For Miimi & Jiinda founder, director and proud Gumbaynggirr woman Melissa Greenwood, art and sharing stories of Country have always been a part of her life.
How did the Miimi & Jiinda brand come to be?
Miimi & Jiinda started back in 2018, born from a desire to share our culture and uplift our family. I wanted to give my mum a new sense of purpose and help boost her confidence.
We began by showcasing our Indigenous art through beautiful paintings and traditional weaving creations. What began as an art business quickly grew into a lifestyle brand, which now includes women’s and men’s high fashion and kidswear, plus ceramics and accessories.
I am a fashion designer, artist and children’s book author, and that’s what makes Miimi and Jiinda unique, the way I translate my hand-painted artworks across multiple mediums.
When you first began, you were working collaboratively as a mother-daughter duo, and then expanded to work with your husband and a small team, and now, your whole family gets involved. What’s it like to run a family business?
It’s special, we all live close to each other on Gumbaynggirr country. Mum, Dad and Sis live nearby, they are always helping and we often get other families involved where we can. Having aunts, uncles and cousins help in the business spreads the work amongst the community and gives everyone opportunities to express themselves through being part of this cultural process.
What inspired you to become an artist? Has art always been a part of your life?
Art has always been in my life. Growing up, I was surrounded by stories from my Elders, and learning our dreaming and creation stories, so expressing these stories through art came naturally to me. I also watched Mum paint my whole life, our walls were filled with so much art. It was an inspiring way to grow up.
“Our creations are inspired by our family’s history, our culture, and the land we come from.”
For me, it’s about storytelling – whether through painting, writing, or fashion. My mum has always had a deep connection to design and textiles, and she’s passed that love of creativity down to me. Our creations are inspired by our family’s history, our culture, and the land we come from.
You come from the Gumbaynggirr, Dunghutti, and Bundjalung tribes of Australia’s East Coast, often referred to as ‘Saltwater Country’. Can you tell us more about your Country and how it influences your designs?
Our Country is who we are as people, it represents a big part of our identity and what we create. Our Gumbaynggirr, Dunghutti, and Bundjalung tribes are all connected to the ocean, rivers and the land on the Mid-North Coast and North Coast of NSW.
Our designs are deeply rooted in our own stories, growing up blak on country, surrounded by our mob. Our totem is the ocean (gaagal) and we are Saltwater People. The colours, patterns, and themes in our work reflect the natural beauty of our homelands, from the deep blues of the ocean to the earthy tones of the land. Every piece we create communicates the essence of our homelands.
What stories and themes does your Yarilla Resort collection speak to?
The Yarilla Resort collection is all about celebrating our Gumbaynggirr culture and the strength of our matriarchal heritage. Yarilla means ‘to light up and illuminate,’ which is exactly what we wanted this collection to do—shine a light on our beautiful homelands and the powerful stories of our ancestors.
The collection features vibrant colours and patterns that represent our oceans, rivers, and landscapes. It also honours the strong, resilient women in our family, like my Nan and Mum, who inspire me daily. Each piece is a wearable piece of art that tells a story of connection to Country.
Your Yarilla Baalya Indigenous Inspired Wedding Dress was recently showcased at David Jones’ Archives exhibition in the Elizabeth Street store; tell us about this design and its cultural story.
The Yarilla Baalya wedding dress is one of our most special creations. ‘Yarilla’ means ‘to light up and illuminate,’ and ‘Baalya’ means ‘to be married.’ The dress is hand-painted on a cotton calico, inspired by the birthing caves on Gumbaynggirr Country, where our ancestors brought life into the world. These caves were sacred places, protected by cultural midwives who warded off bad spirits. The dress’ design carries the stories of these strong women and the deep connection we have with Country. It was an honour to have this dress showcased at the David Jones x Powerhouse Archive exhibition, giving visitors to the exhibition a deeper connection to our culture. I want the garment to speak to all who view it, that is the most important thing about my art—to teach and share.
Learn more about our Exhibition Marking The Gift Of The Archive To Powerhouse and a new partnership investing in Australian design.
What does the future look like for Miimi and Jiinda?
We’re passionate about continuing to tell our stories through fashion and art, and we’re committed to using sustainable practices and supporting our community. We’re excited to keep expanding our brand, reaching more people, and sharing the beauty of our culture with the world. Our goal is to keep shining an artistic light on our Country and culture and making a positive impact through our work.
Follow Miimi & Jiinda’s journey
