A Q&A with Nhi from SisterWorks

I was born and raised in Southern France into a family with a Vietnamese refugee background. Growing up in a multicultural environment shaped my perspective and appreciation for diversity. My parents owned a business, which naturally sparked my interest in client relations and business development. 

My professional journey began in the cinema industry, where I worked as an Operations Manager, leading a team and navigating high-pressure situations. Later, I spent three years in Vietnam as a Sales Consultant for a luxury travel agency, which allowed me to reconnect with my cultural roots. In 2017, I moved to Australia and joined SisterWorks as a volunteer in 2019. Since then, I’ve grown with the organisation, moving into leadership roles and now overseeing our social enterprise operations. 

SisterWorks is a not-for-profit social enterprise dedicated to empowering women from migrant, refugee, and asylum-seeker backgrounds through employment, entrepreneurship, and social inclusion. Founded on the belief that every woman has the right to economic independence, SisterWorks offers job readiness training, mentorship programs, and a marketplace where women entrepreneurs can showcase and sell their products.  

Our social enterprise operates within a circular economy model, focusing on ethical and sustainable manufacturing. We partner with businesses for procurement, corporate gifting, and custom manufacturing, offering locally made products that prioritise environmental responsibility and social impact. Our product range includes textile goods, homewares, corporate merchandise, and food items, all crafted with care by the women we empower. 

We collaborate with large and well-known local organisations  to create sustainable and socially responsible products that align with circular economy principles. By repurposing materials and minimising waste, we contribute to a responsible supply chain that benefits both businesses and the environment. 

At the heart of our enterprise are our Sisters—women who receive paid work opportunities, hands-on training, and mentorship. Our production adheres to ethical standards, ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. By embracing sustainable practices, we not only create meaningful employment but also drive systemic change in how businesses approach social and environmental responsibility. 

My background is in business and client relations, and my career path has taken me through the cinema and luxury travel industries. However, when I moved to Australia, I struggled with language barriers and finding meaningful work.

Volunteering at SisterWorks opened my eyes to the challenges faced by migrant women in employment. It also introduced me to the power of social enterprises in creating impact-driven solutions.

Scaling our manufacturing operations while maintaining our ethical values has been a challenge. As demand for our products grew, we needed to expand production without compromising our mission. 

We overcame this by implementing structured training programs, investing in upskilling, and fostering strong relationships with ethical suppliers. By focusing on our Sisters’ growth and adaptability, we scaled responsibly while staying true to our values.