It's Who I Am The Podcast: Recent Episodes
Hannah & Rachel Vasicek
'It’s who I am' the podcast celebrates the unique life experiences that make us who we are. With a passion for creativity, entrepreneurship and philanthropy, hosts Hannah and Rachel Vasicek of Francesca Jewellery interview women across Australia and abroad who vulnerably and candidly share the depths of who they are.
Francesca's longest standing employee, Kelsie Phillps sits down with Hannah to talk about her long standing career at Francesca and how she went from working in the retail store to being Francesca's buyer.
If you loved this chat, don’t forget to follow the podcast wherever you’re listening so you never miss an episode!
Leave us a review or share to your stories, we love seeing that you're tuning in!
Hosts: @Hannah.vasicek & @Rachelvasicek
For more follow: @Francescajewellery
Founder of Speak Up, Stay ChatTY, Mitch McPherson shares his story of losing his brother 13 years ago. During times of navigating grief, Mitch realised his potential to advocate for speaking up about mental health struggles and how he was able to turn such a traumatic life experience into something positive by helping others, with starting Speak Up, Stay ChatTY.
Content warning: This episode discusses sensitive topics.
Hosts: @Hannah.vasicek @Rachelvasicek
For more follow: @Francescajewellery
Hannah sat down with one of the company's longest standing team members, Francesca Mascia, who, fun fact, shares her name with the business itself! In the episode, Francesca reflects on her nine-year journey, from starting out as an intern to growing into her current role as Project Manager. She shares lessons learned, challenges faced, and the milestones that shaped her career along the way.
In this episode, Hannah and Rachel vulnerably share their traumatic experience of their first hand encounter with human trafficking. On their annual business trip to Hong Kong, their lives nearly changed for the worst. Listen to hear their story and why they are so passionate about supporting Be Hers.
If you loved this chat, don’t forget to follow the podcast wherever you’re listening so you never miss an episode!
Leave us a review or share to your stories, we love seeing that you're tuning in!
Content warning: This episode discusses sensitive topics, including human trafficking.
Hosts: @Hannah.vasicek @Rachelvasicek
For more follow: @Francescajewellery
In this powerful episode, Rachel sits down with Melody Towns, the visionary founder of Be Her Freedom. Melody is a woman on a mission to bring freedom to those caught in the horrors of modern slavery and human trafficking. She shares her deeply personal journey, the mission behind her work, and why purpose is more than just a buzzword; it's a call to action. This episode is about why purpose matters and how using your platforms, your voice or even your jewellery can spark real change.
Content warning: This episode discusses sensitive topics, including human trafficking.
Thank you so much for listening and supporting the podcast.
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You can also leave us a review, or share the podcast to your stories.
Hosts: @Hannah.vasicek & @Rachelvasicek
For more follow: @Francescajewellery
In this episode, Rach shares her honest feelings about being pregnant and the uncertainty of stepping away for maternity leave. Hannah offers her perspective from the other side, reflecting on her time as a new mum and the mindset shifts that came with it. Expect honest laughs and some sisterly wisdom for any woman navigating career and motherhood.
If you loved this chat, don’t forget to follow the podcast wherever you’re listening so you never miss an episode!
Leave us a review or share to your stories, we love seeing that you're tuning in!
Hosts: @Hannah.vasicek & @Rachelvasicek
For more follow: @Francescajewellery
In this episode of Let’s Be Franc, the girls dive into the behind-the-scenes of their campaigns and photoshoots. Spoiler alert: it’s not all glitz and glamour! From past mistakes to major lessons, they open up about what it really takes to bring a vision to life, and why staying true to themselves matters now more than ever as the business grows.
If you loved this chat, don’t forget to follow wherever you’re listening so you never miss an episode!
Leave us a review or share to your stories — we love seeing you tune in.
Hosts: @Hannah.vasicek @Rachelvasicek
For more follow:
@Francescajewellery
In this episode of ‘Let’s be Franc’ we’re stepping outside of the world of Francesca to share more of our personal experiences outside of work.
We open up about what it’s like working together as sisters— both in business and beyond— and how we’ve both grown individually while building our brand.
From navigating motherhood and defining who we are outside of work, this conversation is about how we approach separating our personal lives from our professional ones.
If you liked this episode please follow us wherever you’re listening so you’re notified when a new episode is live!
You can also leave us a review, or share the podcast to your stories.
Hosts:
@Hannah.vasicek
@Rachelvasicek
For more follow:
@Francescajewellery
On our first episode of 'Let's Be Franc', we wanted to take the chance to reintroduce ourselves and bring you all up to speed on what's been happening! We are so excited to be relaunching our podcast! We are often asked what it's like running a business so, 'Let's Be Franc' will be your look in behind the scenes at Francesca! The good, the bad and everything in between! You'll also get to know us on a deeper level and join us on this crazy ride that is business and life! We can't wait for you to listen to each episode!
