22/10/2026
Lately, I've been scrolling through Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, seeing all the amazing things our Aboriginal businesses, artists and cultural practitioners are achieving, and I can't help but feel inspired and proud of our mob. 🖤💛❤️
Seeing our people performing on some of the biggest stages, dancing and playing didgeridoo at major sporting events like the AFL and tennis, creating cultural awards and gifts, and receiving commissions from all around the world, including well-known people and celebrities, really opens my eyes to what's possible.
It reminds me that the sky really is the limit, and there's no telling how far I can take Boorn Wirn if I continue to believe in myself, stay dedicated and keep learning.
But one thing I want people to understand is that I never started this journey for the money.
I started making artefacts as part of my own healing journey. It was a way for me to reconnect with my culture, strengthen my identity, find purpose and develop myself as a person. Along the way, I discovered a passion for creating traditional artefacts, learning about our old people's ways and hopefully inspiring our younger generations to take an interest in their culture.
What started as something for my own healing has slowly grown into something much bigger than I ever imagined.
And it certainly hasn't been an easy road.
I've experienced jealousy, criticism and people attacking me through my business. There have been challenges, setbacks and times when I've had to push through and remind myself why I started in the first place.
But despite all that, I continue to move forward, because the positives far outweigh the negatives.
When I look back at some of the opportunities I've been fortunate enough to receive, I feel nothing but gratitude.
From commissioned orders for organisations, communities and schools in places like Derbal Yerrigan, Wungening and Parkerville, to attending markets and stalls, creating artefacts for people from different walks of life, and seeing some of my work travel overseas to places like China and New Zealand. Even having the opportunity to create pieces for people like Karri Kola and Lavar Ball.
Sometimes I sit back and think, Who would've thought something that started as part of my healing would take me this far?
I also want to acknowledge some of the people and organisations who supported me in the early stages, especially Coolabaroo. That first purchase meant more than you probably realised. It helped me purchase more materials, keep creating and continue building something I believed in.
Every sale, whether big or small, has made a difference. It has helped me put food on the table, pay bills, maintain my vehicle, cover business expenses and, most importantly, provide for my family while doing something I genuinely love.
To everyone who has ever purchased an artefact, shared my work, recommended my business, encouraged me or simply taken the time to show an interest, I sincerely thank you.
But there's another group of people I especially want to acknowledge.
To every single person who has taken time out of their own day to teach me something, share their knowledge, show me a different technique, help me identify timber, offer advice or encourage me to develop my skills — thank you.
Each and every one of you has played a part in my journey and contributed in some way to how Boorn Wirn came about.
Although these artefacts are made by my hands, I recognise that I wouldn't have the knowledge and skills I have today without the people who were willing to share what they knew.
I will always be grateful for that.
And that's something I want to carry forward myself.
I love gifting my work to family, friends and sometimes even complete strangers. There's something special about giving somebody something you've created with your own hands, especially when there's cultural meaning behind it.
I'm also more than happy to share what I've learnt with anybody who genuinely wants to learn.
Because what's the point of holding all that knowledge to myself, only to take it to the grave?
If somebody has taken the time to teach me, then I believe I have a responsibility to pass that knowledge on where it's appropriate, especially to our younger generations, so they too can benefit from it and hopefully continue passing it down.
I still have so much to learn, so many skills to develop and so many things I want to achieve. I'm nowhere near where I want to be, but when I look back at where I started, I'm proud of how far I've come.
Seeing other Aboriginal businesses and cultural practitioners succeeding doesn't discourage me. It motivates me. It shows me what's possible when our mob believe in themselves, support one another and continue keeping our culture strong.
My dream isn't just to grow a successful business. It's to continue healing, learning, providing for my family, sharing knowledge and hopefully creating opportunities for others along the way.
Success to me isn't just about how much money I make or how far my artefacts travel. It's about the people I connect with, the knowledge I gain and pass on, the lives I can positively influence and the legacy I leave behind.
To everyone who has been part of this journey, from the very beginning right through to today, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
This journey is far from over. ❤️
Boorn Wirn — Born Warrior 🖤💛❤️
Handcrafted on Noongar Boodjar. Inspired by culture, driven by healing, and dedicated to keeping knowledge alive.
