Words by: Kedeisha Kartinyeri.
There’s a ton of incredible Aboriginal-owned businesses in South Australia – from talented designers to in-demand cultural tour providers, to fast-moving consumer goods. These businesses not only bring unique and culturally rich products and services to the market but also contribute significantly to the economy and the economic development of our communities.
As a proud Ngarrindjeri woman and a passionate South Australian, I’ve put together a list of 7 Aboriginal-owned, South Australian businesses I’m shopping from this Christmas. And, I hope you’ll consider doing the same.
With many of these brands (and plenty of others), you’ll find traditional ingredients and processes that have been passed down through generations, and products that tell powerful stories.
But more than that, you’ll also find businesses that give back to their communities. They reinvest their success in initiatives that support education, cultural preservation, and economic development, ensuring that the benefits of their hard work extend far beyond their bottom lines.
Here’s a list of businesses making waves with their award-winning products and in-demand offerings. Trust me; you’re guaranteed to find something your family and friends will love.
Mariah Akamarre
Mariah Akamarre has created the most stunning range of yoga mats, duffle bags, and sweat towels featuring her artwork (if my partner is reading this, the pink yoga mat is on my wish list). You can find her beautiful products at Mariah Akamarre.
Nood Australia
Nood Australia offers a range of natural, sustainable cleaning products, personal care items, and home care products using native Australian botanicals. My personal favourite is their hand sanitiser – trust me, you won’t regret purchasing it. Check out their offerings at Nood Australia.
Lakun Mara
Founded by Sonya Rankine, a proud Ngarrindjeri woman, Lakun Mara specialises in expert weaving and artistry. You can order some beautiful handwoven jewellery or even book in for one of her weaving workshops held throughout the year. Don’t forget to explore her range of stationary, perfect for stocking fillers. Discover her creations at Lakun Mara.
Bookabee Cultural Tours
This family-owned Aboriginal business keeps busy for a fantastic reason. They offer cultural tours in the heart of Adelaide, earning recognition as award-winning Aboriginal cultural tour providers. Find out more about their incredible tours at Bookabee Cultural Tours.
Ngarrindjeri Dreaming
Who doesn’t love a hand-painted, one-of-a-kind cheese board? Or how about leather handbags, tote bags, or makeup pouches? Sharon Karpany, a Ngarrindjeri woman, is the creative force behind Ngarrindjeri Dreaming, where her artistic designs come to life in all sorts of cool stuff.
Her online store is packed with a bunch of awesome products, each showing off her artistic flair and deep cultural roots.
Fringe Tickets
The Fringe season is approaching quickly, so why not consider gifting tickets to one of the many talented First Nations artists performing? Ngarrindjeri Comedian Kalah Lovegrove’s comedy special “Straight Outta Church”, offers an hour of clean comedy as she testifies to the hardships & hallelujahs of life as a Sober, Single Mum on a healing journey. You can also check out a unique blend of blues, gospel and rock at “Five Years Free!” by Sonia Smith, a First Nations Gugada (Kokatha) artist, singer and songwriter. There are also performances by Dane Simpson, a fantastic comedian, and Dusty Feed Mob, an Aboriginal Dance group.
Gift someone you love a night out and the power of song and dance in storytelling for Christmas. They’ll be raving about it for months to come!
Pundi Produce
For those who prefer tea over coffee, Pundi Produce offers a range of Australian Natives Teas and Bitters. This Christmas, I have their Pundi Bitters on my shopping list. Explore their collection at Pundi Produce.
Kedeisha Kartinyeri is the Director & Aboriginal Accountant at KML Business Solutions, and is passionate about growing Aboriginal-owned businesses and creating a pathway for more Aboriginal women to become accountants.
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