First Nations Foundation is excited to invite all aspiring and accomplished Indigenous business owners and entrepreneurs throughout Victoria to attend our upcoming business Fireside Yarn in Naarm, Blak Fulla Magik.

The theme "Blak Fulla Magik" celebrates our panel, who have purposefully and intentionally implemented their cultural identity into their entrepreneurial and business ventures - leading the way in purposeful, fulfilling and meaningful work as a Blak business owner.

Join us for a yarn about how to build a successful business and learn from the inspiring stories of our panellists, then pose your own questions during the Q&A, as they share their journeys as Blak business owners.
Exploring their highs, lows, triumphs and challenges, and discovering the profound success of embracing your inner magik and shaping it into something tangible.

On The Night:

Prepare to step into the Koorie Heritage Trust and be captivated by the remarkable displays of Blak excellence and Indigenous culture throughout the venue.

Meet the FNF team for check in and to receive your special event goodie bag.

5:30 PM: Arrive, take some time to explore the space and have a yarn!

6:00 PM: Welcome to Country, followed by the start of the panel discussion.

7:30 PM: Enjoy catering and drinks. Take the opportunity to network and engage one-on-one with our panelists! Connect with like-minded Mob, build your community!

Catering this event: Mabu Mabu

Parents and Bubs welcome!

This Community Event is welcome for all LGBTQIASB+ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to attend, our Rainbow Mob.

We have chosen four panellists, all Indigenous business owners. Each offers a valuable perspective on business development, elaborating on the strategies that propelled their businesses to national recognition.

The panel will share practical business advice on how to set up a financially resilient business, showcase your magik across different networks, and build your online community to uncover unique opportunities. All attendees will receive free take home resources to help with business set up, financial management, accessing capital, and growing your business.

Meet Your Panellists

Kristy Dickinson is a proud Wiradjuri woman, best known as the Queen of Bling, and founder of Haus of Dizzy.

Kristy has been making jewellery for 20 years and created Haus of Dizzy in 2015 after recognising a lack of representation within the world of jewellery and fashion accessories.

She established a brand that connects with her audience, amplifying the voices of First Nations, LGBTQIASB+ (and so many more!) people through her bold, playful, statement-making jewellery. Renowned for imbuing a sense of empowerment and joy within everybody who wears it.

Using mirrored acrylic, glitter, dynamic patterns, and alluring takes on the Aboriginal flag, Kristy achieves her goal of “bringing social, political and environmental issues to the forefront” by way of colourful, vibrant accessories. Her storefront, Dizzy Land serves as an inviting, vibrant, safe space for her thousands of beloved customers, and online community.

Kristy brings a unique flare, sense of boldness and vibrancy to the panel, sharing how she stepped into her Blak Fulla Magik, while simultaneously amplifying First Nations voices.

Nathan Patterson is a proud Wagiman man, residing on the south vast of Victoria. His people are from Pine Creek, near the Daly River Region (NT).

Nathan’s passion for painting first emerged during his teenage years, inspiring him to become a full-time artist, now running his own business, Diwana Dreaming.

Nathan's aims to fuse contemporary art designs with traditional techniques that incorporate the dreamtime stories of his people and the land he was born on.

Nathan has acquired a notable following and success through social media, bringing modern day a story of how following your passions and believing in your talents makes for a fulfilling and abundant career.

Corina Muir is a proud Yorta Yorta and Boonwurrung woman. She is a designer, nature protector, campaigner, mother and founder of ethical clothing label Amber Days.

Corina is passionate about the environment and people, with much of her work inspired by the Aboriginal bush, desert and sea. She aims to have minimal environmental impact and create positive change. Through her work, she regularly collaborates with Aboriginal artists to share stories through art and continue culture.

Driven to break down the barriers that young women of colour face, having previously worked in the areas of family violence, child protection and community organising, Corina understands the challenges many women of colour face, and uses her business as a vehicle for change. Corina aims to bring pride and connection to First People’s culture, by strengthening their voice, sense of identity, connection to Country, and revitalising culture and language.

Samala Thakialee (Cronin) is a proud Butchulla and Woppaburra woman and the visionary founder of MumRed, a groundbreaking First Nations fashion label.

As a First Nations business owner, Samala combines her passion for culture and fashion, creating haute couture that blends traditional resources with Western silhouettes, celebrating sovereignty, femininity, and cultural expression. Since MumRed's inception in October 2023, Samala's leadership has earned her label national recognition, including nominations at the National Indigenous Fashion Awards and features in prestigious publications such as Vogue Australia.

Beyond her fashion endeavours, Samala is currently an Ambassador for the Rich Blak Women with the First Nations Foundation, where she amplifies Indigenous women's voices and experiences in the business world.

Samala’s influence spans cultural revival and maintenance, arts, fashion, and activism, representing Australia on international stages and contributing to critical social issues through the amplification of First Nations voices and the vision of sovereignty through creative expression.

FNF’s Fireside Yarn events serve as a gathering space for Indigenous entrepreneurs with ambitious business ideas, dreams, and aspirations.

We chose to host our business finance fireside yarn, Blak Fulla Magik at the Koorie Heritage Trust to create a meaningful environment for Mob. This space is dedicated to storytelling, sharing knowledge, and encouraging the ongoing celebration of Blak excellence within the business world.

