Meet the wonderful Melissa Greenwood - The Founder + Director of Miimi and Jiinda, also Artist, Writer, Illustrator and Designer. Yup, she’s one *very* creative human. When we pondered over who we could interview for Mother’s Day this year, Melissa and Lauren came to mind instantly.
Their bond is a beautiful one to watch and together they’re an absolute force. Hailing from the Gumbaynggirr, Dunghutti, and Bundjalung tribes of Australia’s East Coast, Country is a huge inspiration for their art. Every time I see one of their dreamy creations pop up in my feed, I’m blown away by the colours and detail in every single piece. So in the spirit of Mother’s Day, we’re chatting all things Motherhood, art, creativity and biz owner life. Enjoy!
Shop sleepwear here and our lounge range here.
Photography: Alice Payne - @alicepaynephotography
You can follow @miimiandjiinda on Instagram here.
And browse their stunning art here.
Who are you and what do you do?
Hi, I'm Melissa, Owner and Creative Director of Miimi & Jiinda, our family run Indigenous Art & Design brand on Gumbaynggirr Country, mid north coast NSW.
Happy Mother’s Day and congrats on the recent arrival of your sweet girl! You’re now a busy Miimi (Mum) of 3… How has becoming a Mother changed you?
It’s been the greatest thing that’s ever happened to me. I always wanted to be a mum, so I feel it’s a part of my life’s purpose (in this lifetime) and I feel incredibly grateful and blessed to have three beautiful children. They light up mine and my husband Abraham’s life with so much joy.
You & your Miimi (Mum) have a beautiful relationship. What do you love most about your Miimi? Consider this a love letter to her!
Miimi is very caring, grounded, wise, funny, compassionate, kind and loving. She would give the shirt off her back to help someone in need. She has resilience and strength that is so admirable.
Shop our bathe range here.
What’s the most important lesson your Miimi (Mum) has ever taught you?
Treat your elders with respect. Be kind to everyone no matter what’s going on in people's lives...as everyone is just trying their best to navigate life in this sometimes complex world.
Shop sleepwear here and our lounge range here.
What’s the biggest piece of wisdom you’d like to pass on to first-time parents? What do you wish someone told you prior to becoming a Miimi (Mum)?
Don’t wait too long to have children, it will enrich your life so much! But definitely travel as much as you can first. Though we do love travelling with our kids too! But it’s definitely a different experience. You will never know true love like the love you have for your children. It's unconditional, pure love. It goes so quickly, so soak up every minute...especially the newborn stage.
How do you practice self-care when you’re feeling overwhelmed? What brings you a sense of calm?
I love Yoga Nidra, it helps to reset the nervous system. Meditation is the key to self care for me. I love hot baths, bush walks and camping too. I also love to write and paint and find it really therapeutic and relaxing.
How was your biz, Miimi & Jiinda, born?
From a desire to help mum, I wanted to boost her self confidence and give her a new sense of purpose. I also wanted to share & celebrate my culture. Fast forward 6 years and it’s a beautiful family business with my husband Abraham involved too and my amazing assistant Cara Mancini who has been instrumental in pulling off some large projects we have been working on and a real asset to our team.
Can you tell us about the inspiration and cultural expression behind your art?
I am inspired by nature, my family's stories, history, and language. I love working with different colour palettes, colours are everything to me! They really help me to tell a story.
Explore Melissa's beautiful art here.
You’re an Artist, Writer, Illustrator and Designer. Where does your (limitless) creativity come from?
Everything I do is very heart-lead. I love to create from my heart and follow my intuition. When it flows I have no control over it, it just pours out.
If you had to pinpoint it… What’s been your proudest moment in business so far?
Last year's runway show at Australian Fashion Week. I was beyond proud seeing my mum and brother walk my collection down the runway! Also, writing & illustrating my children’s books. Seeing young kids read them and learn makes me so proud.
Shop Paloma apparel here.
You’ve now released 4 very special children’s books… Bravo! Tell us more about these books. What are they about?
Yes, they are beautiful picture books with short stories which share the wisdom and principles of our culture for young people to understand.
What are your three must-have items from our Paloma collection for the nursery? GO!
I love the stunning cushions we have on our couch and the gorgeous PJs.
You can follow @miimiandjiinda on Instagram here.
And browse their stunning art here.
With a whole lotta love xx
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