Mother-daughter team: Sue and Laura
Business: Featherdale Earrings
Founded: 2018
Location: Oakhampton, NSW
The Beginning of Featherdale Earrings
Laura:
We create ethically sourced feather fashion accessories. It all began quite unexpectedly when I was walking around the farm and noticed the beautiful patterns on guinea fowl feathers scattered after their seasonal moult.
I collected a few, experimented with them, and made my first pair of earrings. From that moment, we just kept going. What started as a creative experiment has now grown into a small brand producing earrings, hat pins, and other feather accessories.
Working Together as Mother and Daughter
Laura:
Honestly, it hasn’t surprised me much working with Mum—having her beside me has only strengthened my confidence. She makes me believe in what we create and encourages me to put new ideas out into the world without hesitation.
Roles in the Business
Laura:
We both do a bit of everything—social media, making products, collecting and sanitising feathers, packing orders, and handling logistics.
I’d say I’m more spontaneous and fast-moving, while Mum takes a more strategic approach. She thinks long-term, shaping the direction of Featherdale and helping refine our ideas into something sustainable and meaningful.
Has It Changed Your Relationship?
Laura:
It has only brought us closer. We genuinely enjoy working together—it feels less like work and more like creating side by side as best friends.
We’ve always said that even if something doesn’t sell, we would still continue because we love what we do. That shared passion is what keeps us going.
Of course, we don’t always agree—but we respect each other’s ideas. That balance is what makes us a strong team. We support each other, lift each other up, and keep moving forward—both in business and in life.
Sue on Working With Her Daughter
Sue:
I couldn’t be luckier to work with my daughter. When Laura first asked me to help manage the growing number of Buy From The Bush orders back in 2018, I never imagined it would turn into Featherdale Earrings.
Working with her is fun and energising. She keeps me on my toes and often puts me on the spot—but that’s part of the excitement.
Laura on Working With Her Mum
Laura:
Mum is the joker in the team, but she also brings so much insight and creativity. She’s always looking for ways to improve what we do.
Nothing is ever too much for her—she will drop everything to help me whenever needed. She’s incredibly supportive, and I’m lucky to have her.
Advice for Other Mother–Daughter Teams
Laura:
If you’re best friends in real life, you can become great business partners too. The key is respect—respecting each other’s ideas, trying them out, and building something together without ego.