Future Makers: Laura Thompson & Sarah Sheridan, Co-founders of Clothing The Gaps

What happens when a T-shirt becomes more than just clothing, when it becomes a statement, a symbol, and a spark for change?

This month’s Future Makers are Laura Thompson and Sarah Sheridan, the powerhouse duo behind Clothing The Gaps. With roots in Aboriginal health and community advocacy, Laura and Sarah didn’t set out to start a fashion label. But through bold campaigns, unapologetic storytelling, and deep cultural connection, they’ve built one of Australia’s most impactful purpose-led brands.

Laura and Sarah open up about how they’ve used fashion as a vehicle for activism, what it means to lead with purpose, and why community and cultural visibility remain at the core of everything they do.

 

1. What was your first start in the industry, and can you share your career journey? Was there a pivotal moment in your career that led you or pushed you to where you are today?

Laura: I never set out to be in fashion. My background is in health promotion and public health, and I worked for over 15 years in Aboriginal health. The real turning point came during the Free the Flag campaign, when we realised the power of a T-shirt to spark national conversations and create change. That’s how Clothing The Gaps started, it was never just about fashion, but about visibility, justice, and storytelling.

Sarah: I met Laura during my student placement at the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service. I am non-Indigenous but have always been deeply invested in social justice and community-led change, being from rural Victoria I understand the power in strong community groups. The idea to create Clothing The Gaps grew from our desire to amplify Aboriginal voices, remain independent, and to create merchandise that’s much more than a product, it’s a platform for advocacy.

2. Are there any mentors or influential figures who played a key role in your leadership style?

Laura: I’m deeply inspired by the strong women in my community, especially those who’ve fought tirelessly for Aboriginal rights and justice matriarchs like Aunty Alma Thorpe, my mum, Rose Dwyer and other Elders who shaped the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service. Their leadership has always been about strength, heart, and community. That’s the foundation of my leadership style today.

Sarah: Working alongside Aboriginal women in health and community spaces taught me that leadership is grounded in listening, humility, and accountability. I’ve been fortunate to learn from many strong women whose leadership isn’t about hierarchy, it’s about walking with community and leading with care. Those experiences continue to shape how I show up in my work and life today - always guided by purpose, respect, and a commitment to continuous learning.

 

3. What has been the biggest challenge you have faced on your pathway, and how did you overcome it?

Both: One of the biggest challenges was navigating racism and criticism when we used fashion to speak truth to power, especially during campaigns like Not A Date To Celebrate , Free the Flag and the First Nations Voice to Parliament Referendum. We’ve faced backlash for being too political, too loud, or “not staying in our lane.”

We overcame it by staying grounded in community and values. Our purpose is bigger than the fear of being criticised. We’ve built a strong team and brand that’s unapologetically bold, and we continue to back ourselves and Community causes every step of the way.

 

4. Our industry is 76% female, however this is not the case at executive level. Do you believe the Australian fashion industry has evolved over the years, particularly in its support for women leaders? What can we all do to help change this statistic?

Both: The industry has made some progress, but there’s still a long way to go especially when it comes to representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women at leadership levels. Visibility matters. Decision-making tables should reflect the diversity of the people wearing the clothes and buying the products.

To shift this statistic, we need to back women leaders not just with words but with investment, access, and opportunity. It’s about creating pipelines, not just platforms and doing the deeper work of decolonising systems that weren’t built with us in mind.

 

5. What's one piece of advice you’d share with someone aiming to follow in your footsteps?

Laura: Stay rooted in who you are and why you started. You don’t need to change yourself to lead, you just need to lead from a place of truth. Our brand is strong because it’s authentic and accountable to the community.

Sarah: Purpose-led work doesn’t always follow the traditional path and that’s okay. If you notice a gap, think about how you can contribute meaningfully and respectfully. You don’t always need to wait for the perfect moment to start something impactful. Stay grounded in your values, be open to learning, and trust that thoughtful, consistent work will speak for itself.

Find more about Clothing The Gaps here.