From Kakuma to Australia: Seeds of Resilience
Aliet’s journey is one of resilience, determination, and a deeply personal mission to create a better world. It all began in the Kakuma Refugee Camp, where she spent her childhood surrounded by stories of survival and grit. She vividly recalls watching women, including her mother, craft makeshift shelters from scraps of fabric to shield themselves from the unforgiving sun while working tirelessly to support their families. These early experiences shaped Aliet’s understanding of resilience and planted the seeds for her life’s work.
A Mission Ignited by Memory
When Aliet’s family was resettled in Australia, a world of opportunity opened up. However, the memories of inequalities she witnessed stayed with her, becoming a driving force in her journey. Determined to make a difference, Aliet’s path has been extraordinary. From serving as a delegate at the Ubuntu United Nations to engaging with global leaders at the Girl Move Academy and earning recognition as a Blackbird Foundation Protostar, every step has been a testament to her unwavering commitment to empowerment and innovation.
Aliet’s vision for Umbrellus was born from deeply personal and intergenerational experiences. Listening to her mother and aunt share the ongoing struggles in South Sudan reignited a fire within her to address the basic needs that so many women still lack. Umbrellus became her response—a mission to design semi-permanent structures that provide safety, dignity, and sustainability. For Aliet, Umbrellus is more than a business; it’s a promise to her mother, her aunt, and every woman who deserves better opportunities. “Umbrellus is my promise to the women who inspire me and to all those who need solutions to empower themselves,” she shares. This promise drives her every step.
Designing with Purpose: What Umbrellus Builds
The sustainable design sector is rapidly evolving, and Umbrellus is poised to lead the way. This industry intersects with agriculture, urban development, hospitality, and emergency relief, offering immense opportunities to innovate. As climate change intensifies, the demand for eco-conscious solutions that address extreme weather and resource scarcity grows. Umbrellus sits at the forefront of this movement, leveraging renewable materials like mycelium and bamboo to create solutions that not only address environmental challenges but also align with global shifts towards circular economies and responsible innovation.
At the heart of Umbrellus are modular, stackable canopies crafted from mycelium and bamboo materials chosen for their renewability and durability. These canopies are designed to adapt to various industries and climates, incorporating solar-powered LED lights and ventilation systems inspired by nature’s design ethos. Umbrellus, however, is more than just canopies. Aliet has expanded her vision to include mycelium-based products like lamps and lampshades. These functional and beautiful items raise awareness about sustainable innovation, transforming Umbrellus into a platform for empowerment and a catalyst for change.
Empowered by Press Play
Aliet credits much of her progress to the Press Play program, which has been pivotal in shaping her journey. “Press Play provided me with the clarity, resources, and confidence to translate my vision into actionable steps,” she explains. For a solo founder, the mentorship and community offered through the program have been invaluable, enabling her to navigate challenges and seize opportunities.
The milestones Aliet has achieved along the way are nothing short of inspiring. She was selected for the Blackbird Foundation Protostars Program, connecting her with critical resources and networks to accelerate Umbrellus. Her innovative work has drawn interest from 1 Hotel Melbourne, a sustainability-focused luxury brand set to open in 2025. Collaborations with commercial studios have showcased her mycelium-grown lamps and fostered community education. Umbrellus has also expanded its reach to industries such as agriculture, urban development, and hospitality, showcasing its versatility and impact.
Empowering Resilience Through Innovation
Looking ahead, Aliet’s vision for Umbrellus is ambitious yet deeply purposeful. She aims to launch Umbrellus canopies and products across multiple industries, ensuring they adapt seamlessly to various climates and environments. Community education remains a priority, with plans to expand workshops on sustainable design and mycelium cultivation. Collaboration with thought leaders, businesses, and innovators is key to refining and scaling Umbrellus.
Despite the challenges of being a solo founder, Aliet’s work has already garnered significant attention for its transformative potential. Her ultimate goal is to bridge resilience and sustainability, empowering individuals while reconnecting humanity with nature.
Aliet’s story is a testament to perseverance, innovation, and hope. Through Umbrellus, she is not just transforming industries but also touching lives, one sustainable solution at a time.
If you would like to be a founder, apply or express your interest to be a part of our program.