Five Aboriginal-owned businesses that should be on your radar

It has never been more important to support small businesses, and these Indigenous entrepreneurs, creators and business owners are among those leading the charge towards post-pandemic recovery.

Words: Bethany Plint

Small business owners around the country are hurting. The ongoing impacts of the pandemic continue to keep us all on a knife’s edge. But despite having every reason to throw in the towel, many of Australia’s SMEs have risen to the challenge, proving that entrepreneurship and tenacity runs deep in this country. businesses are superb examples, and should inspire all of us to carefully consider what, where and from whom we buy our products.

TAKA GIN CO

Prior to COVID-19, Niyoka Bundle was at the helm of the hugely successful Indigenous-fusion catering company Pawa Catering. She and her husband, head chef Vincent Manning, created grazing boxes, DIY pizza kits and delicious food for festivals and events, featuring native ingredients and botanicals. Then when Victoria’s lockdown hit, the pair worked on their next passion project.

Inspired by First Nations native botanicals, Taka Gin Co invites gin never have even heard of. Taka means ‘taste’ in the Gunditjmara language of South West Victoria, where director Niyoka grew up. She and Vincent worked closely with award-winning distillery Gypsy Hub to develop a unique formulation that offers every drinker a sensory experience. Some of Taka Gin’s signature ingredients include native lemongrass and lemonscented gum leaf.

The packaging tells a story too. Proudly displayed on each bottle of Taka Gin are the phytochemical molecular components of its feature ingredients, inspired by Aboriginal artist Vicki Couzens, with development by First Nations creative consultancy Leon Designs. takaginco.com.au

BRIAR BLOOMS

Domica Hill is the creative mind behind Briar Blooms, a 100 per cent Aborignalowned business based in Victoria’s Bass Coast region. A Palawa woman, Domica started her business as a way to remember her daughter Briar, who passed away before she could this period, which sadly wilted away, arrangements, vibrant artworks and self-care items to bring joy to people going through a tough time.

Her artworks, inspired by Indigenous stories and her own experiences, are available as high quality prints, as well as originals, to brighten up your walls. Domica has fused her skills as a contemporary Aboriginal artist and a former secondary school teacher to deliver workshops to students all over Victoria about the history of Aboriginal art. briarblooms.com.au

PANKU SAFETY SOLUTIONS

At the helm of this rapidly growing organisation is Jadah Pleiter, a Palyku woman based in Melbourne’s South East. As well as being CEO and founder of & Supplies, Jadah’s background in project management and experience working with Indigenous communities and local government has led her to steer the ship for one of the country’s most respected suppliers of PPE and safety equipment, along with her business partner Travis Ling.

During the pandemic her company rallied to provide masks, hand sanitiser, dispensers and other cleaning products to offer a level of safety and security during uncertain times. Panku has developed strong relationships with stakeholders and distribution partners all around the country, championing local brands and premium offerings alongside their own hero products.

Panku invests in a range of social impact initiatives, including the Budadee Ranger Program, which provides training and employment for remote communities in the Pilbara; and Thala Marlpa, which gives communities around Australia. panku.com.au

AMBER DAYS

Corina Muir is the owner of ethical childrenswear label Amber Days. An Aboriginal mother, artist, designer and nature protector, Corina’s range is inspired by the Australian bush, sea and desert.

Shocked by the harmful chemicals that can be found in a lot of children’s clothing, Corina was determined to create her line from organic fabrics and use non-toxic dyes. She continues to seek out the highest quality materials on the market, prioritising services and products provided by First Nations, refugee and migrant women.

“Women are the leading force behind healthy communities and society,” says Corina, a sentiment that she clearly lives by. Amber Days is continually improving processes to reduce environmental impact and support women and slow fashion.

Collaborating with Indigenous artists, Corina’s range of childrenswear is bright, colourful, fun and super to cartwheel-approved overalls, kids love slipping into their Amber Days amberdays.com.au

CLOTHING THE GAPS

A play on words from the Government initiative to close the life expectancy gap between Indigenous and nonIndigenous Australians, Clothing The Gaps is both a dynamic fashion label and a social enterprise.

Co-founded by Laura Thompson, a Gunditjmara woman, and Sarah Sheridan, the label is managed by a team of health professionals who use business as a vehicle to support and help fund the impactful work of the Clothing The Gaps Foundation.

Aboriginal-led and majority Aboriginal owned, the label encourages consumers to “wear their values on their tee” and promote conversations around Indigenous issues. “Always Was, Always Will Be” appears across many of its most popular designs, as well as this year’s NAIDOC Week theme, Heal Country – a call for all Australians to “seek greater protections for our lands, waters, sacred sites and cultural heritage.” clothingthegaps.com.au