College News
An Inspiring Entrepreneur!
Sarah Richards (nee Billings) is no stranger to Trinity. She graduated from the college in 2003 and then returned as a teacher, teaching in the Middle Years for a number of years. The birth of her son in 2014 inspired her to create an exclusive clothing brand that would capture his unique spark and personality, and so CARTER JAY JNR was born. The susequent birth of her daughter Halo led to the creation of a shiny and colourful lycra-infused range, with unisex threads designed to be statement pieces and aptly named HALO JADE JNR.
Before long the two little brands had built a loyal following and stock
was taking over the house! Sarah and her husband purchased a shipping container and
spent months completing its refurbishment to make their own
shopfront as a shipping container store! They merged the two brands and
JNR NATION was founded.
JNR NATION has since branched out and now includes a handcrafted range of skateboards and surfboards for kids and adults. Moreover, the range is all proudly hand-made on the Gold Coast, Australia.
When did you attend and graduate from Trinity?
I started at Trinity in the last century! Way back in 1999, Ashmore Road was a senior campus catering for Years 8-12. I was in K9 Care group (Mackenzie, which used to be known as Karowmin) along with my two brothers. I graduated in 2003.
Tell us about yourself (Academic Qualifications & Achievements).
I graduated from Griffith University with a Bachelor of Education & a Specialisation in Health & Physical Education.
Tell us something about your family and your interests other than your studies.
I have a huge love of sports! My most favourite sport is gymnastics. I have spent most of my life obsessed with either training, competing or coaching it and now my kids do Kindy Gym for fun! Even to this day, I constantly love finding an opportunity to see the world from a different perspective (mostly upside down!) I love doing flips and handstands around the world, it is so much more fun than just posing for a standard photo!
What are some of your fondest memories of your time at Trinity?
I loved all the House Sports Carnivals and Inter-School sport. I remember being absolutely devastated whenever Friday school sport was cancelled due to rain! Of course, I loved the Year 10 ‘survival’ camp too! I treasure the friendships I made and love that my school friends are still my closest friends today.
What do you believe makes Trinity a great school?
The passionate teachers and staff! This is one of the reasons my own children will also attend Trinity in the future.
Please briefly describe what have you been up to since graduating from Trinity - how did you start your career and what has been your professional journey so far?
I graduated from Trinity and went straight to Griffith University to study a Bachelor of Education. I was so honoured to be offered a teaching position at Trinity in the Middle School upon graduating. I absolutely loved being part of the wonderful Trinity community and feel so blessed to have been part of the teaching team for ten years! After welcoming my son back in 2014, I created my own clothing brand called JNR NATION. This has been so much fun and has allowed me to develop a different creative flare that I never realised I had!
After the birth of my daughter, I decided to really take it seriously and step it up a level and I worked hard to develop it into a
busy and exciting business! In the past year we have been to America and been included in the Academy Awards Gifting Suite. We have featured in numerous international fashion magazines and we are just about to take part in our second runway show at London Kids Fashion Week!
A few weeks ago, we welcomed our third child (Pixie) and I am loving watching the love that Carter & Halo have for their baby sister.
What has been your greatest achievement?
My three children ( Carter is 4, Halo is 2 and Pixie joined us on New Years Eve).
Do you think Trinity produces global graduates that can compete internationally?
Absolutely
What are your future aspirations?
To embrace every moment I have with my kids and to be kind and grateful, always.
What role can the Alumni play in the success and development of Trinity Lutheran College?
I love that Trinity employs so many past students (& has Alumni on the P&F) as it truly helps to continue the long-standing caring values and ethos that have been a part of the Trinity community for so long. I also love how many past students have chosen to send their own children to Trinity, confident that it is the best choice for their family.
Advice to students who aspire to succeed?
Work hard to achieve and surpass your goals and stay true to your heart. Ask more questions, talk about yourself less. Listen and reflect
What message would you like to give to the present Trinity students as well as the Alumni?
Enjoy the journey, don’t get too caught up in the future. Be present, grateful and happy.
