Who we are
Allara Creative is a work-integrated social enterprise (a business that employs people who face barriers to the labour market as a core part of its model) based on Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country in Canberra, ACT. It was co-founded by Jess and Ruth, who together bring skills in graphic design, illustration, and enterprise management. Ruth is the artist behind the product range; Jess leads the business operations.
The organisation's purpose is to help women from refugee backgrounds find confidence, community, and connection as they begin their new lives in Canberra. It does this by providing paid employment alongside one-on-one volunteer support, training, and mentoring. Every product sold directly funds this work.
Allara Creative is also connected to a related initiative called Allara Drives.
Gallery
Marah, one of our market manager employees from Syria
Greeting cards - Our original product, now with more than 200 designs
Co-founders Ruth and Jess doing a book reading of one of their children’s books
In addition to greeting cards, books and magnets, we also sell tea towels, patches, notebooks and more
We sell our products through markets, e-commerce and wholesale
What we do
Allara Creative designs and sells a range of Australian-made gift and homeware products, all illustrated by co-founder Ruth. Products include greeting cards, tea towels, mugs, notebooks, stickers, bookmarks, tote bags, keyrings, posters, patches, gift tags, games, and books. Many items are themed around Australian places, animals, and everyday moments. Products are available online with flat-rate shipping, and through wholesale and stockist partners.
Employment for refugee women is embedded directly into the business. Staff take on a range of roles including at-home packing, market and retail management, and administration. This paid work is paired with wrap-around support: volunteers provide one-on-one mentoring, and the organisation offers training to help employees develop practical skills and build social connections.
Allara Creative works with a network of partner organisations and has received coverage from ABC Radio Canberra and local media. It accepts volunteers and is open to wholesale and stockist enquiries from retailers who want to carry its products.
Our work
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