The Beginning

My journey began in the Kakuma Refugee Camp, where my childhood was shaped by stories of resilience, survival, and the ingenuity of those around me. I remember my mother, along with countless other women, using whatever they could find—scraps of fabric, the shade of trees, and whatever makeshift shelter they could fashion—to shield themselves from the unforgiving sun and relentless weather. These humble solutions were their only protection, as they worked tirelessly to support their families, often against impossible odds.

Years later, my family and I were granted a new life in Australia—a chance to rebuild and dream beyond the limits we had once known. Yet, the memories of Kakuma never left me. They became quiet reminders of a reality that far too many still face. This year, I overheard a conversation between my mother and my aunt, who still lives in South Sudan. They spoke of the ongoing struggles—the lack of resources preventing many women from even setting up a simple stall to sell their goods.

That moment was a turning point for me. It ignited a deep, anger-driven passion: no person—man, woman, or child—should have to fight so hard simply to survive. Everyone deserves the chance to thrive, to live with dignity. From that day forward, I made it my mission to create semi-permanent structures that not only protect people from the elements but also honour the earth.

This vision led me to found Umbrellus. Drawing inspiration from nature, we design shelters using sustainable materials like mycelium and bamboo. These are not just shelters; they are tools of empowerment—enabling individuals, no matter where they are, to provide for themselves with dignity, safety, and respect for the planet.

But I didn’t stop there. I felt a calling to support this mission in a more intimate way. From my small apartment, I began creating bespoke lamps—each one handcrafted and grown from mycelium and locally sourced hemp substrate. These lamps serve as a beautiful introduction to this ancient material, bringing its wonder and sustainability into our most personal spaces. Every lamp sold contributes directly to funding the R&D of our shelter solutions.

Looking ahead, our goal by the end of this year is to purchase land in South Sudan to establish a marketplace for women street vendors. This marketplace will provide a safe, dignified space for these women to sell their homegrown, organic products, offering them a better future and a chance to give their children opportunities they never had.

From the struggles of Kakuma to the opportunities we now have in Australia, this journey is one of resilience, transformation, and the belief that we can turn our experiences into something that not only uplifts us but also empowers others.