Celebrating International Women's Day at Myaree Ceramics

What qualities do you think are essential for maintaining a successful family business, especially one that spans multiple generations?

Lina: Most importantly everyone needs to get along. We’re fortunate that as a family, we all respect one another, and we aim to employ people that fit within our ‘family’. If the team is in a happy working environment, success follows.

What has been one of the biggest challenges Myaree Ceramics has faced over the last 40 years, and how did the team overcome it?

Lina: One of the biggest challenges was the sudden passing of Vincenzo Ciccarelli in September 1988, just three years after he founded Myaree Ceramics. As a family, we had to navigate the difficulty of continuing his vision while managing the business without him. To overcome this, our children stepped into leadership roles, with my eldest daughter, Julianna, using her accounting background to become Chief Financial Officer. The dedication of our family and team ensured that Myaree Ceramics not only survived but thrived, growing into the business it is today.

Can you share a particular moment or achievement that makes you especially proud of the company’s history?

Lina: There isn’t just one particular moment—I’m incredibly proud of what Myaree Ceramics is today and how far we’ve come. From having just three staff on the floor selling to now having a team of over 30, it’s truly humbling. My husband would be so proud to see how much it has grown.

How has the role of women in the workplace changed within your family business over time?

Lina: Forty years ago, I never would have imagined that our business would be led by so many women. It started as a predominantly male-led industry, but now my two daughters and two granddaughters are here too, each in important roles. In my day, women were rarely seen in leadership or key positions, but it’s incredible to see how much has changed.

How has the role of women in the workplace changed within your family business over time?

Juliana: As a young woman, I’ve had the unique experience of watching Myaree Ceramics grow from a small family-run tile shop with just my parents and one other staff member, to a thriving business with over 30 employees, 22 of whom are women! From the very beginning, gender equality wasn’t something we had to actively work to improve — it came naturally to us as a family. We’ve always believed in equality and mutual respect, which has shaped the culture of our business.
Over the years, this mindset has allowed Myaree Ceramics to build a team of strong, talented women who play an integral role in the business.

As you look to the future, how do you plan to continue integrating diversity and inclusivity into Myaree Ceramics culture?

Juliana: It’s important to me that we continue to foster a workplace culture that values both diversity and inclusivity. My family has always been committed to providing opportunities for women, but we want to build on that by ensuring all voices are heard and represented at every level of the business. As a family-run business, we’ve always made decisions that align with our values, and that includes fostering an environment where everyone feels respected and supported. Our family’s success has always been rooted in the strength of our team, and we believe that a diverse, inclusive team only makes us stronger.

How do you approach succession planning and ensuring that future generations are prepared to take on leadership roles?

Juliana: Succession planning is something we do naturally every day, especially as a family business that has been running for over 40 years. We actively involve the next generation (my sister Lisa and my two nieces, Rachel and Jessica) in decision-making, and we encourage open communication and collaboration across generations. This ensures a smooth transition and a shared vision for the future of the business. I’m hopeful that as the years go on, a few of their children will step into the business when they’re old enough, continuing the legacy.

Can you share any challenges or barriers you’ve faced as a woman in leadership, and how you overcame them?

Lisa: I have found being a woman in the building industry certainly challenging at times. I recall being wolf whistled at on sites and comments shouted at me when I attended meetings with contractors. I’d like to think it has shifted from those early days in the 90’s as women are certainly valued in our business and hopefully the world at large. I also think seeing my mother who had to step into the leadership role when Dad passed away was a difficult period for her, but her strength and resilience was so admirable and inspiring. She made me believe a woman could do anything.

How has leadership been passed down through the generations, and what lessons have been shared between different family members?

Lisa: I learnt to work hard and never give up - Mum has said that to me so many times throughout my life. I think most of the learning comes from watching and doing… we still learn from each other and work as a team. I grew up in a family that spoke about business at the dinner table on a daily basis - I thought that was normal! I think it helps that we also bring different skills to the business and generational contacts in the industry.

What do you think is the key to maintaining a successful, sustainable family business over generations?

Lisa: I believe “staying in your lane” to focus on your own areas of strength and leave others to do the same. I think respect is really important and I value my nieces and nephews in the business and love working with them. Maybe I have taught them a thing or two over the years! I know they have also taught me so much. Fresh and new ideas and staying relevant is really important and that’s where the new generations contribute most.

What has been the most rewarding part of seeing this business grow over the past 40 years?

Rachael: Corny as it is, Myaree Ceramics is home to me. It was a business born the same year as I was, so I have literally grown with the business. I used to visit after school as a kid and empty the office bins, and chat with the staff. I can’t remember a family dinner where tiles or the industry haven’t come up, ever (and I mean, ever). I worked on the showroom floor while I was studying at university - and I ultimately returned, as an adult, to work in the place I had spent my life discussing anyway. Watching the business evolve and helping it grow? It has ticked right along with my own personal growth.

What role have women played in shaping the success of Myaree Ceramics, and how has their influence evolved over time?

Rachael: Despite the building industry being overwhelmingly male, Myaree Ceramics predominantly hires women (and has always done so). The influence of women was felt from the very first year of operation, when the business was run by Lina, Juliana, Lisa and our cousin Linda alongside Carmine and his dad Vince. Women are part of every facet of Myaree Ceramics. It started because I was born. This business would not exist without women.

How do you balance tradition with innovation when it comes to running the business across generations?

Rachael: We don’t need to worry about tradition - our family is steeped in long held traditions, so it’s always there; the glue. The key to innovating has actually been open mindedness. I am lucky that my aunts and dad actually listen to me when I come to them with ideas - they valued my input even when I just re-entered the business after 10 years working in print media. Pushing Myaree Ceramics onto social media and reinforcing the idea that our digital presence is as important as our physical presence wasn’t something that any of them had to take on board, but they let me run with it (and both Lisa and Juliana were ultimately key to the success of it).