11/09/2026
I don’t normally make posts like this, and I honestly didn’t want to have to, but I feel like I need to speak up for myself and my business because I’m tired of having my artwork, products and intentions questioned.
Yuluwirri Creations has a very personal meaning to me. My business was named after my daughter, and the name was chosen because of what she means to me — not because of anybody else’s business. Yuluwirri Creations is also my legally registered business name, and everything I have built under it has been built with love, hard work and purpose.
When I first started my business, I mainly created beaded items and fragrances. After going through an abusive relationship and a really difficult time in my life, I found comfort in creating digital artwork. It became an outlet for me and something that genuinely made me happy during a time when I needed it.
From there, I started researching manufacturers and websites that could put my own artwork onto different products, and that is how my business naturally grew into clothing, pyjamas and other items. I didn’t wake up one day and decide to copy what another business was doing. My business simply grew and changed as I found something I loved doing.
I also want to make something very clear: I haven’t suddenly created new designs because of what another business is doing. The designs I currently use are designs I created from the beginning of this part of my business. I have simply continued putting those existing designs onto different products.
Putting my existing artwork onto a new type of product does not suddenly make it a new or copied design.
As an Aboriginal artist, I use Aboriginal symbols, patterns and storytelling elements throughout my artwork because they have meaning and connection to me, my family, my culture and the stories I am telling. My designs have their own meanings and stories behind them. I would never intentionally copy another Aboriginal artist’s artwork, cultural story or meaning, because I understand how important those things are.
Products such as pyjamas, swimwear, hoodies and clothing are also not exclusive to one small business. These are products sold everywhere and are available through manufacturers and suppliers for businesses and artists to customise with their own artwork. Two businesses can sell the same type of product without one copying the other.
What makes Yuluwirri Creations mine is the artwork I put onto those products, the stories behind that artwork, my cultural connection and the meaning behind what I create.
One of the saddest parts for me is that some of the criticism and negativity I have experienced has come from other Aboriginal-owned small businesses. I would have hoped that, as Aboriginal business owners and creatives, we could support and uplift one another rather than make each other feel like there isn’t enough room for everyone.
When I was mainly creating beaded items and fragrances, I never experienced these kinds of issues. It wasn’t until I expanded into clothing and started putting my digital artwork onto products that I began feeling like everything I did was being watched, compared or questioned.
And truthfully, it does make me feel sad. Something that started as a creative outlet and brought me comfort during one of the hardest periods of my life shouldn’t now make me feel worried about what product I can release next because somebody might accuse me of copying them.
I work hard to build my business while also being a mum, working and managing everyday life. I’m proud of how far Yuluwirri Creations has come, and I’m not going to allow negativity to take away the meaning it has for me.
I respect other Aboriginal artists, creators and small businesses. I would never want somebody taking my artwork or claiming my stories as their own, and I simply ask for that same respect in return.
There is enough room for Aboriginal-owned businesses to create, grow and succeed alongside one another. Someone else succeeding does not take anything away from me, and my business growing does not take anything away from anybody else.
I won’t be naming anyone or going back and forth publicly. If someone genuinely believes I have copied their artwork, I would rather they contact me directly and show me exactly what they believe has been copied instead of assumptions or indirect accusations being made publicly.
At the end of the day, I’m going to continue doing what I’ve always done — creating my own artwork, telling my own stories and growing Yuluwirri Creations in my own way. 🌈🤎
To everyone who has supported my little business from when I was making beads and fragrances to where I am today, thank you. I appreciate you more than you know. ❤️
