The Story of Wild Woman of Willunga
In the beginning
Brenda's interest in fabrics and sewing began at a young age, influenced by her late mother Marie in the early 1980s. Marie instructed and assisted Brenda during school, particularly with home economics assignments. School sewing projects were often completed on weekends with Marie's guidance, typically within one or two days. Teachers would occasionally inquire if Brenda had done the projects herself, prompting Marie to write notes confirming that Brenda had completed them with guidance.
Brenda aspired to become a fashion designer and gained textile work experience in the millinery section of the State Theatre Company of SA. Sewing was an integral part of her life and later led to the emergence of 'Wild Woman of Willunga'.
Early days
In the early 1990s, Brenda and her mother started crafting and selling garments at Orange Lane Market in Norwood under the stall 'Cactus Creations'. The markets provided an opportunity for engagement with the artistic community, promoting uniqueness, creativity, and diversity. After her mother's passing from breast cancer in 1994, these memories remained significant for Brenda.
A career in the media
Following her mother's death, Brenda pursued a career in television media and audio at Channel 9 Adelaide's operations department. She contributed to audio production for various programs such as News, Postcards SA, and Children's TV. Despite changing roles and the automation of audio tasks, Brenda maintained her passion for textile creation through costumes and themed birthdays over the years.
While working at Channel 9, Brenda pursued a BA in Community Development with a focus on Sustainable Development. Her studies examined the environmental impact of fast fashion, including overproduction, overconsumption, and the resulting textile waste, as well as the environmental and social effects associated with fast fashion.
Influenced by TV programs like 'The War on Waste', she explored methods to reduce, repurpose, and recycle textile waste, focusing on the relationship between fast fashion, sustainable consumption, and the circular economy.
WWoW is born
Wild Woman of Willunga started as a side project but gradually took shape through local market stalls, producing upcycled clothing aimed at reducing environmental impact and offering creative expression through fashion. Brenda's unique garments include reversible denim bucket hats, denim baker boy hats, micro/mini denim skirts, tablecloth dresses, bloomers, scrunchies, towel hats, and denim bags, made from reused, recycled, and repurposed textiles.
The fabric of community development
After completing her degree in 2023, Brenda gained valuable experience in a remote Aboriginal Community in Wadeye NT, managing and coordinating activities for the Women's Centre, including sewing classes. Upon returning, she faced challenges finding a meaningful community development position, Wild Woman of Willunga became an avenue for her passion of textiles, community and sustainable development making WWoW into her career, supported by the SEA program.
Next steps
Wild Woman of Willunga creates upcycled clothing to promote sustainability while preserving individual style.
Brenda offers Upcycle Clothing Workshops to support participants into their upcycle journey and transform clothes into something WILD!
