On a warm Spring evening, Fashion Quarterly and Simplicity came together to host another intimate and inspiring edition of our Let’s Talk series. Attracting a passionate and engaged group of women, The Hotel Britomart’s Papuke Room was swiftly filled with cheerful chatter as drinks were poured and platters were passed through the crowd. Our reason for gathering? An intimate evening of conversation exploring what it means to invest with purpose
Hosted by FQ editor-in-chief Sarah Murray, this thought-provoking event brought together a powerhouse panel of women – including independent financial journalist Frances Cook, Simplicity’s head of education Jennie O’Donovan, and sustainability engineer, content creator and investor Jane Joo – who are reshaping the conversation around wealth, wisdom, and wellbeing.
From navigating setbacks to cultivating clarity in fast-paced environments, our speakers shared the lessons, mindset shifts, and pivotal moments that have guided their journeys. Through candid stories and practical insights, they shed a light on how investing — in yourself, your future, and your community — can feel accessible, empowering, and deeply purposeful.
Let’s Talk Investing With Purpose: take home notes
One of the most resonant threads of the evening was demystifying the act of starting – whether that meant making your very first investment, reframing what knowledge looks like, or learning to trust the process.
For Jenny, investing was both philosophy and practice: don’t overcomplicate, don’t wait for the ‘perfect’ moment, just begin. Frances reinforced this with candour, noting that she herself started with only $5 a week – proof that confidence comes from action, not theory. She encouraged the audience to first invest in their knowledge, reminding us that ‘we know more about money than we think.’ Jane echoed this sentiment, sharing how her motivation stems from consistency and watching her portfolio grow over time.
Accessibility was another recurring theme. Jenny pointed to KiwiSaver as the most straightforward entry point, with index funds as a natural next step. Frances likened investing to everyday life – ’we still eat every day, but we’re not nutritionists’ – reminding the audience that you don’t need to be an expert to participate. Jane admitted her own journey began just four years ago, and she used TikTok as her research platform – an encouraging nod to how information can be drip-fed in surprisingly relatable ways.
Of course, the panel didn’t shy away from glamour either. A question from Sarah about investing in fashion items invited a lively discussion, with the consensus being that while the idea is undeniably alluring, high risk doesn’t always equal high return. Instead, the panel emphasised the future of investing as one of alignment – spend, save, and invest in ways that reflect your values.
Perhaps most inspiring were the closing reflections. Jenny urged us to start now. Jane emphasised focusing on what you can control. Frances reminded us not to expect perfection – because progress, not flawlessness, is what compounds over time.
It was a night that left us not only with practical advice, but with a shift in mindset – reassurance that investing isn’t reserved for experts in suits, but for anyone willing to take the first step, however small.
Inside the goody bags…
Our generous partners ensured our guests went home with plenty of goodies. Alongside a copy of Fashion Quarterly’s Spring ‘25 issue, our guests received Trilogy’s Vitamin C+ Super Serum, Image Skincare’s Vital C Hydrating Hand and Body Lotion, Almighty Drinks Mango & Pineapple Sparkling Water, and Simplicity’s very own SPF40 and ‘Money Made Simple’ book.
Acknowledgements
A huge thank you to our principal sponsor Simplicity for making this incredible evening possible. We also thank our brilliant panel host, Sarah Murray, editor in chief of FQ, for steering the conversation, and to our wonderful guest speakers for sharing their experiences: Frances Cook, Jennie O’Donovan and Jane Joo.
And to our sponsors who made this evening so special: The Hotel Britomart, Trilogy, Almighty Drinks, Simplicity and About Face – thank you.
Images: Wono Kim.
