Alejandra, Chile

My name is Maria Alejandra and I am from Chile. My family and I arrived in Australia in 2011. Initially, I kept busy taking care of Catalina, my only child. During this time, my English was poor and I couldn’t get a job.

I tried to sell my jewellery in different markets around Melbourne, but this task was too complicated for me at that time.

Then I started to clean some houses near where Catalina went to school. I did this for a year. I then got Australian residency and started to study English at Holmesglen TAFE. Eventually, I found SisterWorks.

My life changed because learning English improved my life in this country. Through SisterWorks, I found more, and better opportunities for my family and me.

SisterWorks has helped me make connections and work with people who have helped me in different ways. I have had access to business workshops, design labs and relevant information—all of which has greatly improved my life.  

I have created my own jewellery brand called KELKAY, which means “necklace” in an indigenous Chilean language. I now stock my products in local homeware, interior design and gift shops around Melbourne. Additionally I run jewellery making and design workshops for youngsters from home, as well as workshops for women at the Flemington Community Centre, among other places.

Also, I have my own Spanish School: Learn, pay and speak Spanish in a fantastic enviroment with Maria. La Escuelita de Maria is a Spanish School for children in Ashburton Community Centre.

“I am so happy and independent now, and I want to say thanks to SisterWorks for this big change—to make me an entrepreneur and and also an Empowered Woman”