Townsville company Ochre Sun gains national exposure as sunscreen supplier
For Indigenous woman Alana Kennedy, Ochre Sun has far more depth to it than being a sheer sunscreen, with its secret formula founded on social impact.
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For Indigenous woman Alana Kennedy, Ochre Sun has far more depth to it than being a sheer sunscreen, with its secret formula founded on social impact.
The Townsville based company recently secured a major contract to be sold by Australia’s largest PPE safety company Blackwoods, a deal that opens up their business nationwide.
Ochre Sun will also be the face of the PPE safety company’s Summer Sun campaign, generating mass exposure for the Townsville start-up.
Not only have they secured the major deal with Blackwoods, they will be launching their own retail website from next month.
It hasn’t been an easy road to success for Ms Kennedy, with Ochre Sun’s rise coming on the back of failed business attempts until she found her niche, thanks to a business development program run by Smart Precinct NQ.
“I originally tried to launch Ochre Bloke which was a three step skin care routine,” she said.
“The whole strategy was wrong. But that’s okay because I learnt a lot of lessons.
“Townsville City Council were our launch client and they bought our entire inventory stock and they’ve been one of our best clients since.”
She said the sunscreen would help support Indigenous businesses across the country.
“What I wanted them to have was a sunscreen that was easy to apply (and) super absorbent, but then I’ve put the botanicals in so that it heals the skin as well as protects,” Ms Kennedy said.
“The cool thing about it is they understand social impact through our responsibly and ethically sourced material and the fact we have a multiplication strategy.
“That means not only are you supporting other Indigenous businesses in our supply chain it also empowers further employment opportunities as we grow.”
Ms Kennedy, who hails from the traditional lands of the Kalkadoon and Waanyi people in Mount Isa said creating meaningful employment for her people was a key part of her business model.
“I want to leave a legacy to say that while I went after financial security for my daughters, I did that for other families too,” she said.
“There are people that really want to make a go of their life, but they’re not presented with opportunities that are breathing belief and life into the person to help them grow.
“We want to provide time, adequate resources to learn so that we can start to change the generational trauma and make waves where there wasn’t.”
Originally published as Townsville company Ochre Sun gains national exposure as sunscreen supplier