Bronwyn Ferguson founded Karolina York Print Studio over a decade ago, and ever since then, the internationally acclaimed studio has stood by their philosophy of constant innovation and genuine passion. This was just one of the reasons why we were drawn to them when we were designing our MIMCO x Our Watch collection.

We recently asked Bronwyn about her generous involvement with the MIMCO x Our Watch campaign, creativity and what inspires her.

Bronwyn Ferguson with her daughter, image via The Grace Tales

What does it mean to you to be part of the MIMCO x Our Watch Campaign?

MIMCO to me is an iconic Australian brand, it's a label I grew up with as thinking was quintessentially Australian. I have worked with Cathryn Wills for many years and admire her strong female presence in the industry. When I was approached to collaborate on the Our Watch campaign I was pregnant at the time with my second girl and felt strongly that I wanted to be part of this journey to spread awareness around women's inequality. Our Watch’s dedication to preventing domestic violence before it starts through education programes along with powerful campaigns like the MIMCO X Our Watch campaign, are the type of partnerships Australia needs to raise awareness around domestic violence. Myself and my team are proud to be part of the change.

MIMCO and Our Watch are both advocates of empowerment. What does that word mean to you?

For me empowerment is about sharing ideas and opportunities. It's about enabling every person to feel valued in a team and bringing the best out in all of us.

Where do you find inspiration for your prints?

In 11 years, one thing has remained the same and that is that I always find myself most inspired when on the road, either in Australia or abroad. I am so appreciative of the time on a plane to switch off and think. It's hard to find that time these days and a long haul flight is the perfect environment for me to do just that. When I'm away I have time to get to galleries and visit markets and vintage stores. There's something about being out of my everyday realm that really gets the fire burning inside me for our next collection or the next steps in my business.

Tell us the inspiration behind the prints used on the latest TOGETHER, ENLIGHTEN & STAND UP Our Watch Pouches.

TOGETHER Pouch came from a bubbling of cool ice and hot indigo dyes create these marbled stormy hues; ENLIGHTEN from a free flowing structure, hand painted check; STANDUP was inspired by bold, high impact sportswear, fusing shape and line.

The new MIMCO x Our Watch collection

Bronwyn Ferguson at our most recent Creatives Collide Dinner.

What do you love most about what you do?

I am so grateful that I have been able to follow my dreams in a career I love and an industry I have such a passion for. We work behind the scenes and it's the best way to remain creative, to just keep our heads down and continue to design, create and offer newness in the print world.

How did you get to where are today?

Passion for the industry, hard work and enjoying the creative outlet that when at its best is a form of relaxation.

How important is creativity to you?

Very important, even more so now I have two girls. I love getting the paints out with Billie and Macy and seeing the paint go far and wide. Billie is starting to string a sentence together and her imagination is incredible. For me, being a parent is so much about supporting that imagination and creative element alive inside my girls.

Who are the women that have inspired, or continue to inspire you, in your life/work?

My mum for her strength in everything that has come her way; she has taught me to handle all of life's upheavals with a level of resilience and humour. My Nan for introducing me to the world of fashion; sewing days with Nan undoubtable were the start of my dreams. My sisters; as being a sister to them is one of my life’s greatest gifts. My girlfriends; they span many different career paths and have always remained my support through my tweens, loves, relationships and now children. My business mentor; who has been my true guidance and I continue to watch and learn from her strength of character. I could really keep going...

Who would you most like to collaborate with?

I’d love to collaborate with the women of Merrepen Arts, an established Arts centre of the Nauiyu Nambiyu community in the Northern Territory. I love that what these women produce, stylistically isn't generally expected from Aboriginal art.