Sharing our culture and reviving tradtional practices in a circular economy.
In the next two years a small business with just three employees will grow to create over 20 fulltime jobs, right here in the Dubbo Region.
Cherie Thompson is the co-founder of Native Secrets Australia, Secret Harvest and Secret Business.
Starting with a passion for creating high-quality, natural skincare products that honour Indigenous traditions and harness the power of native botanicals, Cherie has seen the power of regional networking.
“I’m a Dubbo girl, born and bred.
“Setting up a business in the Dubbo Region was such a natural choice for us because of Dubbo’s rich cultural heritage and strong Indigenous community. By establishing our business we we can honour our roots and contribute to the local economy as well,” Cherie said.
Native Secrets was created in 2013; an Indigenous owned company that provides ethical skincare, sustainable land management and other engagement services.
“Inspired by one of the oldest cultures in the world, Native Secrets brings traditional medicinal practices to your skin care products and essential oils,” Cherie said.
“We extract essential oils from wild-harvested Australian Natives and transform them into quality natural skincare; this process also allows us to reignite old conversations and preserve generational knowledge passed down.”
As the business evolved Native Secrets was expanded to include Secret Business and Secret Harvest.
“Secret Business is dedicated empowering Indigenous entrepreneurs through leadership, mentorship, grant writing, and strategy development.
“We believe that supporting other Indigenous businesses is key to long-term success, not just for our own brand but for the broader community.
“Secret Harvest focuses on the sustainable sourcing and production of native ingredients, ensuring the highest quality for our skincare line while maintaining ethical harvesting practices,” Cherie said.
The trio of businesses, developed here in Dubbo, form an interconnected business grounded with core values of sustainability, cultural respect and community development.
With two Regional Job Creation Fund grants from the NSW Government, the trio of businesses are expected to grow exponentially in the coming years, and Cherie couldn’t be more excited to see that happen in Dubbo.
“The supportive atmosphere for small businesses, combined with the region’s commitment to sustainability and cultural respect, makes Dubbo an excellent place for our businesses to grow and thrive,” Cherie said.
“Additionally, Dubbo offers a fantastic quality of life, making it an ideal place to raise a family. The community is welcoming, with excellent schools, parks, and recreational facilities, all of which create a nurturing environment for children.”
The future will also see an expanded product line to meet a broader range of skincare needs as well as the exploration or partnerships to reach international markets and the enhancement of community outreach, particularly through the Secret Business arm of the organisation.
“In addition, we are also working on growing Secret Harvest to support more sustainable native plant sourcing and contribute further to Indigenous economic development.”
To connect with the Native Secrets Team, become a stockist or shop their range visit: Native Secrets