Happy International Women's Day!!
Here at Natsukashii Retro we find purpose in all things nostalgic and sustainable. With that in mind, this year we wanted to talk about some of our favourite businesses founded and run by women who capture the exact energy we need in the world right now.
Hero Packaging
With a slick savvy style of marketing and adorable pink bubble wrap, we love women founded packaging company Hero Packaging. Founded by Anaita and her husband Vik, the company was born out of a realization that their own small business was far too plastic heavy.
Now, alongside Heaps Good Packaging and recycled boxes sourced from my local Post Office, they are one of my main sources for sustainable packaging here at Natsukashii Retro!
Retro Rescuers
Retro Rescuers are another husband and wife duo who are some of Australia’s best resources for nostalgic vibes, product info and general spicy banter. With hilarious TikToks, great videos and a heap of knowledge, Retro Rescuers are a must watch for any 90s kid.
If you are after sick retro t-shirts, they regularly post rare ones on their Insta stories for immediate purchase.
Article 22
We stan a social enterprise almost as hard as we stan circularity and Article 22 combines both. Using shrapnel from the Vietnam War, Laotian artisans rework these pieces of violence into beautiful pieces of jewellery. Founded by women and supporting women artisans in Laos, this enterprise is led by women throughout the supply chain.
Not only do profits go back into supporting the Laotian artisans who work for Article 22, but a portion of each sale goes to the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) to help clear the 80 million mines still contaminating Laos.
Myrrdah
With a focus on the environment and sustainability, including using recycled cotton and vegetable dyes, Myrrdah is a First Nations women founded brand with everything made in the nation known as Australia.
Combining beautiful prints with timeless silhouettes, Myrrdah pieces are inspired by the millennia of roots that these sister-founders have grown from.
Teleport 2
One of our all time favourite places to thrift source products is Japan, but if you’re not in the know its a bit hard to find the hidden gems - there is more to thrift shopping over there than Nakano Broadway and Shimokitazawa! Teleport 2 is a mother daughter duo who have lived and loved Japan for their entire lives, even if they now reside in Las Vegas (how cool is that?!). Plus, they’re vegan and have a huge focus on sustainability so if you are looking to hit up Japan in an ethical way, they’re your gals.
Led by the most hilarious people you will ever meet, Teleport 2 is a women owned, founded, and run small travel business that you should defs check out.
Thing by Susi Best
As a seasoned fashion and prop stylist who has worked inhouse with powerhouses like Glassons and The Iconic, as well as a vast range of freelance work for brands like Nike, Zalando, Marimekko and more, Susi Best has a unique and an almost pre-cog sense of fashion and style. Founding her own small business in 2022, Thing by Susi Best is a jewellery brand that creates sustainable small runs of gorgeous pieces.
Using a variety of natural, organic and recycled materials, Susi can also work with you to create a one of a kind commissioned piece of wearable art.
Meg Louise Sleep
While this may count as a nepo business (she is my cousin and my idol growing up), it has given me a unique perspective into how she approaches business and motherhood. Although I don’t have any children of my own, I can vouch for the care, intelligence and thought that Meg puts into everything she does. Growing up alongside Meg, I saw first hand how her knowledge, patience and ethos makes her such an incredible mother and a sleep coach.
An experienced nurse and educator, Meg founded Meg Louise Sleep to help parents make confident and sustainable solutions to sleep challenges with a customised and real life approach for each family. No child is the same, and Meg knows it!
These nostalgic, thoughtful, sustainable and all around awesome women owned businesses are hella inspirational here for us at Natsukashii Retro and we hope they add a little bit of joy to your lives too!!
