Mumpreneur Movement Magazine ~ Finding Your Tribe ~ Issue 2

Kylie-Lee Bradford is creating a stir with her indigenous creations that is creating opportunities for her community in kakadu.

I first saw Kylie-Lee speak at the AusMumpreneur awards earlier this year and was in awe and moved by the rawness of her story. Kylie-Lee has created a beautiful life for herself, her family, and her Murrumburr tribe in Kakadu which she nearly gave it all up when her adored and much-loved mother sadly passed away earlier this year.

Kylie-Lee’s story stuck a chord with me and I knew I had to get to know her, but circumstances meant that I was unable to speak with her at the conference. The universe intervened and my need for soup at the airport led me straight to Kylie-Lee’s table at a small cafe tucked away in a corner. I am so thankful for that sign saying soup, especially after later finding out that Kylie-Lee also stopped at the café because of the same craving,

Kylie-Lee is not only a powerful, smart & beautiful woman, who is creating an empire, she is also a wife and mother to 4 beautiful children - Chloe, Denver, Lily Rose & Darby.

She was inspired by her mother Sheril Cahill to start her business. Kakadu Tiny Tots which is an Indigenous owned company that creates beautiful organic baby and children’s clothes, featuring hand painted Indigenous art and designs. Each creation comes with its own Dreamtime story. They have also just released the Kakadu Tucker and Kakadu Organics range that include chutney’s, body products, candles and more that are made from ingredients direct from Kakadu.

Kylie-Lee grew up in a small aboriginal community called Patonga in the heart of Kakadu National Park, Kylie’s mum was a traditional owner of that region and a well-respected elder. Growing up in Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory was an amazing playground where you learn quickly to always help people and not to take anything for granted.

Kylie-Lee shared with me about being an indigenous woman in business:

Our family has a very strong connection with the land and our cultural beliefs, which is why I launched our children’s clothing line using our remarkable authentic aboriginal art. I believed in my product and mission, and coming from an Aboriginal community I was determined to prove to Indigenous women all over Australia that if you have a dream and believe in yourself & anything is possible.

I learnt to be resilient and mastered the ability to haggle, which was the key to my success, especially when we got knocked back. I’m always open to learning new skills and networking with like-minded business people.

“I wish I knew it was ok to ask for help and that you don’t have to do absolutely everything. It took me a long time to learn this!”

Kylie-Lee didn’t come from a family business background so everything she has learned in business has come from her own personal business development by attending workshops, networking events and investing in mentors:

She shared that: "I wish I knew it was ok to ask for help and that you don’t have to do absolutely everything. It took me a long time to learn this!"

Kylie-Lee’s #1 tip for Mumpreneurs is:

You have to know when to switch off, allowing for family time to be at the top of the list and not just something you fit in. Your family are your biggest ambassadors, so it’s very important to take them on the journey during the good times and the bad!

Kakadu Tiny Totshttps://www.kakadutinytots.com.au/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kakadutinytots/