8 minute read
KIDS CORNER: COMMUNITY SPIRIT
COMMUNITY SPIRIT
Baby clothing brand Isla and Mimi blends cultural heritage with contemporary design. We chat to cofounder Kira Trow about growing the business while staying true to her values of community, sustainability and craftsmanship.
What inspired you to launch the business and when was it launched?
The inspiration came from my desire to blend my love for contemporary Indigenous art with a commitment to sustainability, while also offering something meaningful and beautiful for families. As a mum, I saw the need for baby clothing that not only honours cultural heritage, but is also made with organic and eco-friendly fabrics.
It was important for me to create a brand that reflects the values of conscious parenting and respect for the environment. Our first collection launch was July 2024 and since then it has grown into a space where art, culture and sustainability come together to create clothing that tells a story and makes a positive impact.
How important is community to both you and your business?
Community is everything to me and my business. Isla and Mimi was built on the values of connection—connection to culture, to family and to the people around us. As a mother and a proud Indigenous woman, I’ve always believed that when we uplift each other, we create something far more meaningful than just a product.
What sets Isla and Mimi apart in the market is the unique combination of contemporary Indigenous art with sustainable, organic materials. Each design is carefully crafted by me or mum, drawing on the rich traditions of my Indigenous culture while giving them a modern twist that resonates with today’s families.
For my business, community means supporting other mothers, engaging with our customers and giving back to the Indigenous communities that inspire us. Whether it’s through our upcoming give-back program, where we donate outgrown clothing to remote Indigenous communities or simply being there for families who share our values of sustainability and conscious living, community is at the heart of everything we do. It’s about building relationships, creating positive change and leaving a lasting impact together.
Does your Indigenous culture influence your designs?
My Indigenous culture is woven into every aspect of Isla and Mimi’s designs and products. Each piece reflects the stories, symbols and deep connection to the land that is so central to my heritage. Whether through hand-painted artwork or digital designs, I aim to celebrate and honour Indigenous culture in a contemporary way that resonates with modern families.
The patterns in our collections often draw inspiration from nature, traditional art forms and the storytelling that is such an important part of my culture. This influence is not just about aesthetics—it’s about creating products that carry meaning, telling stories of connection and sharing the beauty of my heritage with the world. For me, it’s about more than just fashion; it’s a way to keep my culture alive and share it with the next generation in a thoughtful and respectful way.
Tell us more about your latest collection
Our latest collection, Gingham Blooms, is a celebration of playful patterns and nature-inspired designs. It brings together the timeless charm of gingham with contemporary Indigenous art elements, creating pieces that feel both nostalgic and fresh. The collection includes beautiful baby rompers/dresses like the Brielle and longsleeve dresses like the Dahlia, both designed with comfort and style in mind.
We’ve incorporated earthy colourways like rose quartz and eucalyptus to reflect our connection to nature and each item is made from organic, sustainable fabrics. This collection is all about celebrating growth, beauty and the cultural stories woven into each design, while staying true to our values of sustainability and craftsmanship.
What sets Isla and Mimi apart in the market is the unique combination of contemporary Indigenous art with sustainable, organic materials. Each design is carefully crafted by me or mum, drawing on the rich traditions of my Indigenous culture while giving them a modern twist that resonates with today’s families.
Our commitment to sustainability also makes us stand out. We use GOTS-certified organic fabrics that are gentle on both the skin and the planet, ensuring that parents can feel good about the choices they make for their children. Additionally, our give-back program, which donates outgrown clothes to remote Indigenous communities, adds a layer of purpose to everything we do. It’s this blend of cultural storytelling, eco-conscious practice and quality craftsmanship that makes Isla and Mimi truly unique in the market.
Why is sustainability important to the brand?
Sustainability is at the core of everything we do at Isla and Mimi. As a mother and someone deeply connected to my cultural roots, I feel a strong responsibility to protect the environment for future generations. This belief shapes every aspect of our brand—from the materials we use to the way we design and package our products.
Our designs are not only beautiful but also made to last, promoting a more mindful approach to fashion. Even our packaging is eco-friendly, using minimal and recyclable materials to reduce waste. For us, sustainability means creating products that have a positive impact on both the environment and the communities we care about, while encouraging families to make more conscious choices.
How is it working as a mother and daughter team?
Working as a mother-daughter team has been such a rewarding experience. There’s something really special about building a business that reflects the bond between us and it has been a journey filled with support, creativity and shared values.
While we work closely together, we do have clearly defined roles that allow us to play to our strengths. I handle the creative direction, design and overall vision for the brand, while my mum brings her organisational skills to the table, managing a lot of the operational aspects.
Together, we balance each other out and make sure that Isla and Mimi stays true to its mission.
What have been some of the highlights and challenges since launching Isla and Mimi and name one thing you would’ve done differently?
There have been many highlights and challenges along the way. One of the biggest highlights has been seeing how our designs resonate with families who appreciate the cultural significance behind the artwork and the sustainable, organic fabrics we use. Being a finalist for several awards and getting recognition for our efforts to combine Indigenous art with eco-conscious practices has also been incredibly rewarding as well as winning Editors Choice for First Nations Business of the Year for she-com.
On the other hand, one of the challenges has been navigating the balance between scaling the business and staying true to our core values of sustainability and cultural integrity. As we grow, ensuring that every part of our production aligns with these principles has been a learning curve, but it’s something we’re deeply committed to. Another challenge has been balancing motherhood with running a business, but it has also been a source of motivation and inspiration in everything I do.
Understanding the manufacturing process, along with the time frames and potential delays, has been a big learning curve since launching Isla and Mimi. One thing I’ve come to realise is that sampling and production often take longer than anticipated. From creating initial samples to perfecting designs and ensuring the quality of our fabrics and prints, every step requires careful attention to detail. Delays can happen due to various factors like sourcing organic materials or finetuning the fit and feel of the garments.
The key takeaway has been the importance of building in extra time for unexpected delays and maintaining open communication with our manufacturers. It has been essential to stay patient and flexible throughout the process, knowing that the end result will be worth it because we’re committed to producing high-quality, sustainable products that align with our values.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
The importance of patience and flexibility. Building a business, especially one that values sustainability and cultural integrity, takes time and there are always unexpected challenges along the way—from manufacturing delays to navigating the balance between growth and staying true to our values. I’ve learned that things won’t always go according to plan, but if you stay committed to your vision and adapt when needed, you can still move forward.
What is next for Isla & Mimi?
You can expect more beautiful, culturally inspired collections that continue to blend contemporary Indigenous art with sustainable, organic materials. We’re also excited to roll out our give-back program, where outgrown clothes in good condition will be returned to us and donated to remote Indigenous communities, extending the lifecycle of our clothing and giving back to our roots.
In addition, we’re aiming to expand our reach by acquiring a major wholesaler while continuing to grow our online presence. You can also look forward to more thoughtful collaborations, exciting new product lines and a continued commitment to creating clothing that not only looks beautiful but carries a deeper meaning and purpose.
