Meet Ibtehal Elmustafa, the small business owner of Earthen Roots Collective located in Yandina, a small rural town in the Sunshine Coast, Queensland.
Meet Ibtehal ‘Hali’ Elmustafa, owner of Earthern Roots Collective, an artisan boutique located in the small, rural town of Yandina on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. Her store offers a wide selection of locally handmade, earth-conscious products including jewellery, botanical-dyed clothing, natural skincare, leather goods, visual art, and more.
“For the past six months, I have been working with Many Rivers and my business coach Kerri Barnes has provided invaluable support and professional guidance that is helping my business reach new heights. Many Rivers has given me some great tips on how to maintain my cashflow and gain more marketing skills.”
Read more about Ibtehal’s business journey so far:
Ibtehal’s Business
For the past year, her boutique on the Sunshine Coast has showcased and sold one-of-a- kind creations handcrafted by local artists as well as her own handmade product.
My business brings together artists dedicated to creating sustainable, eco-friendly art. We sell nature-inspired products crafted by artisans who share a commitment to minimizing environmental impact through their work. Our shop unanimously agrees that the art we offer should be environmentally responsible and support the wellbeing of people and the planet.
What were you doing before you made contact with Many Rivers?
Growing up in Brisbane, Queensland since I was 11, I was always attracted to the performing arts and culture which I was heavily involved in during my schooling years. After finishing school, I decided to start my own cleaning business, which I ran for about 7 years. In 2017, during my maternity leave, I discovered kokedamas and thought I would give them a try, as I was already a plant enthusiast. In my free time, I began making and selling my kokedamas on Facebook Marketplace. Kokedamas are a style of Japanese bonsai – loosely translated, ‘koke’ means moss and ‘dama’ means ball. Often called the “poor man’s bonsai,” kokedamas are typically easier to maintain than typical bonsai and offer a more natural, organic look.
It’s been almost 7 years since I started making kokedamas, and I never could have imagined in my wildest dreams that I would be able to turn my hobby into a real business. I’m also so thankful to be surrounded by such amazing creators who allow me to showcase their work alongside my own.
Working with Many Rivers
“For the past six months, I have been working with Many Rivers and my business coach Kerri Barnes, who has provided invaluable support and professional guidance that is helping my business reach new heights. Many Rivers has given me some great tips on how to maintain my cashflow and gain more marketing skills.”
Did you get a loan from MR?
I think I will wait until I do my cashflow and then see if I need a loan. I might discuss it with my business coach, Kerri and see what she says.
Do you have any current employees?
It’s all me right now. Moving forward, when my business grows and my cashflow improves, I will hire somebody to assist me. I don’t want to neglect my children and my home by doing it all alone such as going to the markets, making the kokedamas, invoicing and managing the cashflow, managing the website and the shop from 9 am to 2 pm.
Biggest Challenge
The biggest challenge for me is probably being a parent of two Kids and running the business entirely on my own, and making sure that everyone’s needs is met weather my children or the artist.
Biggest Success
Within a short time, I have successfully created a community that unites around art and culture, which makes me proud to have established a space where artists who value distinctive artwork can connect.
Biggest Change
Juggling the demands of motherhood and my business has made it difficult to stay on top of housework and regularly volunteer at my child’s school as I would like.
Future Goals
I aim to operate my business with consistency so it can continue growing within the community and beyond.
Thank you, Ibtehal, for sharing your business journey with us. We wish you the best of luck with your future endeavours and business success.
If you would like to stay updated with Ibtehal and her small business, follow Earthen Roots Collective:
Location: Shop 3/4a Stevens street Yandina, QLD 4561
Website: www.earthenrootscollective.com.au
Instagram: www.instagram.com/Earthen.roots.collective/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Earthenrootscollective/
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