I am Jessica Wilson, a proud Yindjibarndi/Njamal woman from Roebourne, a remote community in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. Growing up on Country, I was deeply connected to my culture—hunting, fishing, and learning the stories of our land. My parents instilled in me the importance of our language and traditions, lessons I now pass down to my children.

Leaving home at 13 for boarding school in Perth was one of my biggest challenges. Like many Indigenous kids from remote communities, I struggled with homesickness, longing for my family and Country. Despite this, I completed high school in 2005 and joined a work-ready program funded by Rio Tinto, gaining my first qualification for the mining industry.

It was my older sister who encouraged me to explore painting—something I hesitated to try. My first artwork, Creeks, was inspired by my childhood fishing spots. I entered it into the Cossack Art Awards, hoping just to sell a piece, but instead, I won the Young Emerging Artist category. That moment sparked a passion I never knew I had.

Life hasn’t always been easy. At 17, I found myself caught in the cycle of addiction that affects so many in our communities. For five years, I struggled—until I became pregnant with my son, Keanu. He became my reason to change. With my daughter, Roberta, following soon after, motherhood gave me a second chance. I was determined to break the cycle, heal from my past, and create a better future for my family.

In 2021, seeking new opportunities, my family and I moved to Perth. That same year, I met Yalagan Group, and after many yarns, they invited me to join a new venture—Seven Sisters Collective formally Yalagan Imprint. Today, I am proud to be a part-owner and Co-CEO of Yalagan, blending my culture, art, and life experiences to build something meaningful—not just for myself, but for my children and my community.

This is my story—a journey of resilience, culture, and empowerment.