Mariah Elliott didn’t plan on operating her own business.
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The 24-year-old from Cooks Hill has a disability which affects her vision and hearing. She had found work on several occasions, but employment never lasted more than eight months.
She suspects employers did not like her wearing sun-glasses on the job, she suffers from light sensitivity.
“It looks unprofessional. They can’t put up with my flaws,” she said.
“I have a lot of little problems that seem to impact greatly.”
So instead of sitting around hoping someone would give her another go, she decided to do it for herself.
She started Wild Minds in June 2015. A clothing company which endeavours to educate people about wildlife through art and design emblazoned on some practical items of clothing – hats, jumpers, beanies and t-shirts are the staple lines.
“I love animals and I noticed when I bought clothes, there weren’t many animals available,” she said.
Since last year Ms Elliott has launched about 40 products, each relating to animals. She has created some of the designs herself, but more often she collaborates with artists.
The Business Enterprise Centre Newcastle has mentored her through the development of the business, which operates mostly online and sells to customers in Australia, the US and Canada. Locally she sells the range at Hunt&Gather Markets Newcastle.
“Things don’t always go to plan,” she said.
“I learnt that very early on, but you just work around it.”
She is currently working with some animal handlers in the US for a range featuring wolves.
Her newest design is the wombat t-shirt featuring the artwork of Emma Mortan. The t-shirts cost $40 and $10 from every t-shirt sold will go to Cedar Creek Wombat Rescue.
Cedar Creek Wombat Rescue and Wildlife Refuge is located at Cessnock and is dedicated to rescuing orphaned joey wombats and adults that are in need of medical care whether it be from accident, injury or mange.