Late last year, Aboriginal artist Rhiannon Chapman walked into the Nowra office of the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) seeking assistance to start a business.

She was immediately linked to Shelley McCarthy from Many Rivers, a ‘not for profit’ microfinancing organisation.

Shelley assisted Rhiannon with business coaching and helped her apply for a loan to purchase a laptop and printer. Shelley taught Rhiannon how to invoice her services to clients, about contract negotiation and supported her in building her confidence as a business owner.

‘I feel really privileged and lucky, and feel like my business wouldn’t be half what it is without the support and guidance of Shelley,’ Rhiannon said.

Recently, Rhiannon signed a contract with Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District to design the first ever Indigenous scrubs for the nurses and doctors of the Illawarra and Shoalhaven Hospitals for NAIDOC Week. Rhiannon is also having conversation across the health networks to make the Indigenous scrubs available across Australia.

She has since developed contracts with other hospitals across Australia.

It is incorrect to say this success came easily and without much work. Rhiannon’s business, Aboriginal Art and Designs began to form many years earlier.

‘My father taught me from when I was a little girl,’ she said.

‘He encouraged me to paint with him and always told me I had a natural talent for it and to never give up. He taught me everything I know such as symbol meanings, painting techniques, colours etc.’

Nor did the success come without much thought.

‘My designs (canvas) are used to tell a story with meaning and purpose,’ Rhiannon said.

‘Each and every one of my paintings has a story behind it to teach and educate people about Aboriginal culture and the connection our people have to the land, our mother.’

‘I’d just like to say a big drive in why I do what I do, is because I want to be a role model for the next generation, for my family and for my community.’

‘As a strong Aboriginal woman I will continue to break the cycle and make a change. I really want to make my people proud.’

Rhiannon said she has plans to own her own gallery one day and become a teacher of Aboriginal artwork, ‘just how my father was for me’.

‘Also, I’d love to help Aboriginal youth. That includes the troubled, the homeless, the drug and alcohol affected, the mental health affected etc.’

‘I would love to help release the stress and pain of our people by painting and yarning about culture and why it’s so important to seek help and better ourselves for a better future.’