‘Ngiilay’, meaning ‘from here’ in Yuwaalaraay, perfectly encapsulates the essence of what Andrew Craig, a proud Yuwaalaraay and Gamilaroi man from northwest New South Wales, aims to achieve with Ngiilay Gift Boxes. Currently residing in Dharawal country, Wollongong NSW, Andrew’s journey is deeply rooted in his heritage and the rich traditions of his people.
Ngiilay Gift Boxes showcases beautiful items made by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from across Australia, bringing their stories and artistry to a wider audience.
The birth of Ngiilay Gift Boxes
The concept of Ngiilay Gift Boxes was born out of a desire to share the beauty and diversity of Aboriginal products with loved ones. Andrew recalls, "We were looking at the beautiful range of Aboriginal products made by various people and trying to find presents for our extended family. We thought, 'How about we get a range of gifts, package them up into a hamper, and give them to our family? Hey, wouldn't it be cool to combine these and share them with people across the country?' And that's how Ngiilay was started."
Celebrating Blak businesses
One of the core values of Ngiilay is creating an ecosystem of Blak businesses. Andrew takes pride in working with many other Aboriginal businesses, yarning with them about their products, and curating tailored gifts for customers. This collaboration not only supports individual businesses but also strengthens the community as a whole.
Their online shopfront has received rave reviews for its layout, design, and the quality of photos. Customers frequently comment on the beautiful products featured in the gift boxes, reflecting the care and attention that goes into each selection.
A taste of Ngiilay
When asked about his favourite product, Andrew finds it hard to choose just one. However, he has a special fondness for the gift boxes featuring Jala Jala Treats chocolates. "Sharon's beautiful products are beautifully produced, and her chocolate flavours are out of this world ... wattle seed milk chocolate, Davidson plum white chocolate, finger lime dark chocolate ... YUM!!" he said.
Joining Stockland Marketplace
Andrew chose to join Stockland Marketplace because of its commitment to supporting Aboriginal businesses, and efforts to build capacity and capability among First Nations retailers. "Stockland Marketplace exposes our branding and products to people right across the country," he said.
Inspiring possibilities
Ngiilay Gift Boxes is more than just a business; it is a celebration of culture, community, and creativity. By bringing together the best of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander products, Andrew is not only sharing beautiful gifts, but also inspiring possibilities and fostering connections across Australia.
Explore the unique offerings of Ngiilay Gift Boxes on Stockland Marketplace, and discover the beauty of First Nations artistry today.
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Product captions: Yinarr-gu (for her) $145, Gunni-gu, birraliidjuul-gu (for mum, for baby) $155, and Waan-gu (for the workplace) $155.
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