This week’s Ambassador Feature is with Kylie-Lee Bradford, Kakadu Tiny Tots
2019 AusMumpreneur Indigenous Business Excellence Award, Gold winner
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Kakadu Tiny Tots is an Indigenous owned company from Kakadu NT creating beautiful organic baby and children’s clothing that features hand painted Indigenous art and designs. Every little piece created comes with its own Dreamtime story.
The founder Kylie-Lee is a proud Murrumburr women who grew up in a small aboriginal community called Patonga in the heart of Kakadu National Park, Kylie’s mum is a traditional owner of this region and a well-respected elder. Growing up in the bush is incredible but also comes with many challenges especially when trying to start an Indigenous business!
Kakadu Tiny Tots was officially founded in 2016. Kylie-Lee and her mum were featured on Shark Tank after developing a sample run of designs and offered 2 Investments from 2 different Sharks which they turn down due to their mission to help Indigenous women and children in rural communities.
The company has grown from strength to strength, Stocked in over 80 boutique stores around Australia as well as domestic and International airports. Their E-commerce store has tripled in sales year on year. With a very exciting social media campaign to be launch before Christmas promoting beautiful products made from Indigenous women around Australia.
Business Inspiration
Kylie-Lee’s inspiration to start her business is her Mum! She was her inspiration and drive to become a successful Indigenous women and to help other Indigenous women do the same.
Kylie-Lee’s mum unfortunately recently passed away so to honour her legacy is a mission for the Kakadu Team!
Greatest business challenge for Kylie-Lee
Life and work balance has always been and issue of hers.
Knowing when to switch off! Allowing family time to be the top of the list and not just something you fit in as they are your biggest ambassadors so its very important to take them on your journey through the good times and the bad!
She learnt very quickly they being organised and create your weekly timetable to include yoga, a run, family bbq, shopping time with her daughters, bike ride with her son. All should be a part of her timetable.
Family is so important so let them help and support you along your journey.
Kylie-Lee’s top 3 greatest achievements in the past 12 months.
- NAIDOC- Women to watch in business Femeconmy Ebook
- FACEBOOK- Selected to be apart of the small business council for fast growing businesses
- BUSINESS SCHOOL- Selected for both Women in business and Indigenous Master business school
What do you wish you knew before you started your business?
EVERYTHING!! I didn’t come from a family business background so everything I have learnt in business has come from my personal business development, attending workshops, networking events and some incredible mentors.
I wish I knew it was ok to ask for help and that you don’t have to do absolutely everything. It took me along time to learn this!
Kylie-Lee Bradford, Kakadu Tiny Tots
Kylie-Lee’s advice to to someone thinking about starting a business for the first time is to do lots of research. It’s so very important to understand what business you are trying to create, What’s your purpose, What are your strengths and weaknesses, Who’s your target market and how are you going to make money.
To learn more about Kakadu Tiny Tots, visit the website, Instagram and Facebook.
