Denim, colour and culture in the kitchen

TV stars: Mary Top and Mary Deng with ABC presenter Craig Quartermaine during filming of Movin’ to the Country. Photo: SUPPLIED

MARY Deng and Mary Top’s Mat Tetni apron line is bringing sustainable style and bright colour to home cooking experiences.

The friends launched the micro-enterprise 12 months ago, and have been refining their sewing and line of kitchen aprons ever since, which are made of upcycled denim and new, vibrant, printed Ankara wax cloth.

“We get jeans from donations and op shops, and use the fabric in different ways,” Ms Deng said.

“It is good for the environment. People love recycling and upcycling.

“When we make aprons, we put an African print on them, so it’s an opportunity to introduce our South Sudanese culture and colour to people.”

The two Marys enjoy the independence of running their own business, and how busy it keeps them.

Mat Tetni is based out of the Ballarat Welcome Centre, run by the Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council.

“BRMC have set up a design and production studio where we can go and do sewing together, with Nyibol from A Tuk, upstairs at the Welcome Centre,” Ms Deng said.

“We also make tea towels, shopping bags, oven mitts, and coasters.”

Mat Tetni was launched with the support of the Stepping Stones to Small Business program, run by Deborah Klein at BRMC.

“When we started setting it up, there were some things we didn’t understand, but Deborah came along and showed us how to do things.

“It made it so much easier. We can always call her and she’s there for us whenever we need her,” Ms Deng said.

Ms Top and Ms Deng learnt to sew in Uniting Church classes, and the Ballarat African Association’s Dr Michael Akindeju also played an important role in the enterprise, helping the pair register their business, design their logo, which is about joining hands to share culture, and get online.

Mat Tetni has showcased their products at the Ballarat, Creswick and BRMC markets, the Pot of Courage Café, and even on The ABC as part of TV show Movin’ to the Country.

“We’d like to thank our customers because we can’t do it without them,” Ms Deng said.

Visit mattetni.com.au.