Our Story
The beginning
From a young age, I've been fascinated with my culture. I'm a descendant of Wiradjuri country in central New South Wales, my great grandmother's country. However I am a fourth generation raised on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island), Quandamooka Country.
My great grandmother Sylvia was a part of the stolen generation. Sadly she was taught from a young age to be ashamed of who she was.
Being aboriginal was a part of her identity, but her shame meant that she went through life disconnected from her roots.
When I had a daughter of my own I knew I wanted her to be proud of who she was and all that makes her, her.
I want to encourage her to be proud of her beautiful heritage. I want her to feel strongly connected to who she is. I want her to feel confident in who she is. I never want her to question her own worth because of who she is. We are powerful, we are sacred and we are worthy.
My vision
I believe that everyone should be allowed to feel confident and good in their skin, regardless of their age, sex, or social class.
In 2020 I searched the market for a beautiful doll, something that represents our culture that I could give to my daughter in celebration of Naidoc week. Unfortunately I found nothing.
So I took my daughter's baby born doll and decided to transform it. I went to Spotlight and brought some indigenous fabric, paint and a hand sewing kit. I sat up all night hand sewing her and the doll a matching outfit. My first “little Jarjum".
Myora took her baby everywhere with her. We would always get heaps of compliments on her, where did you buy her from? I would tell them that I made her.
I could see her confidence grow, and how much she enjoyed having a doll that she could identify with. This inspired me to create a collection of dolls that embraced indigenous beauty and cultivated conversations around first nations culture.
As little Jarjums grow I hope to help enhance the education of first nations people through play, provide a pathway for children to learn about diversity and culture and create little jarjums who feel confident and strong in who they are.
What we
believe in
Our Mission is to embrace, educate & elevate
First Nations culture
Creating a path for little Jarjums to embrace their beauty, culture & identity. To be strong and confident in themselves and their culture.
EMBRACE
EDUCATE
ELEVATE
Create pathways to enhance education of first nations people through play throughout their classrooms homes and lives
Create pathways to elevate our communities by supporting services and foundations throughout our schools
