Miimi and Jiinda is an Indigenous Australian Art and Design label founded in 2018 by mother-daughter duo Lauren Jarrett and Melissa Greenwood. Melissa and Lauren started their journey as an Indigenous Art Business, as a way to share their beautiful creations with the world.
Melissa's natural storytelling talent and love of cultural expression through Art and Design have earned her recognition as a Artist, Writer, Illustrator and Designer. She now uses fashion as a way to tell stories, translating her hand painted artworks onto clothing, using sustainable, high-quality fabrics here in Australia. Lauren has a background in design and textiles - together, they combine their skills to create unique and meaningful pieces that celebrate their Indigenous heritage.
The brand's name, Miimi and Jiinda, means ‘mother’ and ‘sister’ in Gumbaynggirr, reflecting the Indigenous heritage and cultural identity of the founders. The mother-daughter-duo’s designs are inspired by their personal journeys as Aboriginal women, and they aim to create beautiful and unique artworks that connect with the world. They believe that the land we live on is everything; the earth is one’s greatest teacher, our knowledge holder, and our divine authority.
Miimi and Jiinda's vibrant colours and bold patterns reflect the natural world around them, and their commitment to ethical and sustainable practices is evident in their collaborations with Indigenous artists and craftspeople. In addition to their fashion and art creations, Melissa and Lauren are passionate advocates for Indigenous rights and environmental sustainability. They use their platform to raise awareness around important issues, as well as celebrate & share their experiences as First Nations women.
Miimi and Jiinda has collaborated with some iconic Australian brands such as Adairs, SEED and Jurlique,and their work has been featured on Channel 9’s, The Block.
"My strongest inspiration for my art comes from my Country.
The land we live on is everything; the earth is our greatest teacher, our knowledge holder and our divine authority."
Melissa and Lauren hail from the Gumbaynggirr, Dunghutti, and Bundjalung tribes of Australia’s East Coast, often referred to as “Saltwater Country.” For both mother and daughter, their art has been a powerful medium for healing intergenerational trauma.