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. 

Nhi (pictured left) at a SisterWorks event. Image provided. 

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.

A Sister at work. Image provided. 

What started as a volunteer role became a passion, and I knew I wanted to dedicate my career to supporting women like me—women who just need an opportunity to thrive. 

Although I didn’t come from a fashion or manufacturing background, my experience in business management helped me develop strategies to grow the organisation in this sector. Over time, I became deeply involved in every aspect of the social enterprise, from retail operations to manufacturing partnerships. 

Local and ethical manufacturing aligns with our mission to create meaningful employment opportunities for women from diverse backgrounds. By keeping production local, we provide hands-on training, fair wages, and safe working environments for women who might otherwise face barriers to employment. 

It also ensures that businesses can source high-quality, sustainable products while supporting social impact initiatives in their supply chains. Our approach promotes circular economy principles by reducing waste, repurposing materials, and prioritising environmentally responsible production. 

Ethical manufacturing is about more than just creating products, it’s about empowering individuals, building connections, and fostering inclusivity in every step of the process.

Community engagement is at the core of SisterWorks. We collaborate with local businesses, councils, and organisations to provide employment pathways and training programs. 

Our workshops, catering services, and pop-up markets create opportunities for our Sisters to connect with the wider community, share their stories, and showcase their talents. We also work with ethical brands and corporate partners to promote responsible business practices and social impact. 

Nhi (pictured at left) pictured with upcycled products made in SisterWorks’ Springvale Manufacturing Hub. Image provided. 

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.

Securing our Ethical Clothing Australia accreditation was also a step towards ensuring that our growth is both ethical and impactful. 

One of my proudest moments was seeing SisterWorks gain Ethical Clothing Australia accreditation in 2024. It was a recognition of our commitment to fair work practices and local, ethical manufacturing and opened new doors for partnerships. 

Beyond that, every time a Sister gains confidence, secures a job, or starts her own business, I am reminded of the impact we create.  

Ethical Clothing Australia accreditation was a natural step for us. It reinforces our commitment to fair wages, safe working conditions, and ethical production. We wanted to provide transparency and accountability in our manufacturing process while giving our business partners confidence in their sourcing choices. The accreditation also helps build trust with our clients, demonstrating that we’re not just a social enterprise but also a professional and ethical business partner. 

This accreditation also amplifies our impact, ensuring that every purchase supports an ethical supply chain and contributes to the economic empowerment of migrant and refugee women. 

SisterWorks is always looking for partners who share our values. Whether it’s through ethical procurement, employment partnerships, or community collaborations, businesses can be part of a movement that empowers women and strengthens industries. 

To learn more, visit our website or reach out to explore partnership opportunities! 

A Sister at work. Image provided.