First Nations businesses are leading the Australian beauty industry, blending local ingredients and eco-values for conscious consumers. Driven by a rising consumer preference for ethically sourced and culturally rich beauty products, are Australian beauty enthusiasts ready to embrace this evolution?
Jessielee is a proud Wahine Māori and environmental and indigenous land rights activist. In her role as Advocacy and Activism Executive at Lush Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, she endeavours to build and strengthen the impact of efforts in the region to help contribute towards the mission of leaving the world Lusher than when we found it. Jessielee is a member of several activist communities and movements focused on social and environmental causes and upholding indigenous land rights. She has worked for LUSH Aotearoa for a decade. During this time, she has worked alongside many different regenerative organisations that focus specifically on permaculture, education, and restorative practices.
Melissa Cole is the founder of Yaye and a Warumungu and Luritja woman from Central Australia. Yaye (pronounced Yah Yah) means ‘big sister’ in Arrernte (pronounced A run ta), the Indigenous language of Mparntwe (Alice Springs). Yaye is a celebration of Central Australia's natural wonders, encapsulated in their bath and body products range. It’s not just skincare. It’s a connection to the land, a rejuvenating journey where nature nurtures your body and soul.
She grew up in Mparntwe (Alice Springs), and together with her husband Anthony, an Arrernte man also from Alice Springs, they have created a unique bath and body range.
Sarah Wei is a journalist and producer based in Melbourne and Hong Kong, with a focus on the travel, lifestyle, and arts and culture sectors. She has produced over 35 talks and workshops with 120 speakers, three large-scale 5-day events, over 20 community events, one VR/AR exhibition, and more than 150 published features and stories across the region.
