Yaye — a 100 per cent Aboriginal-owned bath and skincare brand based in Darwin which incorporates traditional bush medicines into its products — has been announced the winner of Power Retail's inaugural Top First Nations Small Business Award.
Held as part of the 11th annual All Star Bash at Melbourne's Crown Palladium on Thursday, the award presentation brought together the country's leading retailers to celebrate innovation, performance, and industry leadership.
This year marked a significant milestone with the introduction of the new First Nations category, developed in partnership with Aboriginal Retail Australia, which recognises the growing impact of First Nations-led businesses in Australia's retail sector.
The award was created to champion First Nations-led enterprises which are achieving both commercial success and meaningful community impact through e-commerce and modern retail.
Darwin-based Yaye was recognised for its strong ecommerce growth and use of traditional bush medicines in modern retail products.
Founder Melissa Cole said she felt incredibly honoured to have won this award.
"Winning the Top First Nations Small Business Award is an incredible honour," she said.
"Through Yaye, we're sharing the power of native Australian botanicals and bush medicines through premium skincare and amenities, while creating opportunities for First Nations businesses across retail and procurement."
Aboriginal Retail Australia chair, Liz Liddle, said the award represents an important step forward for recognition within the sector.
"The Top First Nations Small Business Award sets a new benchmark for inclusion and recognition across the retail sector," she said.
"For the first time, First Nations retailers are being recognised through an industry award that acknowledges the contribution and entrepreneurship of First Nations brands. Celebrating First Nations retailers alongside Australia's leading brands helps drive opportunity."
Ms Liddle said Yaye stood out for its strong growth and commitment to developing its e-commerce capabilities while expanding wholesale opportunities over the past 12 months.
The category attracted a strong group of finalists representing a diverse range of First Nations-led brands across Australia, including Clothing The Gaps, Gardening on Country, Kakadu Organics, Melbourne Jerky, Songlines, Yaala Sparkling, as well as Yaye.
"This new category reflects the evolving retail landscape and our commitment to highlighting diverse businesses that are shaping the future of Australian e-commerce," Power Retail founder Grant Arnott said.
"We were honoured to present this award to Yaye and can't wait to see how their business continues to evolve."
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