Creating hope for the future

Kylie-Lee Bradford’s childhood growing up in Patonga in Kakadu has inspired a business that’s growing to give back to her community.

Kakadu Tiny Tots started out five years ago creating childrenswear adorned with Indigenous designs created by Kakadu artists.

“My mum was the main idea – she’s a traditional owner in Kakadu, and a huge inspiration behind what I do,” Kylie-Lee says.

She says she decided to create her own range of childrenswear showcasing indigenous designs after discovering there was nothing quite like it on the market.

“With my own kids they would get skin irritations from fabrics, so my range is all organic.”

Business evolves

Kakadu Tiny Tots has evolved to include wellbeing products for mothers, organic bush teas and soaps, candles, skincare and eco products and Kylie-Lee says much of the profits are channelled into the community in Kakadu.

“We’ll relaunch the website over the next few months,” she says.

“I want to turn the current company into a social enterprise, to create eco gardens in Kakadu

“When you live where I lived, there was no fresh fruit or vegetables, they were really, really difficult to find.

“We do have our bush foods, but things like apples and bananas are not available.

“I want to create gardens where kids can grow and enjoy their foods.”

Creating hope

Speaking to moretondaily.com.au during Indigenous Business Month, Kylie-Lee says she hopes the next iteration of Kakadu Tiny Tots will provide funding to break the cycle of poverty and connect future generations of Indigenous young people with their culture.

“I was very lucky, I grew up with a lot of culture and heritage.

“(But) It’s normality to live in poverty in communities and that’s really sad. It should not have to be that way.

“I want to create some positive changes for the kids.

“Our kids learn so young and they can make healthy choices from an early age.”

Kylie-Lee, her husband and their four children moved to Woody Point about a year ago seeking a lifestyle change.

“We were looking for a bit of a change – I have four children who are very sports-oriented and there are incredible sports opportunities here,” she says.