Website: https://www.francesca.com.au/
Instagram: @francescajewellery
Tiktok: @francesca.com.au
Hannah sat down with the beautiful Raquel Bouris, Founder of Who Is Elijah to chat through the joys of motherhood and business!
From Hannah’s personal journey discovering that her first born would be born with a limb difference, to juggling CEO duties whilst parenting two tots. Hannah sits down to chat all things Motherhood with her guests.
'It's who I am' the podcast is run by two Sister's passionate about sharing real stories that make us who we are. If you loved this episode please hit 'subscribe' on Apple Podcasts or 'follow' on Spotify, and leave a review if you're really feeling the love!
Your hosts are@hannah.vasicek & @rachelvasicek and this episode was sponsored by @francesca.com.au
Hannah sat down with the founder of Nat'V Basics, Sandy Ronalds to chat about the juggle of motherhood and how she does it all. They cover the highest of highs and lowest of lows of motherhood.
From Hannah’s personal journey discovering that her first born would be born with a limb difference, to juggling CEO duties whilst parenting two tots. Hannah sits down to chat all things Motherhood with her guests.
'It's who I am' the podcast is run by two Sister's passionate about sharing real stories that make us who we are. If you loved this episode please hit 'subscribe' on Apple Podcasts or 'follow' on Spotify, and leave a review if you're really feeling the love!
Your hosts are@hannah.vasicek & @rachelvasicek and this episode was sponsored by @francesca.com.au
Hannah sat down with the incredible 'Married at First Sight' star, Jules Robinson, to discuss all things motherhood and the journey that follows postpartum and how she navigated her PMDD diagnosis
From Hannah’s personal journey discovering that her first born would be born with a limb difference, to juggling CEO duties whilst parenting two tots. Hannah sits down to chat all things Motherhood with her guests.
'It's who I am' the podcast is run by two Sister's passionate about sharing real stories that make us who we are. If you loved this episode please hit 'subscribe' on Apple Podcasts or 'follow' on Spotify, and leave a review if you're really feeling the love!
Your hosts are@hannah.vasicek & @rachelvasicek and this episode was sponsored by @francesca.com.au
Mother and founder of The Blow Bar and of The Memo, Phoebe Simmonds understands the juggle of balancing it all! Listen to her candid chat with Hannah on balancing all things motherhood and business.
From Hannah’s personal journey discovering that her first born would be born with a limb difference, to juggling CEO duties whilst parenting two tots. Hannah sits down to chat all things Motherhood with her guests.
'It's who I am' the podcast is run by two Sister's passionate about sharing real stories that make us who we are. If you loved this episode please hit 'subscribe' on Apple Podcasts or 'follow' on Spotify, and leave a review if you're really feeling the love!
Your hosts are@hannah.vasicek & @rachelvasicek and this episode was sponsored by @francesca.com.au
Hannah sat down with the beautiful Steph Claire Smith for a refreshingly candid conversation about motherhood and how she balances it all. The joys, the struggles, the mum guild and everything in between.
From Hannah’s personal journey discovering that her first born would be born with a limb difference, to juggling CEO duties whilst parenting two tots. Hannah sits down to chat all things Motherhood with her guests.
'It's who I am' the podcast is run by two Sister's passionate about sharing real stories that make us who we are. If you loved this episode please hit 'subscribe' on Apple Podcasts or 'follow' on Spotify, and leave a review if you're really feeling the love!
Your hosts are@hannah.vasicek & @rachelvasicek and this episode was sponsored by @francesca.com.au
Welcome to "It’s Who I Am" by Francesca Jewellery, where this season for Mother’s Day Hannah and fellow mums spill the beans on the wild world of motherhood! Join us for heartfelt chats about balancing life, careers, and the joys (and challenges) of raising little ones.
From Hannah’s personal journey discovering that her first born would be born with a limb difference, to juggling CEO duties whilst parenting two tots. Hannah sits down to chat all things Motherhood with her guests.
On today's episode, Hannah sits down with the brilliant Maggie Chretien, aka @thepeninsulamumma, for a candid conversation about Motherhood. The highs, the lows and everything in between. Trigger Warning - this episode does touch briefly on miscarriages.
'It's who I am' the podcast is run by two Sister's passionate about sharing real stories that make us who we are. If you loved this episode please hit 'subscribe' on Apple Podcasts or 'follow' on Spotify, and leave a review if you're really feeling the love!
Your hosts are@hannah.vasicek & @rachelvasicek and this episode was sponsored by @francesca.com.au
On today's episode of 'She did it too' we chat with the incredible Keira Rumble, owner of Krumbled foods.
In a world full of social media highlight reels, authentic breaths of fresh air are hard to come by, Keira is just that - a breath of fresh air.
