8 Aboriginal-Australian businesses you can support!

Before we begin, I would like to acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the traditional custodians of the land of which we stand. As well as pay my respects to Elders past, present and future and also acknowledge their strength, resilience and contributions.

The Black Lives Matter Movement shouldn’t end after one big protest around the world, it should be an ongoing movement until there is some significant, HUGE change for people of colour all around the world! If you’re someone who is unsure exactly how to help, or you don’t know anyone who is POC or are unable to donate to organisations, or you feel uncomfortable with re-posting and sharing things about the Black Lives Matter Movement but FEEL like you should be a supporting ally (which you should), supporting Aboriginal-Australian owned businesses is a great way to start! It shows that you are supporting Indigenous culture and individuals, AND you are also getting something really unique and special out of it! It should feel good!

Here is a list of 8 Aboriginal-Australian owned businesses and fashion designers that you can support. They are all on Instagram and have online stores which we LOVE and are 100% Indigenous-owned! So, the next time you decide to treat yourself with a little somethin somethin nice or you’re looking for a unique gift for someone, make sure you check these out!  

1. Clothing the Gaps

Clothing the Gaps is an Aboriginal owned fashion label based in Victoria. The brand name is a clever play on the words “Closing the Gap” which is the name of the health initiative made by the Australian Government to support closing the life expectancy gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. The label is managed by health professionals that celebrate Aboriginal people and culture, producing apparel with meaning and value while also uniting Indigenous and non-Indigenous people through fashion and influencing social change. Additionally, 100% of the profits go to supporting Aboriginal health and education programs!

2. Ginny’s Girl Gang

Ginny’s Girl Gang acknowledges not only traditional Aboriginal Australian landowners but also Native American’s across the United States. The creator of this brand, Ginny, is a Gomaroi woman from Australia and currently lives in Georgia, USA. She is an artist, storyteller and advocate for her people, their rights and preserving culture. Ginny’s Girl Gang was born through a nickname she had with her three nieces. This designer creates hand-painted denim jackets, faux leather, and sweatshirts with powerful messages and artwork. The art is incredible and all about culture, positivity, love and respect for past generations and the next.

3. Haus of Dizzy

Proud Wiradjuri jewellery designer Kristy Dickinson has been making jewellery for 20 years and started Haus of Dizzy after she realised the lack of representation of Indigenous culture in the world of fashion and jewellery. Dickinson creates beautiful, bold, colourful and fun statement earrings, necklaces, brooches as well as jewellery stands, all hand made. They celebrate Indigenous cultures and manifest a sense of pride and joy for those who wear them. These pieces also incorporate powerful political and social messages

5. Gammin Threads 

Gammin Threads was established by Tahnee as a hobby and a side hustle. This brand was born out of love for typography, language and Blak pride, and incorporates apparel including t-shirts, jumpers, kids wear and accessories all made for those who love colour, honouring and supporting Indigenous culture, and empowering women. Tahnee uses powerful political and social messages; her brand is so inspiring and empowers women throughout her brand and through her products.

5. Paperbarklove

Amanda Watts is a Kungarakan woman from Brisbane, Queensland and her brand Paperbarklove is amazing! Her products include all sorts of yummy, natural skincare goods from soaps, lip balms to hair butter and special gift packs! Every product is made with love, and natural, simple ingredients and has been inspired by Amanda’s heritage where the Kungarakan people utilised paperbark frequently in ceremony. Watts states on her website that “Paperbark trees like our skin are symbolic and a reflection of our inner beauty.”

6. Lakkari Pitt

If you’re an art lover, Lakkari Pitt has some incredibly beautiful pieces of Aboriginal art and prints! An amazing gift idea or something to brighten up your own home or room! Lakkari is a proud Gamilaroi Ularoi/Yuwaalaraay Yinnar from New South Wales, and her pieces are a modern take on the knowledge of her Elders and important people in her life have passed down from generations, exploring the movements, essence and stories of country.  

7. TTPOPP

This one is pretty special… TTPOPP is owned by Talicia Bolea, a proud Indigenous woman based in Cairns, QLD and who also happens to be one of my cousins! I’m so excited to be able to put this on the list, Talicia has worked so hard over the years running her own businesses, being a consultant for the brand Arbonne and starting her own jewellery brand after her daughter asked, “So how do people make earrings?”, which sparked her amazing idea. Talicia makes beautiful handmade studs and statement earrings with beautiful colours and essences coinciding with themes close to her heart. Incorporating Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, Polynesian and Melanesian cultures, as well as colours of coral, and the ocean. TTPOPP’s motto is “Statement pieces that pop with purpose!” and made for people who desire to live outside the box.

8. Little Black Duck

If you’re someone like me who is so scared of growing old but can’t help but be way too excited about homewares and things like teapots and kitchen utensils, then you’ll love this brand! Little Black Duck was established by talented Wagga Wagga woman, Ashleigh Pengelly. There are so many products including teacups, teapots, platter boards, candles, terracotta pots, prints as well as beautiful native tea. But what’s super special about these things is that they include beautiful dot paintings all done by Ashleigh herself.

Additionally, the Blak Business on Instagram shows support for these brands and many others, as well as information on how you can keep supporting them. All of these brands and products are made by some really proud, talented and strong Indigenous people and deserve so much support! These brands can be viewed on Instagram, and each has their own website where you can support them even just by chucking them a follow and finding out where to purchase their incredible products!