Over the past few years at Sage x Clare, one of our biggest goals has been to continue our education about first nations history and culture. It is something we are all *deeply* passionate about and eager to improve on, every year, and every day.
We’ve worked with an inclusion + diversity coach named Winitha Bonney, completed life-changing workshops with the incredible John Briggs (that honestly changed us forever), held an inspiring smoking ceremony at HQ, interviewed some amazing First Nations change-makers and we are constantly sharing resources amongst each other, such as books and TV shows.
Our biggest learning from all of this? Is that the learning and un-learning never stops.
And on that note, we bring you our latest Heart-to-Heart journal with the co-founder of Yarn’n @yarnnforacause, Lane Stockton. We’ve been using their beautiful toilet paper for yonks now and it makes our heart happy every time we go to the loo. Not only because of the joyful artwork but also because of the meaning behind their brand. 50% of Yarn'n profits are donated to the Yalari Foundation which aims to help educate Indigenous youth and create opportunities for future generations. It’s also 100% recycled. So if you’re going to use toilet paper every single day… why not use some that makes the world a better place?
Lane was kind enough to offer us an abundance of wisdom in this interview and we especially loved this line that resonated with us so deeply: “ Most importantly, approach learning with an open heart and a willingness to listen and engage respectfully” - Lane Stockton.
There is so much to take away from this interview and we loved getting to know the backstory + mission behind this brand a little more. Be sure to share this interview/ this brand with your loved ones, give @yarnnforacause a follow on the gram and check out the interview below.
For anyone that’s unfamiliar with your amazing brand, tell us who you are and what you do?
My name is Lane Stockton, I am a proud Wiradjuri man, husband and father, I am also the founder and CEO of Yarn’n. Yarn’n is an Australian-made, First Nations-owned company committed to sustainability, education, and cultural empowerment. We produce toilet paper and tissues using 100% recycled materials, significantly reducing water and energy usage. Our products feature First Nations art and stories, sharing culture while driving positive change. With 50% of our profits donated to the Yalari Foundation, we help educate Indigenous youth and create opportunities for future generations.
Do you recall the exact moment you decided to create Yarn’n? What is the backstory behind your biz?
I vividly remember the moment my co-founder, David, and I decided to embark on this journey with Yarn’n. We were sitting in his office, brainstorming ideas to bring a meaningful product to market. Initially, we considered focusing on the Business-to-Business space, but David proposed a bold shift—why not create something that every Australian uses and take it directly to consumers? The idea wasn’t just to sell a product but to use it as a platform for education and cultural storytelling.
From that conversation, Yarn’n was born. Over the next nine months, we built our brand, forged a partnership with the Yalari Foundation, and honed our mission. For me, the focus on education was an obvious choice. Coming from a family deeply involved in education, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power it has to open doors and change lives. Yarn’n became a way to channel that passion into a tangible product, creating impact while celebrating First Nations culture.
Artwork by Merindah-Gunya.
50% of Yarn’n profit goes to First Nations education - can you tell us more about how this donation makes a difference to First Nations children?
At Yarn’n, we believe education is one of the most powerful tools for creating generational change, and that’s why 50% of our profits go directly to supporting First Nations education through our partnership with the Yalari Foundation. Yalari provides scholarships for Indigenous children from regional, rural, and remote communities to attend leading Australian boarding schools.
This funding not only opens doors to high-quality education but also creates opportunities for these students to achieve their dreams and build brighter futures for themselves, their families, and their communities. It’s about breaking down barriers, fostering leadership, and empowering the next generation of First Nations change-makers. By choosing Yarn’n, our customers are helping to create meaningful, lasting impacts for these young people and their communities.
Art is such a big part of First Nations culture, what does art mean to you personally and what is the story behind the art on your toot paper?
Indigenous art to me is a constant reminder of our culture and our connection to this land, I love that I can read story books from First nation artists and show my son the meanings behind the artwork on the pages, and explain the story through the art to him, I believe it gives a very powerful feeling to Indigenous people.
Our first roll was done by Katrina Graves (Bunan to Murun Art) an amazingly talented and proud Wiradjuri woman. I personally chose Katrina to be our first and founding artist to dedicate the first roll we launched to Wiradjuri mob, my mob. We chose the piece “Flowers on the hill” which is dedicated to her grandmother who was stolen as a child and taken to the Cootamudra girls home to be trained as a domestic servant. Katrina dedicated this piece to the strong line of Black women in her family and the resilience of her grandmother.
Artwork by Katrina Graves.
Who are some of your fave First Nations artists?
Of course, the first would obviously be our 3 artists, Katrina Graves, Merinda Gunya (Bayley Mifsud) and Ambrose Killian who is on our new roll launching into Woolworths nationally on the 10th of February, Ambrose and I have been friends for 20 years so that one is a special collaboration for me.
Outside of the artists we have collaborated with, I absolutely love Otis Carey, Jade Akamarre, both have a very different style but both equally as amazing.
For those wanting to learn more about First Nations history and culture, where do you suggest they start? What resources, experiences or events do you recommend?
To learn more about First Nations history and culture, start with books like "Talking to My Country" by Stan Grant (personal favourite of mine) and "Dark Emu" by Bruce Pascoe. Podcasts like "The Point" or “Black Magic Woman” and documentaries such as "The Australian Wars" are also great resources.
For hands-on learning, visit cultural centers, museums, or take part in Indigenous-led tours. Attend events like NAIDOC Week to experience First Nations art and stories firsthand. Most importantly, approach learning with an open heart and a willingness to listen and engage respectfully.
Aside from purchasing your beautiful toot paper, how else can we make a difference and create positive change for First Nations people?
Aside from purchasing our beautiful toilet paper, there are many ways to create positive change for First Nations people. Yarn’n is just one of many Indigenous-owned businesses working to make a difference, and your conscious support of these businesses can have a profound impact.
If you're in a position to do so, we also encourage donations to incredible organizations like Yalari and others dedicated to supporting Indigenous communities. Every small action, whether it’s supporting Indigenous enterprises, donating, or spreading awareness, contributes to building a stronger, more equitable future.
Artwork by Katrina Graves.
In a world with ever-growing technology, traffic, mobile phone use and a fast-paced lifestyle, how do you stay connected with Country? And why is a connection to Country important to you?
I’m lucky to call Quandamooka Country home, surrounded by the breathtaking waters and islands that shape our backyard. Much of my time is spent with family on the beaches and waters of Minjerribah and Teerk Roo Ra, where I feel a deep sense of belonging and connection to both culture and Country. In a fast-paced world, being here reminds me of the importance of staying grounded and connected to the land that sustains us. It’s where I feel most at peace and rooted in who I am.
What’s the best piece of wisdom you’ve ever learned from one of your Elders?
To never stop learning. Knowledge is infinite, and growth is a lifelong journey. Our Elders remind us that staying open to new lessons and perspectives is how we Honor our culture and continue to thrive.
Purchase Yarn'n toilet paper here.
Follow Yarn'n on Instagram here.
Donate to Yalari here.
Follow Yalari on Instagram here.
With a whole lotta love xx