New boutique with heart for women
Maua Boutique isn’t your ordinary gift shop — this Logan store is putting the love into its local community with goods handmade from the heart.
The new online store, which began trading in February, sells handmade candles, artisan gifts and floral arrangements, but with a twist.
Maua Boutique is a jobs-focused social enterprise set up by Logan non-profit Ethni to create meaningful work for women from refugee and migrant backgrounds.
Co-founder and manager of Maua Boutique, Nasteho Mukhtar, was born in Somalia, and is currently studying a Bachelor of Business and Accounting at Queensland University of Technology.
Nasteho says for every 10 bouquets or gifts sold, a spot in a creative workshop is funded to help women connect and flourish with their community.
Also, a bouquet will be delivered to a woman in the community in need of a little extra love.
In addition to providing a space where young women can get hands-on training and employment through floral arranging, candle creation or perfume making, Maua Boutique also creates opportunities for women of all ages to connect.
‘Our boutique is a florist and gift shop on a mission to tackle social isolation and loneliness. There are many programs for young people, so we wanted to do something that would also connect our elders and allow us to give back,’ Nasteho says.
‘Our young women, rich in talent and diverse in background, possess incredible vision and skills. Yet, they often face systemic barriers that limit their opportunities for meaningful employment.
‘The boutique challenges these barriers by providing a real-world learning experience where young women can develop their entrepreneurial and creative skills while earning an income.’
Inspired by the Swahili word for ‘flower’, Maua Boutique is dedicated to cultivating growth, resilience, and artistry. The thoughtfully curated collection of items for sale are crafted with care in workshops by young women enrolled in Ethni’s training and development program.
Nasteho says the scents and themes of the gifts are inspired by all the 4 corners of the world that the team and their communities represent.
‘The boutique’s collection reflects the passion of its creators, with each piece telling a unique story of culture, empowerment and possibility,’ she says.
Every item purchased from the online store supports women in building the skills and confidence to secure long-term employment.
Nasteho’s favourite scent is the Sahara fragrance, a rich blend of amber, patchouli and vanilla notes.
‘It just reminds me of home and as someone who has moved so far away, it is so comforting to have a piece of my homeland in my new home,’ she says.
For more information visit the Maua Boutique website.
Photo at top: From left, Ethni team members Audrey Mazimpaka and Nasteho Mukhtar, who have brought Maua Boutique to life.
