Michel Viner is the creative force behind UNALOME Alignment with the Divine, an online and direct-to-consumer clothing, homewares and artefacts brand with an ethos based on conscious design, manufacture and distribution. Her hand selected range features natural dyes and fabrics, traditional techniques and unique handblocked prints, motifs and designs that honour the cultural traditions of the makers. Every exclusive design is an opportunity to wear a piece of art. Sourcing primarily from India and Bali, Michel will focus on bold colours and geometric designs that look and feel different, with a high emphasis on quality and easy wearability. “I want people to put on a UNALOME piece and feel amazing and special. These are statement pieces that carry a deeper meaning, and their own special story.” Her commitment is to work with fair trade designers and manufacturers ensuring equitable treatment and sustainability in community. She will also collaborate with local suppliers to design homewares using unique printed fabrics. “The business name UNALOME Alignment with the Divine has a meaning that not only encapsulates my personal beliefs about life, but also the intentions of the business. We will primarily be importing handmade clothing, homewares, accessories and art that are made with mindfulness and respect of the artists and their traditions. I am passionate about the quality and authenticity of the products,” says Michel. “I come from a family of designers and have had a lifelong love affair with textiles, fabric design and unique clothing lines–UNALOME will provide both myself and my customers with an opportunity to align with the divine in themselves.” Michel’s move to the Yarra Valley two years ago, brought two ideas into a renewed realm of possibility. The capacity she had to ‘work’ remotely on her training and development business, while creating a viable new business she could transition into for a second act career. “Moving here from the city was great for my wellbeing, and I look forward to building more business and personal connections with likeminded people,” she says. “I am a client of the beauty therapist and that is how I came to understand the opportunities at YREC. Now I am here, I really appreciate the convenience, the opportunity for growth, and the sense of community. There is nothing else like this centre. It just made sense.” She is focused on expanding her range of conscious products from around the world and looks forward to presenting the range at Melbourne design markets and launching her online retail shop in summer 2025.