Miimi & Jiinda: The mother-daughter duo inspiring each other in and out of the office

The founders behind the successful art brand say Blak motherhood is at the heart of their creativity.

Melissa Greenwood and Lauren Jarrett

Melissa Greenwood (left) and Lauren Jarrett, the founders of Indigenous art business Miimi & Jiinda. Source: Supplied

Gumbaynggirr women Lauren Jarrett and Melissa Greenwood are mother and daughter but they're also business partners.

Together they create colourful designs for a range of products from original artworks, to clothing, and homeware items.

Some of their successful business adventures include a partnership with skincare brand Jurlique and a collection with retailer Adairs.

Sharing the essence of Blak motherhood

Working together comes naturally for them, "it's comfortable because we can rely on each other," Ms Greenwood said.

"We inspire each other."

Their creative process is a collaborative one but Ms Greenwood admits having her mum by her side is "nurturing and supporting".
"I think it helps that we're from different generations. So when I have my perspective or thoughts in a certain way, I'll have a yarn with mum, and she'll have a whole other view on things."

"All the wisdom from her years has really helped me in my practice."

Ms Jarrett said the essence of Blak motherhood is something they want to "share with others" through their work.

"I love children. And I think that's from being matriarchal, you love your own children but other people's children as well," she said.

"I think that's been instilled in a lot of us."

Practicing culture together

Outside of the business, Ms Jarrett and Ms Greenwood spend a lot of time together.

"We stay out on Country all the time, sometimes we paint," Ms Jarrett said.

Not only has Ms Jarrett taught her daughter how to be creative, but she also shares a lot of culture with Ms Greenwood. And they learn it together.

"Mum takes me for walks and we pick plants because we do weaving together."
"And she teaches me about the different plants.

"We learn all of our dreaming and creation stories and find out exactly where they are, where our hero ancestors travelled, and about different land formations."

A special place for the pair to visit is birthing caves on their country.

A 'close and connected' kinship

Familiar to all Indigenous families is a kinship system that nurtures children.

Ms Greenwood said it plays a big part in their family.

"My sister's adopted my children as her own. Mum's the same, she's very close with my children."

"So we're all just very close, that kinship is close and connected."

"Aboriginal families are very sharing."

Celebrating Mother's Day

Ms Jarrett and Ms Greenwood usually celebrate Mother's Day by having a picnic and exchanging gifts.

"Or if it's raining, well, then we'll just have a meal together and sit back and watch a nice movie," Ms Jarrett said.

"And we always like to have something sweet," Ms Greenwood adds.

The pair express deep gratitude knowing some of their own products will no doubt be Mother's Day gifts, such as Jurlique's recent gift collection adorned with Miimi & Jiinda designs on them.

"They're so pure, a lot of love is put into them when they're grown and created, so we're really proud to collaborate with them," Ms Jarrett said.

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3 min read
Published 7 May 2022 8:17am
Updated 7 May 2022 8:48am
By Alexis Moran
Source: NITV


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