Our Story
Our Purpose
Self Made Indigenous Corporation (SMIC) was founded in 2019 by husband and wife team, Aaron and Quin. Governed by a Board comprising Warumungu, Noongar and Baardi peoples, SMIC brings together lived experience, cultural knowledge, visionary leadership, and a shared commitment to creating positive change through grassroots, community-led approaches.
SMIC operates as a Social Enterprise and is a member of the Western Australian Social Enterprise Council (WASEC). As a purpose-driven organisation, SMIC exists to deliver measurable social, cultural, environmental and economic outcomes. The organisation generates the majority of its revenue through trading activities and reinvests a significant proportion of profits into initiatives that strengthen Aboriginal communities and advance its mission.
Grounded in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) framework, SMIC recognises that wellbeing extends beyond the individual and is shaped by strong connections to family and kinship, community, culture, Country, spirituality, and the broader social determinants of health. Through culturally safe, strengths-based and trauma-informed approaches, SMIC works alongside young people, families, communities and service systems to foster resilience, identity, belonging and self-determination.
SMIC's purpose is to enhance the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by empowering at-risk and vulnerable young people engaged with, or impacted by, the Justice, Health and Education systems. Through mentoring, cultural connection, leadership development, advocacy and capacity-building initiatives, SMIC supports individuals and communities to thrive while strengthening pathways to healing, participation and long-term wellbeing.
Self Made Founders
Aaron Sutton is a proud Aboriginal man from Central Australia, Northern Territory. Through his extensive family network, he maintains deep cultural ties across many parts of Australia, grounding his work in community, culture, and connection. With over 10 years of experience consulting, training, and assessing across a range of Indigenous-focused sectors, Aaron has contributed his expertise in Indigenous engagement, cultural perspectives, and Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) development. He holds a degree in Biomedical Science (Anatomy & Biology), reflecting his belief that through greater understanding and education, we can create a truly equitable and inclusive future. Furthering his studies, as a PHD student at the University of New England.
As a successful artist and cultural consultant, Aaron uses art as a medium to tell stories, strengthen community bonds, and celebrate culture. His creative works have been featured in collaborations with respected organisations including UWA, Perth Lynx, Perry Lakes Hawks, Rockingham Flames, and other Australian companies.
In 2019, Aaron co-founded Self Made Indigenous Corporation with a vision to drive positive change for Indigenous & At-Risk youth and communities. Through his leadership, the organisation has delivered programs that foster empowerment, education, and cultural understanding across corporate, educational, and community settings. He continues to speak passionately about Indigenous issues, allyship, and the work being done through Self Made to create systemic change and opportunity for future generations.
Quin has over 10 years of experience consulting with CEOs and senior executives across major industries including mining, energy, utilities, and private health. She is deeply passionate about holistic systems thinking and entrepreneurship, with a strong commitment to creating meaningful social impact for Indigenous and at-risk youth and communities.
A graduate of Commerce and Business Management, Quin co-founded Self Made Indigenous Corporation in 2019 — a social enterprise dedicated to empowering Indigenous youth through creative expression, entrepreneurship, mental health and wellbeing. She is a dedicated ally who believes in the importance of empowerment through education, knowledge-sharing, and culturally safe collaboration. Furthering her studies, as a PHD student with the University of New England.
Through Self Made Indigenous Corporation, Quin has facilitated and managed numerous programs, workshops, and partnerships aimed at building capacity, confidence, and connection among young Indigenous people. Her work integrates business strategy with social innovation, helping bridge the gap between corporate sectors and community-driven outcomes.
Media Recognition
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NAIDOC Program of the Year 2023
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Conference presentations
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No place for poverty
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NITV News
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Events - Sneakerland, Sonder, Perth Lynx
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Department of Justice
Driven by a shared commitment to improving mental health and wellbeing through creativity, culture, and community. Bringing together lived experience, research, and artistic expression, the team works to support and empower individuals, particularly at-risk youth, by creating meaningful opportunities for connection, growth, and healing. United by purpose, blends evidence-based approaches with creative practice to make a lasting impact.
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