Leina Broughton

Owner | Business Strategist @ Madeit: Handmade NOT Mass-Made

About

I’m a creative entrepreneur obsessed with building businesses that blend mechanics with energetics, commerce with community, and creativity with impact. Today, I’m the proud owner of Madeit.com.au, Australia’s home of handmade artistry and a movement to shape a more conscious, connected future. With over 20 years in the creative industries (including co-founding and scaling a multi-million-dollar fashion label before successfully selling in 2022), I know firsthand the challenges and opportunities facing makers, founders, and dreamers. My work now is about simplifying and amplifying the online journey for artisans. Giving artisans not just a platform to sell, but the tools, education, and community to thrive. 👉🏼 Sold my fashion label after 12+ years as Founder & Creative Director. I started in my garage and became a self taught marketing expert scaling the business to $10mill revenue, pure-play online. 👉🏼 Acquired and relaunched Madeit.com.au, migrating to new tech, switching to application only and tripling average order value in a 12 month period 👉🏼 Built and scaled digital ecosystems across eCommerce, education, and community platforms 👉🏼 Known for turning vision into action with clean systems, strong branding, and peer-to-peer leadership. At my core, I believe in business as alchemy: aligning vision, strategy, and action so creativity doesn’t just survive, it thrives.

Country

Australia

City

Tweed Heads West

Industry

Publishing

Skill

Business-to-Business (B2B), Business Networking, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Branding & Identity, Online Advertising, E-Commerce, Online Marketplace, Business Mentoring, Facilitation, Creative Direction, Writing, Creative Content Creation, Motivational Speaking, Design, Communication, Coaching, Leadership, Professional Mentoring, Online Video Marketing, Web Development

Experience

Owner | Business Strategist

Madeit: Handmade NOT Mass-Made

2023-4 - Present · 3 yrs 6 mos

Australia

Leading the transformation of Australia’s largest handmade marketplace into a vibrant ecosystem where artisans can sell, learn, and connect. Breathed new life into the platform, evolving it into a living, breathing digital home with raving fans and a thriving artisan community. Tripled the size of the Madeit public Facebook group within 12 months, creating a buzzing hub of connection and sales opportunities. Relaunched the marketplace with a human-led application process, artisan quality benchmarks, and fresh digital experiences. Introduced educational programs (masterclasses, challenges, onboarding flows) that empower artisans to grow their creative businesses online. Spearheaded a nationwide artisan meetup initiative, blending online community with in-person connection.

Volunteer Business Mentor ~ Mentoring for Growth (M4G)

Queensland Government

2022-5 - Present · 4 yrs 5 mos

Queensland, Australia

Proudly contributing mentoring to Queensland Small businesses.

Founder & Facilitator

Northern Rivers Business Networking

2024-3 - 2024-8 · 6 mos

Northern Rivers, NSW

For six months, I ran and hosted the Northern Rivers Business Networking Events, bringing together local business owners, community organisations, and venues. Each event was a full house with multiple speakers sharing practical tips, and together we raised $1,000 for a local community organisation. As someone new to the Northern Rivers, it was an amazing way to connect with people, build relationships, and contribute to the community. I’m proud of what we created in that short time and grateful for everyone who came along and supported it.

Co-Owner | Head of Experience

Fleur Collective

2021-11 - 2022-7 · 9 mos

Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia

Founder & Creative Director

Fleur Collective

2010-1 - 2021-11 · 11 yrs 11 mos

Queensland, Australia

This business started like a tiny little seed in my garage as Leina Broughton. It was born with a simple desire to create simple and easy wardrobe solutions for corporate women. Designs that gave women the confidence to walk into any room. Starting as a traditional wholesale model business it then evolved into pureplay online. My primary role was as Creative Director (Designer) and evolved into Head of Digital & Experience. This little seed scaled to $10 million annually, the evolution and journey still blows my mind. In 2022, I successfully sold my share in the company and moved onto my next creative digital journey with Madeit.com.au

Creative Director

LBFR Creative Pty Ltd.

2014-7 - 2022-7 · 8 yrs 1 mo

Gold Coast, Australia

Company that owned: Leina Broughton and then Leina & Fleur Telstra Business Awards Queensland Finalist 2016.

Senior Garment Technician

Country Road Group

2008-11 - 2009-12 · 1 yr 2 mos

Recruited as the Senior Garment Technician for the successful launch of the newly established brand, Trenery for Country Road.

Director

Pattern Central

2001-12 - 2008-7 · 6 yrs 8 mos

Pattern and Technical Consultancy working with some of Australia's leading designers including Nicola Finetti, Tim O'Connor, Josh Goot, Kate Hurst and Lisa Ho. Services included: Pattern and Technical services, Size Chart and block development, Range Evaluation, Fit Consultation