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Grounded in Culture, Created for Wellness.

BALU is a First Nations-owned wellness brand founded by Gabrielle Rahman in Northern Western Australia. Inspired by a deep connection to nature, culture, and creative healing, BALU offers natural body care essentials and wellness workshops that support emotional wellbeing and cultural pride.

Our Story - The heart of BALU

BALU was born from a childhood spent on Country — walking beside the sea, harvesting Gubinge (Kakadu Plum) and other bush foods with my mother, Pat Mamanyjun Torres. It was through these early experiences of wild harvesting, storytelling, and cultural care that the seeds of BALU were first planted.

From the beginning, BALU has been grounded in the power of native botanicals, intergenerational knowledge, and a deep respect for Country. These teachings, passed down from my mother and Elders, continue to guide the heart of the brand.

BALU is a wellness journey — one that honours cultural healing, emotional wellbeing, and slow, purposeful living. Every product is made with care, reflecting a deep commitment to supporting others to reconnect with self, spirit, and the land.

More than just a brand, BALU is a return to something ancient and essential — a way of living and healing that begins on Country and ripples outward with love, intention, and cultural truth.

Meet the Founder

I’m Gabrielle Rahman, the founder of BALU Essentials — a brand born from deep connection to Country, culture, creativity, and my own lifelong wellness journey.

BALU began long before it had a name. My journey started at just 10 years old, when I began dreaming of creating something meaningful — a space for healing, nature, and cultural connection. By 12, I was exploring enterprise through arts and textiles, and by 15, I enrolled in TAFE to develop my creative and business skills.

I was raised by my mother, Pat Mamanyjun Torres, a respected cultural leader, wild harvester, artist, and storyteller. I grew up watching her do this work — living on Country, harvesting bush medicines, creating art, and guiding others through cultural healing. She passed on her deep knowledge of native botanicals, wild harvesting, and storytelling to me, my siblings, and many others in the community. Her strength, wisdom, and love for culture have shaped who I am and continue to inspire everything I do.

As a First Nations artist, designer, and entrepreneur, I’ve always used creativity as a tool for healing and expression — working with textiles, natural dyes, wearable art, and fashion as a way to honour culture and share stories. My love for visual storytelling has woven itself into every part of BALU — from product design to packaging, workshops, and the aesthetic of the brand.

In 2008, I began trading and offering handmade products rooted in native botanicals and cultural care. I also worked alongside my mother at Mayi Harvests, supported community programs, and continued to deepen my knowledge through lived experience. In 2016, I officially began trading under the BALU name — bringing together everything I had cultivated since childhood.

Being on Country is where I feel most alive — surrounded by the elements, spirit, and the stories that ground me. It’s here, amongst nature, that I find the freedom to slow down, reconnect with myself, and live with intention.

BALU was born from this way of being — a wellness journey guided by culture, healing, and purpose. Through my work, I honour my connection to Country and invite others to experience a deeper, more mindful way of living.

BALU is more than a brand — it’s a way of life. A practice of slow, purposeful living rooted in love, care, creativity, and deep respect for the land and all it gives.

🌿Gabrielle Rahman — Founder of BALU Essentials
On Country, where spirit, culture, and creativity meet — this is where BALU was born, and where I continue to walk my wellness journey with purpose and care.

Our Purpose

To create wellness experiences that restore balance, celebrate culture, and connect people to the healing rhythms of nature.

Wellness Workshops

BALU Wellness Workshops are immersive, sensory-rich experiences designed to support social and emotional wellbeing through cultural expression. Each workshop blends:

• Guided journaling and reflection

• Native botanical activities (like making body oils or essential blends)

• Connection to Country and quiet healing spaces

• A take-home wellness gift handmade with intention

Workshops are tailored to the needs of each group and have been delivered across regional WA, including with Yura Yungi Aboriginal Health Services in Halls Creek.

Make a Donation here to support our wellness workshops in community.

Our Collaboration with Mayi Harvests

Gabrielle works in close collaboration with her mother, Pat Mamanyjun Torres—a Djugun/Yawuru/JabirrJabirr Elder, cultural educator, and founder of Mayi Harvests. Together, they incorporate native bush foods and ethically sourced botanicals into BALU’s products and workshops. This intergenerational partnership strengthens culture, promotes ethical trade, and uplifts local Indigenous communities.

Our Products

BALU body care essentials are handcrafted in small batches using native ingredients like Kakadu plum, wattle seed, and other botanicals. Products include:

• Botanical body oils

• Natural soaps and scrubs

• Essential oil blends

• Candles & natural fragrances

• Wellness gift sets

Designed for spas, retreats, and individuals seeking conscious self-care rooted in nature and cultural integrity.

What’s Next: BALU Retreat

Gabrielle is now developing BALU Retreat — a healing sanctuary in the Northern Territory, designed to host immersive wellness stays, creative workshops, and cultural experiences. The retreat will provide eco-accommodation, community employment, and a deeper space to rest and renew. Why the NT? Read More in Our Blogs

Make a Donation here to support healing on country.

Our Values

🌿 Cultural Integrity
🌿 Kindness & Ethical Practice
🌿 Self-Care Through Nature
🌿 Women-Centered Wellness
🌿 Connection to Country & Community

Our Impact So Far

• Represented Indigenous wellness in Singapore with Austrade’s First Nations Landing Pad (2023)

• Delivered healing workshops to individuals, global networks and across remote communities in WA (2016–2024)

• Collaborating with Aboriginal-led bush food enterprises like Mayi Harvests

• Continued to empower women through creative self-care and storytelling

Connect with Us

📷 Instagram: @baluessentials
📧 Email: info@balugifts.com
🛍️ Online store: www.balugifts.com
🌏 Based on Country in Northern Western Australia & Northern Territory

Balu in Singapore

Join BALU on our journey to Singapore with Austrade First Nations Landing Pad.

Face Serum

Experience the ultimate glow with our luxurious face serum, infused with Kakadu Plum Extract—nature’s richest source of vitamin C—and a potent 15% Vitamin C serum to deeply hydrate, brighten, and rejuvenate your skin. Packed with antioxidants, this powerhouse formula helps combat dullness, fine lines, and environmental stressors, leaving your skin radiant, plump, and nourished. Perfect for all skin types, it absorbs effortlessly, delivering long-lasting moisture and a naturally luminous complexion with every drop. Elevate your skincare routine with the ultimate hydration and glow boost!

Kakadu Plum

Kakadu Plum Extract is a skincare superfood, celebrated as the world’s richest natural source of vitamin C—containing up to 100 times more than oranges. This powerhouse ingredient is packed with antioxidants, polyphenols, and essential nutrients, helping to brighten skin, boost collagen production, and protect against environmental damage. Its natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties make it perfect for calming irritation, reducing redness, and promoting an even complexion. Ideal for all skin types, Kakadu Plum Extract hydrates and rejuvenates, leaving your skin radiant, youthful, and naturally glowing.