18th Sep 2023
Maria Alejandra, Chile
Maria Alejandra's jewellery brand KELKAY means necklace in an indigenous Chilean language.
Maria migrated from Chile in 2011, with her family to Australia. Although she initially had difficulty finding employment due to language barriers, she soon started selling jewelry at Melbourne markets. Without a support network and increased family responsibilities, the venture became challenging.
After being granted Australian residency, Maria started learning English and discovered SisterWorks. Through their entrepreneur program, she founded her own jewellery brand KELKAY. With SisterWorks' help, she adapted her business model to succeed and expanded her reach through online marketing.
Her jewellery is now stocked in multiple Melbourne shops, and she conducts workshops for youngsters and women. Discover her artistry and her Chilean heritage through her products.