hardship. VIP Days, where its store is closed to the public for young people to shop for free; the HoMie Pathway Alliance, an eight-month-long education and employment traineeship; Retail Ready, a 10-week employment program; and HoMie Alumni, where graduates from HoMie employment programs receive ongoing connection and support.
Getting comfortable with being uncomfortable
“One of the key things I’ve learned in this job is how to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. You want to be able to lead in a considered, managed and planned way — but often that’s not possible in the space we’re working in,” Steph says.
“In social enterprise, resources are thin and impact is huge. I’ve learned to roll with the punches, to sit in discomfort and to be ok with not having everything sorted.”
Embracing commercialism
Another insight that Steph plans to share at the Social Enterprise Jobs Summit is the importance of being comfortable with commercialisation and social impact co-existing.
“Some people see commercialisation as a sell-out. I love to challenge that. Commercialisation allows us to make a more impact in a really meaningful way.”
Now in its 10th year, HoMie has established successful collaborations with major brands – including Disney, Nobody Denim, Country Road and the AFL — that have elevated its market presence and social impact.
“To have the backing and belief of values-aligned brands ultimately allows us to reach more people, sell more streetwear and make a bigger impact.”
Expanding the mission
With youth homelessness on the rise, HoMie is planning expansion this year, including a second store, in Melbourne’s CBD, and eventually a national presence.
“With more and more young people experiencing homelessness, there is huge demand for our services,” Steph says.
“Opening more stores and selling more streetwear allows us to deliver on our mission.”
Building the future of social enterprise
Steph is excited about sharing her experience and learning from others at the Social Enterprise Jobs Summit.
“I’m looking forward to sharing what it’s like to run a social enterprise, and what some of the challenges are. And learning from others and building the sector together – we’re all rowing in the same direction.
“There is so much work to be done, and a lot of people in need. There is an extraordinary opportunity before us for people with acumen, grit and capacity to tackle big problems, with the right support and buy-in. Through this summit we can showcase all that social enterprise has to offer as a vehicle to change the world for the better.”
Have you got your tickets to the summit yet? Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of creating a future where everyone has access to decent work.
