MARY Deng and Mary Top\u2019s Mat Tetni apron line is bringing sustainable style and bright colour to home cooking experiences.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe get jeans from donations and op shops, and use the fabric in different ways,\u201d Ms Deng said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is good for the environment. People love recycling and upcycling.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen we make aprons, we put an African print on them, so it\u2019s an opportunity to introduce our South Sudanese culture and colour to people.\u201d<\/p>\n
The two Marys enjoy the independence of running their own business, and how busy it keeps them.<\/p>\n
Mat Tetni is based out of the Ballarat Welcome Centre, run by the Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council.<\/p>\n
\u201cBRMC 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,\u201d Ms Deng said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe also make tea towels, shopping bags, oven mits, and coasters.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mat Tetni was launched with the support of the Stepping Stones to Small Business program, run by Deborah Klein at BRMC.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen we started setting it up, there were some things we didn\u2019t understand, but Deborah came along and showed us how to do things.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt made it so much easier. We can always call her and she\u2019s there for us whenever we need her,\u201d Ms Deng said.<\/p>\n
Ms Top and Ms Deng learnt to sew in Uniting Church classes, and the Ballarat African Association\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n