Keira ever so candidly chats to us about the highs and lows of starting a business and the motivation behind her popular clean eating range, Krumbled. A little PSA though, if you do happen to stumble across her products in your local grocer shovel those cherry bites into your basket - they are out of this world!!
'It's who I am' the podcast is run by two Sister's passionate about sharing real stories that make us who we are. If you loved this episode please hit 'subscribe' on Apple Podcasts or 'follow' on Spotify, and leave a review if you're really feeling the love!
Your hosts are @hannah.vasicek & @rachelvasicek and this episode was sponsored by @francesca.com.au
On today’s episode of 'she did it too' we chat with the incredibly vibrant and true all rounder Georgia Love. Now you may know Georgia from the Bachelorette, but there is so much more to this girl than making a ridiculously good binge worthy show.
A lover of doing things to their fullest and never in halves, Georgia has recently popped her toe in the deep end of entrepreneurship. Inviting us to get snuggly, Georgia has launched the must have pj label Georgia Elliot.
This interview surprised us in all the right ways and the road Georgia has been down has been nothing short of eventful. With the good and the bad in tow (and a little bachie commentary don’t worry) - Georgia ever so candidly shares her story with us.
We are so excited to have her on the show today!
'It's who I am' the podcast is run by two Sister's passionate about sharing real stories that make us who we are. If you loved this episode please hit 'subscribe' on Apple Podcasts or 'follow' on Spotify, and leave a review if you're really feeling the love!
Your hosts are@hannah.vasicek & @rachelvasicek and this episode was sponsored by @francesca.com.au
On today’s episode of 'she did it too' we chat with the incredible Sarah Davidson, of Spoonful of Sarah. Often tagged as a 'funtrepreneur' we chat all things entrepreneurship but more importantly finding your “yay”.
Who would have thought that a little green drink would inspire Sarah to leave behind her law position to fulfil a life of entrepreneurship and incredibly successful well-being journey.
Coining the term 'seize the Yay' through her inspiring podcast & now book, we hear Sarah’s life defining moments. We could not wipe the smiles off our faces talking to Sarah, and can’t wait for you to listen!
'It's who I am' the podcast is run by two Sister's passionate about sharing real stories that make us who we are. If you loved this episode please hit 'subscribe' on Apple Podcasts or 'follow' on Spotify, and leave a review if you're really feeling the love!
Your hosts are@hannah.vasicek & @rachelvasicek and this episode was sponsored by @francesca.com.au
On todays episode of 'It's who I am' you hear from us, Han and Rach!
We chat all things childhood, Francesca and who we are!
You'll never believe how we spent a lot of our childhood, you'll have to listen to find out more!
There's never been a dull moment.
'It's who I am' the podcast is run by two Sister's passionate about sharing real stories that make us who we are. If you loved this episode please hit 'subscribe' on Apple Podcasts or 'follow' on Spotify, and leave a review if you're really feeling the love!
Your hosts are @hannah.vasicek & @rachelvasicek and this episode was sponsored by @francesca.com.au
In today’s episode of It's Who I Am we chat with close friend and owner of Beginning Boutique Sarah Timmerman. Focussing on trending fashion, Beginning Boutique is arguably one of Australia’s most successful online retailers.
Chatting all things life defying moments we hear Sarah’s journey into fashion. Who knew deciding what she wanted for her 21st birthday would so dramatically shape her life? Choosing a trip to Paris instead of a party saw Sarah stepping into a store that would inspire her to start BB.
We’re so excited to share Sarah’s story with you today!
'It's who I am' the podcast is run by two Sister's passionate about sharing real stories that make us who we are. If you loved this episode please hit 'subscribe' on Apple Podcasts or 'follow' on Spotify, and leave a review if you're really feeling the love!
Your hosts are @hannah.vasicek & @rachelvasicek and this episode was sponsored by @francesca.com.au
On today’s episode of 'She did it too' we chat all things fashion and life defining moments with Desiree Deravi, founder of SWF boutique. SWF is a leading women’s fashion line that exudes creativity and femininity.
So many of us feel like we’re stuck in our day to day grind. Meeting societies standards of what life should look like, but how often do we reflect and check in with ourselves to ensure our life path is fulfilling.
With a heck of a lot of courage and a no 'plan b' attitude, Desiree left a life of podiatry behind when she made the big move from Melbourne to Bali. With little to no knowledge of starting a business behind her, Desiree leaned on her deep desire to immerse herself in the fashion industry.
We are so excited to share with you Desiree’s incredible attitude towards life and how she turned her passion into a flourishing global business.
'It's who I am' the podcast is run by two Sister's passionate about sharing real stories that make us who we are. If you loved this episode please hit 'subscribe' on Apple Podcasts or 'follow' on Spotify, and leave a review if you're really feeling the love!
