Get To Know Team TM: Mikaela
Q. Tell us about your career background?
I’ve always known I’d end up in fashion. I studied Branding and Fashion at Billy Blue College, diving into everything from draping and sketching to business management and accounting. It is a foundation that gave me a deep appreciation for every facet of building a brand.
In the early days, I worked with some of Australia’s most iconic labels like Bardot, Zimmermann, and Aje, in styling and management roles, while interning in production and design with brands like Hansen & Gretel. My curiosity for the business side of fashion led me into marketing, landing my first in-house role with Tigerlily. From there, my career naturally evolved from marketing into people and culture, where I discovered a true passion for building teams and workplace culture.
At By Charlotte, I helped lead the brand through a period of significant growth by expanding the head office, defining cultural values, and creating a people and performance calendar to support the next phase of their journey. After taking a year away to have a baby, I returned with a new perspective and a deeper sense of balance. I realised that while I still loved the brand, I was ready for a new chapter, one where I could channel my experience in a more flexible, people-focused way.
That’s when I reconnected with The Talent Mill. Having partnered with them previously in a client capacity, I knew firsthand how values-driven and authentic their approach was. The timing was perfect, and joining the team felt like a natural progression and a chance to continue supporting the fashion industry I love, now from a different lens.
Q. What is your most valued career achievement?
In my previous role, I designed and implemented a premium recruitment and onboarding program that completely transformed the candidate and employee experience. My goal was to create a process that went beyond filling roles. One that made every candidate feel genuinely valued and connected from the very first interaction.
The program focused on clear communication, thoughtful touchpoints, and an onboarding journey that built confidence, alignment, and strong internal relationships from day one. It was a challenging initiative, requiring collaboration across multiple departments and a deep understanding of both brand values and team culture. Seeing the tangible impact improved retention, engagement, and a stronger sense of belonging. It has been one of the most rewarding achievements of my career and something past candidates, successful or no, still remember.
Q. What is your go-to work playlist to get you through the day?
I am anything goes here as long as it has a good beat. My Spotify is pretty eclectic. I would describe it as organised chaos. I love Olivia Dean and Raye right now (like the rest of the world!)
Q. What about you makes you great at your job?
I have a genuine ability to understand people. Not just their skills and experience, but their motivations, personalities, and how they’ll complement a team. When I have the opportunity to connect closely with hiring managers and get a feel for the team’s dynamic, I can intuitively match not only the right capability but also the right character. That balance of skill and chemistry leads to stronger synergy, longer tenure, and ultimately more meaningful placements for both the client and the candidate.
Also, my background in fashion and branding has given me a strong grasp of how each function contributes to a brand’s bigger picture, which helps me quickly understand the type of talent a business truly needs to thrive.
Q. What is your idea of success?
For me, success is a balance between continuous growth and genuine happiness in what I do. It’s about feeling inspired by my work, learning something new every day, and knowing that what I contribute makes a difference. Whether that’s helping someone find their dream role or supporting a business in reaching its goals.
True success, to me, isn’t just about milestones or titles; it’s about enjoying the journey, staying curious, and finding purpose in the impact I make along the way.
Q. Tell us 3 things that are most important to you!
Family, quality time shared over food, and meaningful friendships.
Q. What brands are you loving right now?
Well this is fantastic timing with Paris Fashion week! I am obsessing over the Saint Laurent Summer 26 show. Give me big skirts and draped silk any day! I also really enjoyed the Hermes show! And close to my heart, the Zimmermann Spring 26 show was divine – though I have always been a little bias for Zimmermann since working in their Bondi boutique.
In terms of brands for every day, I love Australian fashion and our cool linens and natural fabrics. I go to Faithful for their sets. I also gravitate towards SIR in the summer and Henne in the winter and Dissh all year round.
Q. Describe your perfect day.
My perfect day starts with sunshine and a refreshing swim likely in my local ocean pool. My husband and I love taking our son first thing in the morning.
I love cooking and hosting. So maybe trying out a new recipe and gossiping over cheese and wine with my girlfriends. The afternoon spent outdoors enjoying good company, meaningful conversation, and grazing.
Then if everyone can leave and I can be in bed by 9:30!
Q. If you could have anyone in the world be your dinner guest, who would it be?
I am pretty Sarah J. Maas obsessed right now. Maybe after a couple wines she could spill her secrets for her next book! And we can trauma bond over Throne of Glass.
Q. Tell us something we would never guess about you
I’m a fraternal triplet! I have 2 sisters that gave my Mum and Dad hell growing up. Imaging the sassy three-nager phase. Being a mum now I have so much more respect (and empathy) for them.
Q. Give us a life hack!
Always make extra! My family live off leftovers or frozen meals I made the week before. Cook once, enjoy twice!
If you’d like to connect with Mikaela to find your dream role or to become a new client of ours we would love to connect, please email Mikaela@thetalentmill.com.au today.
By Mikaela Young // Edited By Shannon Parsons