COURTNEY SUMMERS WAS NAMED YOUNG BLAK ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR ON THE SUCCESS OF SUMTIMESSAD. PHOTOS: BRI McLEAN 

Courtney Summers started Alice Springs-based clothing and wellbeing company Sumtimessad after rupturing a cruciate ligament during a netball game in 2022. 

“It was a huge setback for someone who’s always been active and sporty,” she says. “The thought of not being able to play netball for a year was terrifying to me. 

“But after surgery, I shifted my mindset. I didn’t want to spend the year feeling sorry for myself, so Sumtimessad was born. 

“The name just came to me because it perfectly described how I felt at the time — sometimes sad. But I didn’t want the setback to define me. I knew I wasn’t the first person to experience setbacks and definitely won’t be the last. 

“I wanted to create a community that acknowledges it’s okay to feel down, but through support and embracing vulnerability, we can rise above anything.” 

The company motto is: Through the good days and bad. 

Courtney has been named Young Blak Entrepreneur of the Year by the NT Indigenous Business Network. 

Sumtimessad started as a clothing brand, but evolved into a self-development brand offering not just comfortable clothes but also personalised toolkits for tackling wellbeing, leadership, goal-setting and self-care. 

“I believe in open conversations,” Courtney says. “We can continue to build our mindsets and never limit ourselves to one way of living. We’re all unique so there will never be one right answer to self-development.” 

She always knew that a traditional 9-5 job would never suit her. 

“Starting Sumtimessad has allowed me to build my passion of mentoring and mental health into a business. 

“Each time someone buys a product, joins a program or simply shares how the brand has helped them, I feel a deep sense of fulfillment. 

“Every day, I wake up excited to work on something that doesn’t feel like a job at all. It feels right, even though I’m still in the early stages and admittedly a little nervous about going full-time. But I’m confident I’m on the right path. 

“The best part of owning Sumtimessad is knowing that it’s a brand built for young people who may be struggling with their mental health, offering them reassurance that they’re not alone. 

“When I was battling my own mental illness at 13, I felt incredibly isolated during some of the most challenging times of my life. My hope is that through Sumtimessad, young people today can look to the brand and know they don’t have to face their struggles in isolation. 

“Every message I receive thanking me for my vulnerability and work makes it all worthwhile. Those moments remind me that what I’m doing matters, and that’s the biggest win for me.” 

Courtney’s dream is to take her business Australia-wide. 

“Alongside the programs, I’ll continue offering comfortable, timeless products that allow people to feel connected to the brand. 

“I also have an exciting collection in the works for next year, but that’s all I can say for now… you’ll have to wait and see!” 

Courtney conducts workshops through schools, sporting organisations and the workforce, and hopes to get out to remote communities. 

CONTACT 

sumtimessad@gmail.com 

www.sumtimessad.com.au 

instagram.com/sumtimessadd