Your hosts are@hannah.vasicek & @rachelvasicek and this episode was sponsored by @francesca.com.au
In today’s episode of its who I am we chat with friend and the queen of connecting extraordinary women Sheryl Thai. Starting her successful journey into entrepreneurship with a shock redundancy in her dream IT career, Sheryl's encouraging story couldn’t have come at a better time.
Imagine studying for years to climb the corporate ladder only to have the GFC hit and finding yourself redundant. But a trip to New York, an hour wait for a life changing cupcake & a few things in between and Sheryl was on her way to success.
With a mind led to inspire and connect others Sheryl’s success goes far beyond building a cupcake empire that’s sold over 2 million cupcakes. Her dream as an 8 year old to “change the world” became a reality the moment she and cofounders created “The League of Extraordinary women” we’re so excited to share her story.
'It's who I am' the podcast is run by two Sister's passionate about sharing real stories that make us who we are. If you loved this episode please hit 'subscribe' on Apple Podcasts or 'follow' on Spotify, and leave a review if you're really feeling the love!
Your hosts are@hannah.vasicek & @rachelvasicek and this episode was sponsored by @francesca.com.au
In today’s episode of 'She did it too' we chat with friend and fabulous entrepreneur Mia, founder of Moxie tampons.
Creating an iconic business common to many of our bathrooms, Mia’s brand goes beyond feminine hygiene products.
Starting at the young age of 21 Mia’s marketing mind and passion to bridge pain points in the market saw her create a globally recognisable brand.
Moxie stands for more than just a product, during her mission towards success Mia had the devastating realisation that what many of us see as an inconvenient product to buy is in fact a luxury for many living in developing countries.
With a heart motivated to make change Mia shares the story of how she uses her business as a platform for incredible initiatives.
'It's who I am' the podcast is run by two Sister's passionate about sharing real stories that make us who we are. If you loved this episode please hit 'subscribe' on Apple Podcasts or 'follow' on Spotify, and leave a review if you're really feeling the love!
Your hosts are@hannah.vasicek & @rachelvasicek and this episode was sponsored by @francesca.com.au
In today’s episode of 'She did it too', we hear from beauty guru Iris Smit.
Iris is the CEO and founder of The Quickflick & Beauty Fridge, two incredibly successful innovative products in the beauty industry.
Starting her business at the young age of 21, in the last four years Iris has hit some huge milestones, From Showcasing her innovation on Shark Tank, to winning global awards in Abu Dhabi. However, one commonality we’ve found when talking to female entrepreneurs is that no road to success comes without its ups and downs.
This truly vulnerable episode left both Hannah and I speechless, the story shared by Iris quite literally floored us both. We often look into the life of our inspirations and public success stories and think it was a hurdle free road to success. Iris shares a story of resilience, strength and mental health, and how some really tough times growing up catapulted her into a new way of being.
Iris is a force to be reckoned and a genuine go getter, we are so fortunate to be able to chat with her today.
Some of the content shared in this episode may be confronting to hear and triggering. If this affects you there are resources you can reach out to such as Lifeline on 13 11 14
'It's who I am' the podcast is run by two Sister's passionate about sharing real stories that make us who we are. If you loved this episode please hit 'subscribe' on Apple Podcasts or 'follow' on Spotify, and leave a review if you're really feeling the love!
Your hosts are@hannah.vasicek & @rachelvasicek and this episode was sponsored by @francesca.com.au
On today's episode of 'She did it too' we interview one of our all time girl boss inspirations! From humble Bondi market stall beginnings, to celebs and New York living, we hear the stories that fuelled Samantha Wills journey to become one of Australia's leading female entrepreneurs.
Having built one of Australia’s best known accessories brands, Samantha brings fifteen years of experience in being a creative founder & director. Samantha has a kind soul and empowering purpose, speaking to sold out crowds around the world we are so grateful to be chatting with her today.
P.s who knew being ghosted by a guy could trigger such motivation? Click play to hear more!
'It's who I am' the podcast is run by two Sister's passionate about sharing real stories that make us who we are. If you loved this episode please hit 'subscribe' on Apple Podcasts or 'follow' on Spotify, and leave a review if you're really feeling the love!
Your hosts are @hannah.vasicek & @rachelvasicek and this episode was sponsored by @francesca.com.au
We're so excited to be launching our first episode of 'It's Who I am', where we celebrate the unique life experiences that make us who we are. In today's episode you will hear from us, Hannah and Rachel Vasicek the founders of Francesca Jewellery.
We talk about how we took a hobby and turned it into a business, working together as Sisters and what life looks like beyond the world of Francesca. So often we define ourselves by what we do 9-5 but who are we outside our career and how do we actively gain work life balance?
We're so thrilled to share our personal journey of self discovery with you and hope you enjoy our first ever episode of 'It's who I am'.