It’s been a turbulent year, but with Christmas fast approaching there’s an opportunity for us all to spread some cheer and support a number of female-led businesses which have soldiered through an unprecedented time.
So how do we approach gifting this year?
Here are some of our top picks for Indigenous/rural/female-led small businesses you can support:
Clothing the Gap
Clothing the Gap is an Indigenous owned and run ethical clothing label that aims to celebrate, advocate, educate and elevate Aboriginal voices, people and culture.
Founders Sianna Catullo and Laura Thompson recognised an opportunity to raise awareness and around ethical fashion and unite people of all diversities and backgrounds to actively engage in dismantling racism in the industry. Clothing the Gap allows any Australian who wants to make a difference to contribute at a grassroots level.
Select from an awesome range of t-shirts, caps, tote bags and stickers to promote equity for Indigenous people and help to ‘Close the Gap;’ a Government health initiative to help close the life expectancy between Aboriginal people and non-Indigenous Australians.
Bimby + Roy (swimwear)
Slip into the soft and stretchy garments from Bimby + Roy, founded by two sisters who, in their childhood years, dreamt of one day owning their own label. Designed between Byron Bay and Melbourne, their line is ethically manufactured in the first solar powered facility on the Fiji Islands, where the sisters grew up.
Their eco process ensures no ink dyes in waterways and in attempts to reduce waste, donates paper used during the process to recycling plants in Fiji. Additionally, with the aid of the Australian government in 2019, their garment factory has opened up a childcare centre attached to the main facility.
Their eye-catching, feminine taste is captured in these versatile and comfortable pieces that are suited to all age groups, for all sorts of purposes – swimming, yoga, sleeping, breastfeeding and your everyday undergarments.
Zero Store
Meet Emma and Leah, the sister duo behind the Zero Store – an eco-conscious store providing products aimed at building towards a zero waste and plastic-free world.
Based in Fremantle WA, the pair first started with their restaurant ‘Mother‘, a vibrant spot providing a range of delicious plant-based natural meals for lunch and dinner. From here they’ve extended their store with a team of women passionate to make and provide the way for greener choices.
From Swag bags, beeswax wraps, shampoo bars and coconut cutlery sets. Hop onto their page to find the perfect, environmentally friendly gift today. Also, if you ever find yourself in the heart of Fremantle, don’t forget to swing by Mother for a tasty snack!
My rural retreat
Book yourself or a loved one an experience to unwind, escape and reconnect at a beautiful and peaceful cottage located in the New England region of NSW, surrounded by some of Australia’s most luscious National Parks. Cattle station owner, Tina Skipper welcomes you to stay at ‘Cabarfeidh’, a retreat space to kick back and enjoy the wonders of a rural community where you can be nourished by local and fresh foods.
Alongside relaxing in self-contained and private accommodation, you also have the option of participating in workshops run by many people in the region, from artists to garden designers and even yoga instructors. Check out her website here to take your pick!
Long track pantry
Long Track Pantry is a sweet and humble country food, retail store as well as a café and cooking school co-owned by Juliet and Huw Robb, in the riverside village of Jugiong, Southern NSW. They are best known for their fresh local foods, aromatic coffee, pantry items and exceptional service.
Purchase one of their wonderful Christmas hampers filled with excellent seasonal produce. If you feel like a trip down south, please pop in for a visit located just one minute from the Hume Highway – between Gundagai and Yass.
Taboo
Taboo is a South Australian Social enterprise that exists to sell certified organic cotton pads and tampons, with all net profit dedicated to ending global period poverty.
The company was founded by Isobel Marshall and Eloise Hall in 2017 and is now prospering with a team of 10 passionate volunteers. The brand exists to break down the stigma of periods through branding and educational efforts, whilst being an accessible foundation to support those in Australia who are at risk of period poverty through local outreach efforts.
Hop onto their page to see how you can help empower women and girls around the world by purchasing their sanitary products today.
Indigiearth
Sharon Winsor, a Ngemba Weilman woman from Western NSW founded the 100% Aboriginal owned and established business, Indigiearth.
With headquarters in Mudgee, it’s renowned for its ethically sourced, authentic Australian native products. By sustainable harvesting of these bush foods and goods the brand aligns to the traditional land management practices of Aboriginal communities, with recognition and respect for the land.
Sharon has a passion to connect people with Aboriginal culture through her knowledge of native bush food. Indigiearth has also aided Aboriginal communities to set up wild harvesting and business enterprises. Check out her wide range of products from native foods, candles, to diffusers and skin-care products and more.
A Few Favourite Things
Looking for a perfectly curated selection of small gifts? A Few Favourite Things is your go to.
Charley, situated in rural Queensland, curates a collection of sustainable lifestyle products that are personally hand crafted and packaged into small packages. When Charley found herself inundated with the challenges from job-related stress, she passionately sought out natural methods and products to overcome her anxiety and create a peaceful and calm environment.
Her personal mission to practice self-care and to slow down, relax and rejuvenate have shone through in her carefully selected products. Take a peek at her selection here.