MEGAN & EMMA

Kinya Lerrk

Kinya Lerrk means ‘Women coming
together’ in Wemba Wemba. Emma Bamblett and Megan Van Den Berg are the women behind the Blak business who showcase their passion and love for Aboriginal design and art.

Both artists in their own right and have a background in project management, designing and creating art through different mediums.

KINYA LERRK

Why did start Kinya Lerrk?

Our core business started in 2019 when we released several Acknowledgement to Country plaques online, followed by a ‘Back to Country’ candle range, homewares & stationary which we launched during the pandemic.

After the pandemic we wanted a change and were doing markets where we could see all the beautiful blak business’s and products and we also knew that people wanted to feel and experience products again.

Why did you open a store? and where are you?

We decided to take the leap and
follow in the footsteps of Black business woman, Laura Thompson when she opened her space in Northcote, ‘The Koorie Circle’ and Sarah and Laura opening Clothing the Gaps. We were thinking a little shop but the minute they walked
into 134 High St Preston we knew this was the space for us. We will be celebrating our 1st year in a retail space on 9 December. What a year it has been with now stocking over 70 small Aboriginal Blak businesses
in the store.

What can we expect when we visit?

When visiting the space, you can
expect to be greeted by art and colour everywhere and the scents of Kinya Lerrk scents including our Kurrek candle, diffuser, room spray and hand sanitiser. Kurrek means Çountry, land and sand’ in Wemba Wemba. Located on the large showcase table when you enter the store, there are many beautifully crafted items such as ‘Black Ochre’ soaps hand made by Nolita Edwards, Totem poles painted by Russellina Tiwi Arts, Wurramay body oils and Aunty Peta’s Hudson’s
Wunyun bush medicine and healing products.

You can also expect to see mob.
As we are close to all the Aboriginal orgs you will likely run into someone you know and if you are lucky your favourite muso with our Uncle Kutcha and Aunty Fiona and others regularly popping in. The funniest was when Alice Skye came into
the shop and her song came on while she was in the shop.

What's your favourite product in your shop right now?

Our favourite products in the shop. right now are all our Blak Christmas decorations, Blak Elf’s on the shelf and Blak Santa decorations. Also the handmade Aboriginal products either carved, painted or woven, they are just beautiful.

What's the most popular thing people buy as presents?

The most popular things people have purchased are the reusable shopping bags with Aboriginal artwork. These are important as they promote caring for Country values. We have a beautiful collection of jewellery
and very special as all the makers are located in Naarm, the earrings have been very popular. And ofcourse the kids Clothing The Gaps Christmas PJ’s.

Whats your favourite thing about Blakmas?

Being creative and getting to
showcase Blakmas and our Culture in one, it is one season where everyone gets together and seeing the kids faces light up in the shop when they see Blak Elf’s on the shelf and Blak Santas is special to see.

Who can buy/wear your stuff?

Our shop is for mob and is ally friendly. If there is anything specific for mob we can advise. We love that our shop celebrates Aboriginal Culture and art and represents Blakmas and when people take these items into their homes or give as gifts not only are Blak business’s supported but we are supporting conversations about Aboriginal culture and advancing truth, treaty and voice.

LINDYN ROWLAND

Rowland Vision

Rowland Vision is the first & only independent First Nations eyewear company.

My name is Lindyn Rowland and I am a proud Wiradjuri and Waiban Island man

I started Rowland Vision during the pandemic (as a lot of small business were). I have always had a love of sunglasses since I was in school for both fashion, and also the feeling of protection when in public when having moments of anxiety.

ROWLAND VISION

Tell us about your brand and why you started it?

Rowland Vision is the first & only independent First Nations eyewear company. I started Rowland Vision during the pandemic (as a lot of small business were). I have always had a love of sunglasses since I was in school for both fashion, and also the feeling of protection when in public when having moments of anxiety.

Why did you decide to open a store?

Rowland Vision is only available online, which was launched 22.02.2022!

Where can we find you? (Store and stockist)

You can find Rowland Vision at rowlandvision.com, or at Kinya Lerrk & Co.