Starting out as a home-based side hustle, Bianca Kawoot Brackenridge recently celebrated 10 years in business with BRACKS Indigenous Clothing.
Her clothing and accessory range, all featuring original designs by Bianca herself, sell out across sporting carnivals, shows, expos and events. The growth of her business shocked even her Shopify consultant who built the BRACKS website, putting it in his top five performing online stores, a significant feat for its first year online.
“He couldn’t believe it; it just went boom!” Bianca explains.
“I purchased a basic plan with Shopify and he said I’ll be ringing him back soon to upgrade it again at the rate we were doing business. Sure enough, within six months that’s exactly what I did. A lot of it had to do
with the big corporate contracts I had secured.”
Those corporate contracts with Ergon Energy, Queensland Corrective Services and even the Australian Defence Force (ADF) have all contributed to the success of BRACKS whose loyal supporter base has come mostly via word-of-mouth.
“My website caught the eye of an Indigenous guy down south, he rang and asked if I had the capacity to
take on a contract with Ergon Energy to design a First Nations shirt because the new boss was right into Indigenous engagement,” Bianca says.
“Then I had David Boyd from the ADF come and have a look at our trailer during the Bindal Sharks All Blacks Carnival and said I had to ring him. A few months later after we met for coffee, BRACKS became the first Indigenous vendor for the Australian Army.
“Any one of them can jump online and place an order for PT uniform. I just did the first ever Indigenous ties for ANZAC Day and I’ve also done the Indigenous football kits for 1RAR.”
The last 12 months has seen exponential change within the business in both physical and financial
terms. Bianca has had to move her small business out of her home into her first warehouse in April (which
she has already outgrown) and as of the new financial year, in which the business more than doubled its
profit to over $500,000, has had to look at changing the status of the small business to a company.
“My tax agent shook his head and said, ‘forget about the tax return for the moment.’ He sat me at the table, pulled out the whiteboard marker and said, ‘we’re talking about a company now,’” she recalls.
“I’ve had to read up on constitutions and how to be a director, which I have no idea so I’m learning very fast. I’ve also got to bring on full time staff!”
The business growth is testament to Bianca’s work ethic and dedication, making time to design and sell
BRACKS merchandise despite working 14 – 16 hour shifts at the Townsville University Hospital in Palliative
Care, a job which she has recently resigned from to pursue her dream of becoming a train driver.
“I waited two years for this traineeship opportunity to become available. The business (BRACKS) went
boom at the same time I got the traineeship, and there was no way I was going to give up either so I’m
doing it all at the moment,” Bianca says.
Bianca attributes much of BRACKS’ appeal down to her colourful nature and designs as well as the way
she honours the three flags: Aboriginal, Torres Strait and South Sea Islander.
“From day one, I’ve honoured all three flags on my shirts, I’ve been told I’m very bright and people just
love my designs. People know if I haven’t designed something,” Bianca continues.
“There’s a couple of Indigenous artists in Townsville, I love their artwork and I’ve been approached
about collaborations, but my artwork is what makes BRACKS uniquely BRACKS.
“I’m also grateful for the support of my current partner, Davina who taught herself to use Adobe Illustrator and has been taking care of all the graphic design over the last three years. It’s saved us thousands of dollars by being able to do this ourselves. She has been the biggest support and without her we would not be where we are today.”
With all the growth of the business, Bianca is very proud to be able to bring Indigenous culture to the forefront.
“I know myself, doing what I’m doing, I’m honouring and keeping my culture alive everywhere I go,” she states.
“Before I left Darwin, after four days at the show, I had people sending pictures and messages saying, ‘look at all these kids wearing your designs! BRACKS is everywhere now in Darwin because of you!’ So, I’m leaving a footprint and I’m keeping this culture alive.
“When I have non-indigenous people ask me if they can wear one of my shirts, I say I don’t care what colour you are, it doesn’t matter. It’s all part of reconciliation.”
BRACKS’ presence was felt at 38 events over the last 12 months, making 2022 the biggest year since the brand launched.
“Next year we’re going bigger. I want to get into the Northern Territory and Western Australia for NAIDOC Week.
“I know we’re going to get bigger and bigger and who knows where I’ll end up next year.”
Main image: Davina Blair, Bianca Kawoot Brackenridge, and Sasha Brackenridge.
Image credits: Phil Copp, Phil Copp Photos
Click here for Bianca’s Movers & Shakers post (October 2022).
