Camira's Incredible Women: Driving textile innovation
In the lead up to International Women’s Day on 8th March 2025, we’re keen to spotlight the phenomenal women that bring unique talent, strength, and drive to Camira.
First up is our Lead Innovator, Jodie Padgett. Jodie started her career at Camira straight out of school and now leads groundbreaking projects in our newly formed innovation department. Jodie' passion, perseverance, and creativity has pushed boundaries in the world of innovation - we had the privilege of sitting down with Jodie to hear all about it.
“I hope to continue pushing myself at Camira whilst also supporting and mentoring others.”
Jodie, can you tell us a bit more about your journey at Camira so far?
I started right out of school, and my grandad actually worked nights at Camira, so I was always aware of the company. I began as a mender and then moved into an apprenticeship. I worked in the design department and learned all about the full weaving process, which gave me a solid foundation for the work I do now.
Eventually, I took on the responsibility of looking after custom-made products, and then I moved on to contract core products. After that, I briefly worked in transport design, which helped me gain a broad view of the business.
What brought on the transition into innovation?
That was a big step. Innovation was a completely new department which was set up - I was excited to be part of that transition. It was an incredible opportunity to focus on innovation with the resources and time to be proactive. We've launched some really exciting projects, for example ReSKU 2.0 and Revolution in partnership with our advanced textile recycling capability, iinouiio.
Oceanic and Quest in partnership with SEAQUAL Initiative was also a stand-out project for the innovation team - using marine plastic to create beautiful new textiles for the contract interiors market.
Camira is consistently moving forward and pushing boundaries - innovation isn’t just about new products; it's about improving processes, working with suppliers, researching trends, and liaising with academia and customers to ensure we’re always evolving.
What does a typical day look like for you in the Innovation Department?
No two days are the same, and that's what makes it so exciting. One day, we could be reviewing waste and thinking about how we can reduce our environmental impact. The next, I might be researching new fibres to create innovative yarns or doing the costings for products to ensure they remain cost-effective.
It's a mix of creativity, strategy, and hands-on work—whether it’s collaborating with new suppliers or investigating trends. It keeps things fresh and allows me to continuously learn and grow.
“I believe that the more we lift each other up, the stronger we become.”
You're a parent who has managed to juggle work and life. What advice would you give to other women who are balancing similar challenges?
It’s not easy, but Camira has enabled me to be flexible with my hours and I've found a routine that works for both my work and my family life. It’s important to have a supportive environment—my colleagues and I have shared school drop-offs, and Camira is flexible when I need it.
It's unfortunate that there can still be a stigma about being a mother in the workplace, and sometimes people may question your commitment, but I believe if you’re passionate about your work, the balance is achievable. You just need to project manage your life and be proactive about planning and juggling responsibilities.
What do you think makes a great leader?
I’m inspired every day by women in leadership positions at Camira —they are incredibly knowledgeable in this industry and very supportive. Having mentors and colleagues who value your contributions and foster an environment of mutual respect is key. I believe that the more we lift each other up, the stronger we become.
What are your hopes for the future, both for yourself in your career and for the industry?
There’s a need to nurture younger talent, especially as our workforce ages. We need to provide more opportunities for growth and development, but there’s also a challenge with the education system. Many courses are being diluted, and we’re seeing a push towards print rather than focusing on more detailed skills. I think it’s essential to bring back those courses that provide more specialised knowledge so we can continue to innovate and grow.