NAIDOC Week celebrates and recognises the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. BEAUTYDIRECTORY acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. For more information on NAIDOC Week and this year's theme, visit the official website HERE.
In the world of beauty and skincare, there is an ever-growing recognition and appreciation for the wisdom and traditions that the First Nations communities possess. Australia is home to several remarkable beauty brands owned and operated by First Nations peoples. These female brand founders have embodied ancient traditions and created brands that reflect those traditions. Below we look at five First Nations all female-owned brands and a background into their founders.
Li'tya: Owned by Gayle Clarke, Li'tya is an Australian First Nations-owned luxury skincare brand. Gayle Clarke, a proud Yidinji woman, founded the brand in 1999 with a vision to combine ancient First Nations wisdom with modern skincare techniques. Li'tya incorporates native Australian botanicals and healing rituals into its products, offering a unique cultural experience.
Bush Medijina: Owned by a collective of First Nations women from Groote Eylandt, Bush Medijina is a First Nations-owned beauty brand that focuses on traditional First Nations healing methods. The brand's founders, who come from the Anindilyakwa women's centre, use their extensive knowledge of bush medicine to create natural skincare products. Their aim is to share their cultural heritage and promote economic empowerment for First Nations communities.
Indigiearth: Founded by Sharon Winsor, an Aboriginal woman from the Ngemba Nation, Indigiearth, is a First Nations-owned beauty brand. Sharon draws inspiration from her ancestral connection to the land and her background as a qualified chef to create a range of skincare products. Indigiearth's products feature native Australian botanicals, such as Kakadu plum and Quandong, known for their antioxidant-rich properties.
Merindah Botanicals: Owned by Kristy Dickinson, a proud Gamilaroi woman, Merindah Botanicals is a First Nations-owned beauty brand that specialises in natural and organic skincare products. Kristy's First Nations heritage and love for nature drive her passion for creating products that are sustainable, cruelty-free, and rooted in Aboriginal traditions. Merindah Botanicals combines Australian native ingredients with traditional botanical knowledge.
Aṟa: Owned by Amanda Healy, an Arrernte and Alyawarr woman, Aṟa is an Australian First Nations-owned skincare brand that celebrates cultural heritage. Amanda draws inspiration from her deep connection to country and her family's traditional knowledge. Aṟa incorporates bush ingredients, such as bush tomato and desert lime, to create luxurious and nourishing skincare products.
