Indigenous Glow: Julie Oakley’s Beauty Venture
What Dilkara Australia stands for:
“Dilkara” is an Aboriginal word that beautifully encapsulates our brand. It means ‘rainbow,’ reflecting the vibrant colors found in hair and the diverse skin tones within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Welcome to the world of Dilkara, where beauty meets cultural heritage. At Dilkara, we are more than just a brand; we are a celebration of Aboriginal Australian beauty, values, and traditions. Let’s delve into what makes Dilkara unique and why we stand out from the crowd.
Our Founder, Julie Okely:
Meet Julie Okely, the visionary founder of Dilkara. A proud Kamilaroi woman born in Coonabarabran, NSW, Julie has over 30 years of experience as a creative hair stylist. Julie has designed a diagnostic tool for clients to help them select the best product to meet their hair and skin needs. Moreover, her expertise has been recognized internationally, including publications in Vogue. Julie’s commitment to excellence has earned Dilkara several prestigious awards, such as Best Indigenous Hair and Beauty Products Range 2023 ; Best Organic Hair and Skin Care products– Canberra 2022 ; Most Trusted Organic Skincare Brand 2021 ; The Best Luxury Haircare in Australasia 2021.
Our Unique Approach:
Dilkara stands out by embracing the richness of indigenous culture and the natural beauty of Australia. Our commitment to using native Australian bush ingredients as the foundation for our hair care products sets us apart. Overall, these ingredients, once and currently sourced by Indigenous communities, are the essence of our formulations. Dilkara Australia has developed a boutique range of hair, hygiene and skincare products infused with ancient indigenous botanicals, native aromas and organic elements from the Australian bush.
Our Mission and Values:
At Dilkara, our mission goes beyond beauty; it’s about reconciliation. We aim to bridge the gap between cultures by sharing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage and knowledge with the world. We believe in:
- Creating sustainable income streams for Indigenous peoples and communities.
- Choosing organic, paraben-free, and cruelty-free components.
- Promoting environmental responsibility through recyclable and refillable packaging.