I’m Mikaela Egan, a proud Muthi Muthi/Gunditjmara woman and the founder of Ochre Dough - and I’m so excited that you’ve landed here 🙋🏽‍♀️ The little people in my life call me Aunty Maki - my favourite role yet.

Ochre Dough began as an idea to connect children and families to Country and culture through sensory play, and to bring something unique into the early years space.

I grew up on Latje Latje Country, spent 15 years living and working on Wurundjeri Country, and now live and create on beautiful Bangerang Country. I have so many special memories of growing up on the Murray River. Country inspires everything I create.

Years ago now, my partner and I started an Aboriginal art business - and over time, it naturally shifted into children’s products. Products that brought more representation into everyday play - not just during NAIDOC Week or ‘culture days’, but all year round. Ochre Dough sprouted from there.

It all started with homemade Aboriginal flag playdough as a fun, tangible way to introduce kids to Aboriginal culture. That grew into using ochre respectfully collected on Country to colour our playdough - and from there, Ochre Dough expanded into a whole world of sensory play, arts, and crafts.

I come from a family of artists. I remember being gifted painted bags, woven baskets, jewellery, and painting pottery each one showing culture expressed in its own unique way. My Nan was a brilliant, resourceful woman who always found creative ways to make and share through art. She inspired - and continues to inspire me today. I carry that inspiration with me in my work today, as someone who finds joy in making culture
visible through many creative forms.

Our products are about more than play- they’re about connection.

They’re about learning through doing, sharing stories, and celebrating Aboriginal culture in a meaningful, hands-on way.

Play is such a powerful way for children to learn and grow. It sparks curiosity and creativity in young minds. At Ochre Dough, our goal is to create meaningful experiences for you and your boorais (babes) - to invite everyone in to explore, learn, and play together.

Come play, learn and create with us - where every squish and squeeze invites connection, not just through play, but through the stories of this land we all share. 🙏🏽🍃