Meet Bindi Lee Day, the owner of “BindiLee Painting Services”, a small business based in Brisbane, QLD.
Bindi is a proud Quandamooka Noonuccal woman who runs her Aboriginal-owned business in the Brisbane Northern Suburbs and Moreton Bay Region. Her business transforms spaces through house painting, murals, and custom Aboriginal artwork. Each project reflects culture, storytelling, and community pride. Through her business, Bindi wants to create opportunities for Indigenous women in the construction industry.
“The most useful help from Renee is her knowledge and guidance. She keeps me on track, makes me think about things I might miss, and tackles challenges with me. I also like how she understands First Nations people and culture so well.” – Bindi Lee
Read more about Bindi’s business journey so far:
Bindi’s Business
My business is BindiLee Painting Services and we do house painting, murals, and custom Aboriginal artwork. I have been running the business for 4 years. I used to work as a painter for a company, but after becoming a mother, I wanted more flexibility for my family so I started my own small business. I also want to support Indigenous women in the construction industry, especially in painting and decorating. My target clients are schools, homes, childcare centres, businesses, and community spaces.
Working with Many Rivers
What were you doing before you made contact with Many Rivers? What was your previous work experience?
I was a sole trader doing everything on my own but with the support of Many Rivers I have started my own business and now I also have an apprentice working for me full-time.
How did you find out about Many Rivers?
I was referred to Many Rivers by the Department of Indigenous Small Businesses. I also heard about Many Rivers through word of mouth at Indigenous events.
Why did you want to go into business?
I wanted to go into business after becoming a mother as I needed more flexibility and work life balance to be there for my family.
What services did you receive from Many Rivers? How did it help?
I am getting mentoring and support from Renee my business coach from Many Rivers. She helps me with my business planning and growth ideas.
What did you find the most useful about the assistance from Many Rivers?
The most useful help from Renee is her knowledge and guidance. She keeps me on track, makes me think about things I might miss, and tackles challenges with me. I also like how she understands First Nations people and culture so well.
Did you get a loan from MR? How did you use the loan?
No I didn’t.
Do you have any current employees? If so, how many employees? Are they full-time or part-time?
It is me and one full-time apprentice.
Biggest Challenge
The biggest challenge is finding the jobs and finding the right clients. Another challenge is managing my employee, as I used to be a sole trader previously and do not have much experience of managing employees. I am planning to employ another apprentice, but there are extra costs with hiring staff. I also want to make the construction industry a culturally safe space for Indigenous women and friendly for mothers with children.
Biggest Success
My biggest success is my apprentice, who is close to graduating with a Certificate in Painting and Decorating. She has been with me for three years now and will soon be a qualified tradeswoman. Another success is becoming known in my community through word of mouth.
Biggest Change
The biggest change is flexibility. I can attend my kids’ school activities. It means I sometimes work longer on other days, but being there for my kids is important.
Future Goals
I want to expand my team to four Indigenous women painters so I can focus on managing and mentoring. I also want to promote Indigenous culture in schools through art and create more training opportunities for Indigenous women in construction. My dream is to have a warehouse or space where we can practice other skills and grow together.
Thank you Bindi 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 Bindi’s small business, follow “BindiLee Painting Services” through the following links:
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