New boutique with heart for women
Maua Boutique is no ordinary gift shop — this Logan store is definitely putting the love into its local community in time for Valentine’s Day.
The new online store has begun trading just in time for 14 February, Valentine’s Day, selling handmade candles, artisan gifts and floral arrangements, but there is a fabulous twist.
Maua Boutique is a jobs-focused social enterprise set up by Logan non-profit Ethni to support women from refugee and migrant backgrounds to find their feet in Australia.
Co-founder and manager of Maua Boutique, Nasteho Mukhtar, is originally from Somalia, and is also 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 her community.
In addition to providing a space where young women can get hands-on training and employment, it also creates opportunities for intergenerational connections.
‘Our boutique is a florist and gift shop on a mission to tackle social isolation and loneliness by fostering creativity and community. It also aims to bridge the gap between training and employment in an innovative and creative way,’ 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 is our way of challenging these barriers by providing a real-world learning experience where young women can develop entrepreneurial and creative skills while earning an income.’
At the creative workshops, women can engage in floral arranging, candle creation or perfume making, as well as strengthening bonds across generations.
Inspired by the Swahili word for ‘flower’, Maua Boutique is dedicated to cultivating growth, resilience, and artistry.
‘That’s why Maua is committed to challenging these obstacles and driving positive change,’ Nasteho says.
Maua Boutique’s thoughtfully-curated collection of handmade candles, floral arrangements, and artisan gifts 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 the four 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 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 pathways beyond their time with Ethni, as well as empowering them to tackle social isolation and loneliness by bringing together women from their communities.’
For more information and partnership opportunities, visit the Maua Boutique website.
