Welcome to Julie's Website
Julie Okely
Julie Okely is an Australian First Nations entrepreneur, business leader, and advocate for Indigenous enterprise culture and generational wealth. Julie is a proud Kamilaroi woman originally from New South Wales and currently based in Canberra, Australia.
Background
Julie is a Kamilaroi (Gamilaraay) Aboriginal woman originally from regional New South Wales and currently based in Canberra, Australia.
Her Aboriginal grandfather, Abe Bennett, is recognised (and awarded medals) as one of the first Indigenous Australians to fight and defend Australia in the war. His name is on the Honour Wall at the National War Memorial, Canberra.
Julie grew up in regional New South Wales and has built a career spanning more than three decades in hairdressing, beauty, and business leadership in several industries. She has also worked as a trainer, mentor, and advocate supporting Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs.
She later founded Dilkara Australia, All First Nations, Our Sistahood, MurriPay, and authored several books.
About Me
Honored as the “Supply Nation Indigenous Businesswoman of the Year” and “ACT Business of the Year,” Julie also heads the “All First Nations Awards” and has a pivotal role at Dilkara Amenities and the “Our Sistahood” Podcast. Her journey also encompasses contributions to the founding of “MurriPay”, a payment gateway, and for sharing insights as a TEDx speaker and best-selling author.
Julie is known as an Indigenous entrepreneur (“Indigipreneur”) who promotes economic development, personal and professional achievements, and cultural recognition for First Nations peoples and communities.
She has been involved in projects and initiatives such as:
Founder of Dilkara Australia: A beauty and hotel care brand that uses native Australian botanical ingredients traditionally used by First Nations peoples. The brand focuses on natural, environmentally friendly products and sustainable packaging.
Founder of the All First Nations platform and AFN Awards: An online platform that recognises Indigenous businesses and suppliers, promotes Indigenous businesses, peoples, and individual cultural achievements through the annual AFN Awards.
Business consultant and mentor within the Indigenous business and community sector.
Author: Julie is a diverse writer of books and manuscripts, including The Coin, Battle Scars, and Tales of Tinderella, which has been optioned to be adapted into an Australian TV series. How Empty is Your Bucket and The Temple Diet are her projects for 2026.
Speaker, Podcast, and advocate: Known as a TEDx speaker, consultant, and educator, promoting Indigenous entrepreneurship and culture. Julie is the creative mind and facilitator of the Our Sistahood Podcast.
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Gallery of Hairstyling
Julie sees hair as art, narrating stories and evoking emotions through bold and whimsical designs. This has been her 35 year career and created her passion to develop more in her knowledge portfolio.
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MurriPay
Indigenous-led payment gateway (launch April 2026). The word “Murripay” is said to come from an Aboriginal language term connected to the Gamilaraay people (also spelled Kamilaroi). It is often interpreted as meaning “follow the rainbow” or referring to rainbow symbolism in cultural storytelling.
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All First Nations
Include an annual AFN Awards ceremony and the AFN magazine, which includes articles on Indigenous culture, resources for community members, and budding entrepreneurs. It also profiles all of the amazing recipients and winners of the annual AFN Awards.
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Dilkara
Hair: 1 – Professional 2 – Amenities.
1. An Australian-made haircare range that uses native Australian botanical ingredients traditionally used by the First Nations peoples. 2. Uses a licensing agreement to support the growth of Indigenous brands across alternative platforms, where it would not otherwise be possible.
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Our Sistahood
A podcast where sistas connect and share every aspect of life, love, and experiences. This is a safe space for sharing and learning.
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Tales of Tinderella
A Single Girl’s journey telling the stories of dating experiences in this day and age of online connecting.
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Julie has demonstrated true entrepreneurship, commencing her business journey at the young age of 19 and evolving into a leading figure in the Indigenous beauty brand industry in Australia.
Recognition
Throughout her career, Julie has garnered numerous accolades, including the 2017 Supply Nation Indigenous Business Woman of the Year award, highlighting her outstanding contributions in the business sector.
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Julie leverages her business platform to foster understanding and build bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous connections and networks in Australia.
Ready to Connect?
Whether you're looking for consulting, mentoring, or partnership opportunities, let's start a conversation.
Contact Julie