Society has conditioned us to question ourselves over our decisions, especially when it comes to placing a dollar value on our skill, knowledge and time. When you finally break past this and actually stop apologising for your self worth, the real battle begins to help others understand. I’m writing this today as it’s a timely reminder to educate others more on the core values that Ankalia upholds.

Ankalia turns 5 this year! This is a huge milestone for any small business. We made the decision back in 2014 that we will always be Australian Made and we proudly wave that flag in 2019. Many baby carrier manufacturers are producing overseas where cost of production is much lower. I understand why they do this because in a competitive market, making a profit to support your family sometimes takes priority

It’s not hard to research how much other companies are manufacturing their product for. And there is absolutely no way that Ankalia can compete with that. And you know what? We aren’t. We don’t want to. We have our own premium product that offers something different to the to parents and care givers all over the globe.

Historically, Ankalia has had a wide price range of products. Retail prices have fluctuated over the years, which meant we could offer some high premium boutique lines, to products that were budget conscious.

Supply and demand continue to dictate what decisions we make as a business and how we work to be sustainable long term. I have personally made some huge decisions for the company in the past 8-9 months, by moving away from draws and fast fingers, to creating seasonal releases. This meant massive restructuring of the company to maintain this model. Whilst we are only in the infancy of how Ankalia sustains this long term, it has been an exciting and very much needed improvement for the business.

I was faced with the question last night, “Are you going to do a budget line again?” My answer was “It’s not sustainable.” And here is why: these products weren’t selling at retail price. If they don’t sell then we are forced to reduce their price further, right? When you reduce a product that already has a very low profit margin, so that you have a line of products that are under $100, it is simply not sustainable.

Whilst Ankalia prides itself in being a premium and high quality brand, the rising cost of production in Australia simply was not going to sustain this line. So you may ask “Then what do i recommend to someone that has a smaller budget than retail?”

We are very lucky to have an amazing and thriving second hand market. There are huge bargains to be had. You can find the Facebook group here

In the meantime, our retail prices reflect that you are buying a premium high quality and handmade product. Our staff are paid above award wages so they can support their families, and can work remotely and in hours that suit them and their schedules. Where they are valued as individuals for their skills, time and knowledge.

But ultimately its our personal ethics and morals that drive Ankalia to sit where it does today as a company, which supports women and their families. If you feel that our ethics and values don’t align with yours, then perhaps Ankalia isn’t a company you wish to support. But for those who do value everything what I have said above, then thank you for your support and love for our brand.

Ankalia respects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and cultures. We acknowledge past, present and future Traditional Owners of the land that we work on.

DISCLAIMER

Ankalia’s online journal is written and edited by white Australian women. As such, our articles are written from our cultural standpoint.

To understand and improve our knowledge of the practice of babywearing across a varied dynamic, we may seek input from our friends and peers who identify as belonging to culturally and linguistically diverse groups, and groups who are marginalised within our society.

We aim to be insightful, meaningful and respectful of those who identify as belonging to these groups at all times. If we publish something that you feel is inappropriate or offensive, please bring it to our attention promptly. We are still learning and are mindful of our privilege.