Ms Dargin, who is of Aboriginal and Russian descent, says she came across the idea, “When I was a beauty editor for a magazine and I realised I was the only Indigenous person working there. I’ve always had an interest in beauty and fashion so Bellaboo is the product of merging that with my Indigenous culture.”
Having partnered with IBA (Indigenous Business Australia), Dargin has recently attended New York Fashion Week (February 5-15) as the very first Indigenous representative. “In regards to the Australian industry, I thought the idea of Bellaboo was really unique and there was nothing like it. However, it wasn’t until I went over to New York that I realised we are the only company of its kind in the world!”
“The fact that the business is developing in Sydney, I think definitely offers a solid foundation and strong opportunity to be national, and then to take it to a world-wide scale”, says Dargin, who plans to expand the business to the US early next year, with the possibility of appealing to the African-American market.
Since its inception, a lot of support has come from major brands and corporations. “We are getting invited to a lot of events to cover products and launches. What we do is we find out about new products being released into the market and how they will benefit buyers and we then blog about it on our website to our readers.”
All Bellaboo models are of Indigenous descent and live across Australia. Bellaboo’s modelling department covers TVC [TV Commercial], High Fashion and Runway, Photographic and Promotional.
“Our aim is to develop Aboriginal talent and help create successful careers,” says Dargin. Most recently, Bellaboo models have walked the runway for Mercedes Benz Fashion at Coffs Harbour, with upcoming events being L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival and Australian Fashion Week in September. “Our girls are doing really well at the moment in the Australian industry and our next focus is getting them on the international runways.”
Along with the business expansion project, Dargin is also soon to be launching development workshops for teenage girls that will cover etiquette, presentation, grooming, poise and basic makeup and hair application. “I think it will be something people will respond to – it gives girls self-confidence and a better understanding of how to be comfortable in their own skin.”
The young entrepreneur’s unique business is certainly taking off. The next 14 months look sure to be as successful as the last. And what is the secret to Kira-Lea’s success? In her own words: “Take every opportunity you can and don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t.”
