Change makers: Georgah Crane on what inspires her

Part model, part beekeeper.

It’s no secret that women are capable of amazing things. From protesting injustice to lifting up their communities, Aussie women have a long history of breaking down barriers.

This season, Converse is celebrating inspiring women via its All The Stories Are True campaign. It aims to uncover the stories of those who’ve carved their own path, redefining what it means to be a woman in 2019.

To get in the spirit, we chatted to model and beekeeper Georgah Crane to find out what inspires her (while wearing her Chucks, of course).

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You got into the world of modelling after being scouted on Instagram in 2014. Is the industry what you expected it to be?

Yes and no. I have done many jobs that were quite traditional and what most people would expect, but then I have done other jobs that seemed like too much fun to be considered work. I truly believed that I wouldn’t go very far as I don’t have ‘industry standard’ measurements. But here I am five years later doing more work than ever before. The modelling industry has changed so much with the rise of Instagram and influencer culture, and with the sheer volume of creative content on the internet, and it will only continue to evolve.

In a rather competitive industry, how important is it to encourage women to support other women, as opposed to running against them?

Incredibly important! We live in a patriarchal society that pits women against each other. So by lifting each other up, we strengthen our community. I have had the opportunity to work with so many amazing women over the past five years and will continue to prioritise that.

Have you found any similarities between beekeeping and modelling?

There is a certain presence that you must have when beekeeping – one that is calm and decisive – so you can work with the bees as efficiently as possible without disturbing them too much. I could almost equate it to the ‘on switch’ you have as a model, the moment where you have to compose yourself to get the shot. You have to be so aware of your movements and your body with both modelling and beekeeping.

Do you have any advice for young women looking to transform their hobbies into a career?

I believe that opportunities are all about timing. You never know who you could meet or what experiences you could have that might lead to change. While pursuing your hobby, consider any relevant opportunities and say yes when they present themselves. If those opportunities aren’t coming just yet, then work on being in the right space to take advantage of them.

Can you tell us about your involvement in the inner-city beekeeping group Honey Fingers?

Honey Fingers is a collective that focuses on the beauty of bees and the ways that humans, art, food and design intersect with them.

Almost a year ago I connected with Honey Fingers via Instagram and I was invited out beekeeping. I had just finished up at a full-time job and suddenly had the spare time to go regularly and I really enjoyed it. That progressed into assisting with various projects that I continue to do today. It has been the most wonderful year of my life – making new friends, having incredible experiences and working on amazing projects. I am so grateful to be involved.

In what ways can we help conserve the bees’ environment?

A lot of people think that bees exist out on a farm or in the bush (and they do) but a lot of beekeeping is done in urban environments like suburbia and the city. There are several things you can do to help the bees. Buy honey from your local beekeeper, which can usually be found at farmers’ markets or independent grocery stores. If you have a garden, you can encourage bees to visit by planting flowers and trees that they love. Putting a shallow tray of water out on really hot days is also helpful for the local bees and birds. Just make sure to add in some rocks or sticks for them to land on so they don’t drown.

And why is it so important to conserve their environment?

Without bees, we wouldn’t have food. They are responsible for pollinating our fruits and vegetables and keeping our gardens beautiful and lush. And a world without honey? I don’t want to live in it.

What women are you most inspired by? And why?

My friends are constantly inspiring me. I am so lucky to have an incredible group of friends who support and love each other, include each other in their work and are so energising to be around. They are thriving in their achievements and not being shy about their struggles and I find that so motivating. I love my friends so much!

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

Every day should be International Women’s Day. Tell your friends and the women in your life that you love them and, not only that, but show them that you love them.

Describe your personal style.

My personal style is evolving all the time. I am influenced by the people I meet and new designers I discover. I would describe it as casual, colour-blocked and classic.

Sneakers or heels?

Sneakers for sure. Save the heels for a special occasion.

Do you wear Converse Chuck Taylors? And if so, what’s your favourite memory while wearing them?

I wore mine half undone with song lyrics scribbled all over them all through high school.