Hard work pays off
What started as a hobby is now a thriving local company called BRACKS Indigenous Clothing. Bianca Brackenridge shares how she built the business and why she is proud of the company’s modern indigenised designs
I have always worked two jobs. I have a strong work ethic and dedication to my business
her biggest challenge when she started her business was finding the funds to buy the products. “I have always had a second full-time job as security which gave me the opportunity to start BRACKS. I do find it hard now to let that secure job go.”
Bianca was raised by her grandparents Myra and Allen Brackenridge and her grandmother’s sister, Joan Cole from the age of three weeks old in Townsville.
Her grandparents were very well known and respected elders in the community.
When Bianca was only 13, her grandmother tragically passed away.
Bianca spent eight months living with her mother and then moved in with her close friend’s parents who took her in until she graduated high school in 1992.
After graduating high school, Bianca enrolled in art classes at TAFE where she completed many silk and canvas pieces which all sold in the Perc Tucker Gallery.
“I then started a traineeship with Centrelink and worked as a customer service officer for nearly 10 years.
“I’ve had numerous jobs, always working two jobs at a time, but my passion has always been in designing and drawing.”
Bianca says she started drawing in primary school winning many art competitions.
“In Year 8, I would paint and draw on friends’ jeans and school bags which became very popular.
“After school, my first two designs on polos were for my family reunion and for the vigoro Sharkies uniform.”
Bianca is proud of her culture and strongly
believes in keeping culture alive and vibrant for future generations.
“I am proud to bring Indigenous culture to the forefront with the growth of my business.”
Bianca is also happy to encourage other women to start and nurture their own businesses.
“If you are passionate about something, believe in yourself and take yourself seriously or others will not. If you know you have something unique and important, don’t be shy, step up, speak up and take credit for your hard work.”
She advises others to reach out, make connections and “yarn” with as many empowered people as they can to learn and grow.
“The biggest mistake as a woman is trying to be perfect and overthinking everything,” Bianca explains.
“Don’t hold yourself back.
“As a woman, there are enough barriers to becoming successful without making it harder for ourselves. Be confident and courageous by planning and taking that leap.
“When you succeed, it’s not because of luck but because of hard work and taking on challenges. Yes you may fail at some things, but even then you will still learn and grow.”
She is quick to point out that business operators need to make time for the basics in life even when life gets busy.
“Having those self-care days which consist of mornings off down the beach, spending time with family and friends or spending time with my partner just relaxing at home.”
Bianca is also happy to share the best advice she was given when she was in the midst of establishing BRACKS.
“The best advice I got when starting the business was ‘don’t listen to negative advice.
“You know you got something unique when loyal customers keep coming wanting to do business with you for 10 years.”
And her vision for the next few years is nothing short of inspirational.
“My vision is ‘to inspire, to embrace and to deliver’, the best manufacturing company of Aboriginal, Torres Strait and South Sea islander designed clothing worldwide.
“I would like multiple Indigenous clothing outlets throughout Australia. I would like BRACKS Indigenous Clothing to be able to offer programs mentoring young indigenous people entering the workforce.
“I would also like to deliver motivational speaking to secondary students to inspire, motivate and encourage our younger generation to dream big.