Mentorship in Action: Why We Launched Our Internship Programme

In 2025, we took a deliberate step to formalise our commitment to mentorship by launching a structured internship programme with The Girls Network.

The decision was simple. As a small luxury business, we know that access — not talent — is often the biggest barrier facing young women entering creative and commercial industries. Many roles remain opaque, particularly in sectors like jewellery and fashion, where the pathways are rarely visible from the outside.

We wanted to offer something practical: time, exposure, and an honest view of how a small business actually works.

Reflections From the Programme

The internships were designed to give participants a holistic experience of Otiumberg — not just one function, but the way design, production, operations, marketing, and commercial decision-making intersect. The intention was not to present a polished version of business, but a realistic one.

The feedback from the girls reinforced why this approach matters. As one participant shared:

“I learned how the different parts of the organisation work together cohesively in order for the business to be successful.”

Another reflected on the value of breadth and exposure:

“It will support my professional growth seeing as it gave me the opportunity to gain some experience working in the different sectors that create a business which may seem appealing to future employers.”

These insights affirmed something we strongly believe: early exposure builds confidence. Understanding how a business operates — and seeing women leading across functions — helps demystify creative industries and makes future opportunities feel attainable rather than abstract.

Watch our interview with founders Christie and Rosanna to understand why we chose to partner with The Girl's Network.

Our work with the charity extends beyond donation, with an Otiumberg internship scheme offered to two girls from the ambassador programme each year.

Redefining What Mentorship Means

The internships are supported by ongoing remote mentoring, allowing for continued conversation, guidance, and reflection beyond the studio experience itself. For us, this continuity is just as important as the initial placement.

For small businesses, mentorship programmes do not need to be complex or large-scale to be effective. What matters is intentionality — creating space for learning, offering transparency, and being willing to share knowledge that is often taken for granted.

Launching this programme in 2025 marked the beginning of a longer-term commitment for Otiumberg. One rooted in the belief that investing time in young women today strengthens not only individual futures, but the creative industries as a whole.

For small luxury brands, mentorship is not about giving back — it is about recognising the role we play in shaping who feels welcome in our industry in the first place.

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