I believe when women and men work together extraordinary things happen.

I have sat in enough board rooms throughout my career to know this to be true.

I love what I do because I get to surround myself with people that possess those strengths I admire. Many don't get this opportunity.

But I haven't always designed sewing patterns and fabric for men.

Have you ever spent much of your working career doing something that you know you shouldn't be doing?

For over 25 year I was an accountant but I didn't love it. Although a valuable skill that has served me well in career and business, at 40 I turned back to my creative roots, which is where I should have always been.

But when I was at school I didn't understand how I could have a thriving career with it even when I had a headmistress encouraging me to do so.

As a result I didn't want others pursuing a path that they couldn't thrive in. Prior to Jane Harbison Design as you see it here, I taught tween and teen girls a creative process for 10 years. The purpose of it was to gift them a process to solve any problem that came their way, with originality and calm.

It is a creative process I use everyday and forms part of my annual "Sew A Men's Capsule Wardrobe".

Now it is my turn to be creative, but again always with a purpose.

Almost everytime I mention I design men's fabrics and sewing patterns they share a childhood story of their mother or grandmother making their clothes for them. You can see the fondness in their face. It shows in their eyes and they learn in to tell me about it. It is beautiful to watch.

I live with two of my favourite boys, my husband and my son. I have been fortunate to grow up with wonderful male role models.

I look forward to hearing who yours are.

Instead of racing to the shops to buy him something, why not race to the shops to make him something.

Life is too short to gift the ordinary.