An empty shopfront in North Melbourne has been transformed into a unique space for First Nations entrepreneurs, as part of a City of Melbourne program to support local creatives.
Amber Days and Yarn Strong Sista have secured a three-month creative residency at 54 Errol Street, establishing a fashion boutique, education centre and place for First Nations businesswomen and artists.
It’s part of the City of Melbourne’s Creative Spaces program, which connects artists with accessible spaces to support and promote their work, and for live and virtual events.
The City of Melbourne Shopfront Activation Program is giving local creatives, artisans and entrepreneurs the opportunity to breathe new life into empty retail spaces with one-of-a-kind offerings to reignite parts of the city that need it most.
The Aboriginal and female-owned businesses will bring the space to life seven days a week, with unique retail offerings, workshops and activities, and events.
The space will showcase the work of a diverse range of start-ups, creatives and entrepreneurs, including led by Amber Days – an ethical children’s and womenswear label inspired by the Australian bush, desert and sea.
Other Aboriginal businesses sharing the space during the residency will be Wunyun, ancient aroma products and cultural healing services; Lee Couch sharing Dadirri deep listening and learning. It is a sense of the spirituality experienced through quiet, still awareness, meditation.
Miluny, connect to earth and yourself in an immersive wellness ritual and create your own clay powders for skin brightening, purification and relaxation. Some of the other businesses in the retail space will be Kykoe, Miimi and Jiinda, Emro Designs and Soul Sister Co.
Shop 54 will also feature a designated zone for children’s play and a culturally safe space for people to connect and enjoy native bush teas.
