Sportscraft and Ella Bache are two iconic Australian brands with more in common than meets the eye. Both female-led and deeply rooted in family legacies, these brands were shaped by European migrants who brought fresh ideas and innovation to Australia. Their journeys began with strong foundations in David Jones, and a national footprint of stores that carved out their identities in the retail landscape. In a special interview, Pippa Hallas, CEO of Ella Bache, sits down with Elish Hopkinson, CEO of Sportscraft, to discuss the intersection of business, transformation, and motherhood, offering a unique perspective on leadership and success in today’s dynamic world.
“She lived a bold life.”
What does that phrase mean to you, both personally and professionally?
To me, the phrase “She lived a bold life” represents a life led with purpose, courage, and a willingness to take risks. I guess it's about stepping into the unknown, trusting your instincts, and embracing the challenges that come with making bold decisions.
Professionally, it’s about pushing boundaries, whether it’s innovating in your field, making tough leadership decisions, or navigating uncertainty with confidence. Boldness in business isn’t just about taking big leaps; it’s also about having the courage to stay the course when others might doubt you.
The women who inspire us often shape who we become.
What are the top habits or qualities of the women who’ve inspired you most?
Determination. Resilience. Compassion.
Women who have pushed themselves outside of the expected. Women who are breaking boundaries and helping the next generation of females break the status quo.
What does motherhood mean to you—whether through your own experience or the influence of mothers around you?
Patience and the importance of creating safe space for them to take their own risks and make their own mistakes and get up and go again. I also think we as parents play an important role in creating resilience.
I'm learning not to impose my own expectations or determination on them, but instead, to let them grow into who they’re meant to be. I guess that's about fostering independence, nurturing their individuality, and being there to support them every step of the way, even when the path isn’t always clear.
I also find the motherhood is teaching me so much and I am appreciative of the ability to continue to learn from them.
Leading an iconic Australian apparel group like APG & Co is no small feat.
What does it mean to you to be at the helm of such a legacy in Australian retail?
Our team at APG hold the batten of these iconic Australian brands. I very much respect what the founders started with these brands and hope we can continue to make them proud. My role is about preserving the essence of what makes these brands iconic, while embracing innovation and change to keep them relevant and evolving in today’s fast-paced fashion world. And it's certainly a team effort. We can only achieve this as an APG team.
Looking back on your journey—what’s the boldest decision you’ve ever made, and what did it teach you?
Moving overseas to live in New York City when I was 25. It was a huge leap—both professionally and personally—and it pushed me out of my comfort zone in ways I never expected. Also taking on the CEO role while ensuring I give enough to my three girls and husband. My youngest was just over six months old at the time, and I knew the role would demand everything from me. It taught me the importance of resilience and adaptability, as well as the need to trust both my instincts and the support systems around me.
Have there been moments in your career where you’ve felt overwhelmed—like you may have bitten off more than you could chew? How did you navigate them?
Absolutely, there have been moments in my career where I've felt overwhelmed and still often do. Particularly during periods of heavy travel and balancing family life. Like many mothers I feel like I'm not giving the girls, my husband, the team, stakeholders enough. And there are plenty of times where they are all frustrated with me because they also feel this.
At the end of the day, I’ve realised that being overwhelmed doesn’t mean you’re failing; it’s a signal to pause, reassess, and realign your priorities. By taking a step back, having a strong support network, and focusing on one thing at a time when it feels like a lot.
Boldness can look different to everyone.
What advice would you give to those wanting to live a bolder, more authentic life?
What have you got to lose? Life is your journey. Give it a go and you will not regret it. I feel very grateful to have the experience to run the APG business. I learn every day and the older we get I think we all realise how lucky we are if we are learning and challenged every day. Sure, it can be tiring but it's certainly stretching me constantly.
If you had 20 seconds of insane courage—what bold move would you make right now?
Oh, that's a tough one. Move overseas to not only grow our brands internationally but also have a family experience living in a different country. Somewhere far away. Living in NYC was one of the biggest chapters of my life, and I’d love to experience something like that again—this time with my little family.