I first started as a consultant, delivering training and running Aboriginal-led programs in community. Once this was established, I started exploring the idea of adding clothing, while continuing the work I was already doing in community.

 

The idea started years ago while sitting in my grandmother’s house, yarning with my father. At the time, I never imagined that years later I would be bringing that idea to life.

Kalare is my middle name, named after the river

Erambie is an Aboriginal Mission that is 32 acres in size. The number 32 featured across some of our clothing represents those 32 acres and our connection to Erambie. It's where I come from. 

They all come from community, each with their own connection to Erambie. They have also been involved in Aboriginal-led programs I’ve delivered over the years, with some having been part of the Kalare clothing journey from the very beginning.

It’s simple really — I got sick of working for other people. I decided to take a chance and invest in myself, knowing that knowledge is power. I took what I knew, the lived experience I had gained and the things I was passionate about and started building them into a business. 

It started at a grassroots level, running programs voluntarily with girls and women in community through Aboriginal dance. Once I had my consultancy up and running, I began working with services to deliver Aboriginal-led programs, building on the community work I was already doing.