How a small Indigenous business used Instagram to skyrocket its sales

What started out as a hobby, has now become a successful business for Indigenous business owner, Paige Coe.

The Bundjulung woman started her small business, 'Brandy Rose' when she couldn't find Aboriginal designed baby clothing for her children.

So, she decided to make it herself.

’I couldn’t find anything and being a creative person, I started to make some bibs and headbands for my daughter and people were just in love with them and said that I should start selling them,’ Paige said.

Initially she started showcasing her products on the social media platform, Instagram, under the name Brandy Rose. Many clicks and enquiries later, she realised there was an untapped niche for her products in the baby clothing market.

‘I started on Instagram and then went onto my own website and it's just taken off.’

Since starting her business, Paige has noticed the positive influence her clothing has had in the clothing space for Indigenous families.

‘Just seeing my products come into people's lives and how beneficial it has been for mums and bubs is great. There’s a short range of Aboriginal products out there and just seeing our little babies being able to wear it with pride means a lot to me, and I think that we’re paving the way for others to be more accepting of our culture and who we are.’ 

She is particularly proud of the practicality of her products.

‘I am very practical and everything that I create in life is meaningful and it must have a purpose behind it. Even with my bibs I've revisited them, made them bigger and softer for babies to wear so it's more practical. The same goes with the wristlets that I've done for mums because we're always dropping keys. They really come in handy when you've got your hands full trying to hold baby and getting in the car or the house.’

Brandy Rose is one of the many Indigenous businesses that access Yarpa Indigenous Business & Employment Hub.

Paige first met with Yarpa Business Coach, Shannon Mallison at the beginning of her journey in 2019.

‘Shannon was so wonderful and I couldn't be more grateful for the support and encouragement that Yarpa has given to me. I had no idea about business and they helped me get started and put all the business aspects in place. I still call her now.’

Next steps for Paige is to continue growing her business and product line and fulfil her dream of getting her products into mainstream outlets.

‘I'd honestly love to put my own designs on fabric and design Aboriginal baby clothes and get them into the mainstream clothing sector. It's just a dream but it could come true. Brandy Rose was a dream and its come true.’