Created by Carly Catalano, Rivarossa Botanicals was born from a lifelong passion for crafting and experimenting with different art forms. Her focus on botanical dyeing came naturally, falling in love with the beauty and variability of natural dyes. As a mum herself, Carly understands the importance of finding pieces that are versatile, durable, and work with your everyday schedule, which is why each of their ethically-made pieces has been designed to fit seamlessly into your life, no matter what stage you’re in. Rivarossa Botanicals is a conscious brand that focuses on ethical and sustainable practices in every aspect of their production process. They use only natural Australian plants and flowers they have grown themselves in their dyeing process, and never any harsh chemicals. Here Carly talks to The Natural Parent Magazine about the inspiration behind her business, how she started out in the beginning, the challenges she has overcome, and her hopes and dreams for the future.
The passion: What inspired you to set up your business?
I was inspired to set up my business out of a deep passion for sustainability, slow fashion, and the beauty of natural dyeing. In today’s fast-paced world, it feels truly magical to be able to slow down and create something directly from nature. Each piece I make is inspired by the changing seasons and what’s blooming at the time.
This journey is not just for me-it’s something I can share while raising my two girls. Together, we garden, collect flowers, and learn the names of plants around us. It helps us connect as a family, allowing us to slow down and appreciate the simple yet powerful act of creating from nature.
The launch: How did you start out in the beginning?
In the beginning, my journey started with curiosity. After a trip to India, I saw first-hand the environmental toll of synthetic dyes-waste, toxic chemicals, and pollution. It got me thinking about alternatives, and I soon came across natural dyeing. I fell in love with the process because it felt like a way to reconnect with nature while creating something beautiful and sustainable.
I started small, taking a few classes and doing lots of research. Then came the trial and error-working with different fabrics, flowers, and plant materials. Living in Western Australia has been a blessing because so many native plants are perfect for natural dyeing, and you can grow flowers year-round. I started experimenting with what I had around me, and the rest grew from there.
The innovation: What was the biggest breakthrough for you with your business?
The biggest breakthrough for me was realising how many people were eager to learn about this beautiful, age-old craft. With my background as a teacher, it felt so natural when people started asking me to run workshops. I had missed teaching, and I thought, what a perfect opportunity to educate people of all ages about the textile industry and how to create colour from what’s available around us in nature.
It’s also been incredibly heart-warming to see that more and more people are drawn to reconnecting with these traditional crafts, embracing sustainability, and exploring slow fashion practices. There’s something so special about returning to nature and learning these timeless skills that have been passed down through generations.
Since starting, I’ve taught natural dyeing to kids as young as 2 and adults up to 88. It’s amazing to see how each person takes something different from the experience-whether it’s a deeper understanding of sustainability, a new creative outlet, or simply the joy of slowing down. It’s been so rewarding to share this craft and watch others fall in love with it, just like I did.
Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
I try to keep a clear structure by working on my designated “work days,” which is when my eldest daughter is at school and my youngest is at daycare. On the other days, I have my 2-year-old with me, and I focus on spending time with her. If work comes up, I often involve her by having her help me pick flowers, forage leaves, or assist with creating my pieces. Both of my girls have been a part of this craft from a very young age-even if that meant sleeping in the pouch while I worked, or helping unbundle my pieces.
Balancing it all is definitely challenging, and I’ve learned the importance of saying no to some opportunities. In the past, I would take on too much, which added pressure to our family life. Being a working mom, finding that perfect balance is tricky, but I try my best each day.
