TÉA DEVOW, 14

Founder of Téa&Belle

“TO START A BUSINESS, YOU NEED TO BELIEVE IN YOURSELF AND HOPE FOR THE BEST” – Téa Devow

marie claire: You founded your business, Téa&Belle, at age 11 with your friend Belle. What was the dream?

Téa Devow: I wanted to be known — I’ve always wanted to be famous [laughs]. My dad [Dion Devow, founder of Darkies Design and 2018 ACT Australian of the Year] is the one who really made me want to get into business. He’s always supported everything I do. We launched Téa&Belle [an Indigenous clothing and giftware range] three years ago with hats and shirts, and now we have candles, pencils and babywear, plus about 3400 followers on Facebook and Instagram. mc: How do you manage school with running a business?

TD: Sometimes it can be hard when I want to go out and hang with friends but I have to work on the business, but usually it’s pretty easy. My family is really close, so if we have an issue with the business, we talk about it together and work it out. My little sister, Sienna, helps as my business assistant sometimes.

She also had a business – doing a coffee cart on Saturday mornings – so I helped her then. mc: What has been the hardest challenge you’ve faced?

TD: Probably public speaking because it’s really difficult to get up and talk in front of a bunch of people. Last year I spoke at the Academy for Enterprising Girls, where I did the Acknowledgement of Country and gave the Prime Minister a gift bag. I was super nervous, but I’m good at it now.

mc: Why is it important for you to celebrate your Indigenous culture with your business?

TD: We’re the oldest living culture in the world and we should get that recognition. I experienced racism at school

– a girl called me the n-word and it was really frustrating and annoying. It’s important to spread awareness and knowledge. It’s really good that more people are starting to understand racism and what we go through in our lives. Now I think it’s cool to talk to people about my culture.

mc: What’s your advice for other young people with an idea?

TD: Just try. You need to believe in yourself and hope for the best.

mc: What’s next for you?

TD: Maybe a hair products range for Indigenous girls!