Meet Errolyn Strang, the small business owner of “Culture Across Time” based in Wollongong, NSW
She runs her own business “Culture Across Time” which delivers programs and workshops to organisations and businesses on Aboriginal culture and structural racism to bridge the gap and to improve engagement within the community. She aims to help businesses in engaging better with Aboriginal clients and communities.
The main program that she offers is a one-day experience that includes walking on Country with an Elder to a culturally significant site. She also run workshops, such as weaving, making emu feather belts, bush tucker talks, and Bangalow basket weaving. The goal is to address racism in the workplace and turn participants into allies.
“The way my business coach Shelley helped me set up a structured business was incredibly helpful. I now have better systems in place, which has made managing my business paperwork and operations much easier”. – Errolyn
Read more about Errolyn’s business journey so far:
Errolyn’s Business
My business, Culture Across Time, offers Aboriginal cultural training for businesses, with a focus on truth-telling and building cultural awareness. I’ve been working for myself for six years, but I officially started this business in July this year.
The main program is a one-day experience that includes walking on Country with an Elder to a culturally significant site. We also run workshops, such as weaving, making emu feather belts, bush tucker talks, and Bangalow basket weaving. The goal is to address racism in the workplace and turn participants into allies.
What were you doing before you made contact with Many Rivers? Why did you want to go into business?
Before working with Many Rivers, I was a sole trader for several years. I also have 32 years of experience teaching Aboriginal studies at TAFE.
Working with Many Rivers
I have been with Many Rivers for over a year. I think Shelley and I met at a networking meeting
Why did you want to go into business?
The demand for my work was growing, and I realized I could benefit more by running my business formally, especially with the tax advantages. I also wanted to establish a business entity that I could eventually pass down to my children, rather than staying as a sole trader.
What services did you receive from Many Rivers? How did it help?
Shelley helped me develop a business plan, encouraged me to set up a private limited company, and guided me on cash flow and bookkeeping using Xero. Her advice really helped me get organized and streamline my financial systems.
What did you find the most useful about the assistance from Many Rivers?
The way my business coach Shelley helped me set up a structured business was incredibly helpful. I now have better systems in place, which has made managing my business paperwork and operations much easier.
Did you get a loan from MR? How did you use the loan?
No I didn’t get a loan from Many Rivers.
Do you have any current employees? If so, how many employees? Are they full-time or part-time?
I work with eight part-time contractors, two of whom are facilitators. We use a “yarning circle” approach in our training, where participants sit in a circle with questions drawn from a basket. It’s a two-hour session involving four Aboriginal people and 20 non-Aboriginal participants.
Biggest Challenge
Time management is my biggest challenge. Even on my days off, I often end up working long hours to prepare for the growth of my business. Marketing is also a challenge.
Biggest Success
Securing meetings with three large organizations has been a major milestone. I also feel proud that my work is giving people tools to make meaningful changes in their workplaces and communities. Another highlight is landing my first Commonwealth contract, as well as opportunities with companies like BlueScope and Warrigal Aged Care.
Biggest Change
It feels great to own a business. My daughter occasionally works with me, and I’ve been able to buy a business car. Soon, I’ll be able to leave my part-time job, achieving greater financial independence.
Future Goals
I hope to grow the business to a point where I can regularly employ at least one of my children. I also want to expand so more Aboriginal people can create positive change in their workplaces and communities. I want to help others find the strength to stand up against racism instead of staying silent.
Thank you, Errolyn for sharing your business journey with us. We wish you the best of luck with future endeavours and business success.
If you would like to stay updated with Errolyn and her small business, follow “Culture Across Time” through the following link:
Listen to Errolyn’s business journey
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