Our panellists understand first-hand that to start a business as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person is to share with the world an extension of yourself. With this, our panellists aim to share valuable cultural and industry knowledge, offering a unique space where culture and business fuse together to ignite the spark within you, to take the steps to make your business dreams a reality.

Meet Your Host and Panel Moderator

Lateisha Vincent

Lateisha is a proud Wiradjuri woman, and the Indigenous Business Training Facilitator at First Nations Foundation.

Bringing her vision to life, Lateisha proudly hosts our Unapologetically Blak, Powerful and Deadly Fireside Yarn.
Intentionally and carefully selecting panelists that represent, and embody the theme of the event, curating a panel and space where Blak excellence echoes throughout the room, inspiring you to make your business dream, a reality.

She hosts fortnightly webinars with Indigenous business owners and entrepreneurs, joining to speak to their experience as an Indigenous business owner, and to share their industry expertise.

These webinars offer cultural insights, expert advice, and a platform for guests to participate in meaningful conversations and connections with her and guest speakers, creating a space for engaging discussions and meaningful connection.

She facilitates, My Business Dream workshops on a monthly basis throughout Victoria.
My Business Dream, aims to equip Mob with business aspirations by providing essential skills for starting and managing a sustainable business, the program aims to empower those with a business dream to go for it and offers sustainable approaches to building wealth creation through Indigenous businesses across Australia for future generations.

Learn more on, Lateisha Vincent: On her personal journey and community empowerment.

Connect with First Nations Foundation!

Instagram @firstnationsfoundation

Website: First Nations Foundation

My Money Dream | First Nations Foundation

On Country | First Nations Foundation

Tomorrow Money | First Nations Foundation

Indigenous Women's Financial Wellness initiative | First Nations Foundation

More About Koorie Heritage Trust

Located in the cultural heart of Narrm (Melbourne) by the banks of the Birrarung Marr (River of Mists – Yarra River), we are a not for profit First Peoples arts and cultural organisation providing opportunities for all to learn, connect and re-connect with the rich living cultural heritage of Aboriginal Victoria.

Our purpose

To nurture, honour and celebrate the continuing cultures and Songlines of the First Peoples of south-eastern Australia.

Our motto “GNOKAN DANNA MURRA KOR-KI”

Our motto groups two Koorie languages (Gunditjmara and Yorta Yorta) and means “Give me your hand my friend”.

The clasped black and white hands in our logo represents Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people joining in goodwill and cooperation. The logo represents the “bridging of the cultural gap” and reflects our belief that through education and promotion, we can raise awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of Victorian First Peoples, and work towards the broader goal of reconciliation for all Australians.

Our values and commitment

Courage. Respect. Care. Reciprocity. Integrity. Responsibility.

The KHT is a unique space rich in culture, heritage and history that welcomes and encourages all people to come together in the spirit of learning and reconciliation. It is a safe space for all people to learn about and to help us nurturing, honouring and celebrating the continuing journey of the First Peoples of south-eastern Australia. As part of this commitment, the KHT recognises and is committed to implementing the Victorian Child Safe Standards to ensure child safety and wellbeing is embedded in all our programs and services.

Connect with Koorie Heritage Trust!

Instagram: @Koorieheritagetrust

Website: https://kht.org.au/

More About Mabu Mabu

Nornie Bero is the founder and CEO of Mabu Mabu. Originally from the Komet Tribe of the Meriam people in the Torres Strait, she has been a professional chef for over 25 years.

Nornie established Mabu Mabu in 2018 with a dream to make native ingredients the hero of the Australian kitchen. She started by selling a range of homemade condiments and spices at South Melbourne Markets and since then, our company is now home to over 80 employees across three departments; retail, catering and dining.

Our Village

Mabu Mabu is a saying in the Torres Strait that means ‘help yourself.’ It’s what you say to kick off a feast with your friends and family.

Our food culture is all about sharing, and this experience is fundamental to our business. Whether you are joining us for a meal, an event, or ordering some Kara Meta staples at home, we want you to feel part of our village.

We're a proud 100% indigenous owned, women-led and LGBTQIA+ business. We are working towards a sustainable and socially driven supply chain. Where possible, we source from First Nations, queer-led, women-led, and environmentally conscious producers who align with our ethos.

Our Future

Mabu Mabu is on a mission to put Indigenous ingredients in kitchens across Australia. We want people to be using, eating and celebrating native ingredients every day. We only use 100% Australian products from our kitchens to our bar, and work with local suppliers as often as possible.

Be a part of our village and explore all the ways you can incorporate native ingredients into your everyday cooking.

Connect with Mabu Mabu!

Instagram: Mabu_mabu_aus

Website: https://mabumabu.com.au/

All FNF training is created By Mob, For Mob to ensure it is culturally appropriate and allows Indigenous Australians to succeed now, and into the future.

This workshop is an initiative supported through the Yuma Yirramboi Strategy, funded by the Victorian Government, through the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industries and Regions.

"First Nations Foundations Ltd is an independent company that provides an information service. The content on our websites and at our events is not advice. There is no explicit or implied endorsement of any particular companies, products or strategies. The information at this event is educational and is intended as a general overview and no responsibility can be taken for any change in your personal circumstances of any persona acting on this information. You are advised to discuss your personal situation with your financial planner, accountant or other industry professional."