Raquel and Adam Bouris’ Sydney perfume brand Who Is Elijah, once self-described as a $20 million empire, is facing mounting scrutiny over significant financial and workplace concerns, with reports revealing more than $1.4 million in tax debt and over $280,000 owed to suppliers.
According to CreditorWatch, the company has accumulated substantial liabilities, including $224,378 owed to Sydney supplier Baker & Co and $57,808 to Adelaide-based e-commerce provider Ecom Nation.
The Australian Taxation Office has also registered a default of $1,411,252, while credit checks on the company have surged in recent months, indicating growing concern among businesses about its ability to meet financial obligations.
Reports have also alleged that the brand concealed its financial position through high-profile department store partnerships and strategic social media campaigns, maintaining an image of commercial success despite mounting debt.
In response, co-founder Raquel told The Daily Telegraph the company is currently undergoing a period of restructuring and growth, insisting that the reported figures “do not accurately reflect the current position of the business.”
Alongside its financial challenges, Who Is Elijah has been hit with a wave of allegations about workplace culture, with multiple former employees describing the environment as toxic in reviews posted on Glassdoor.
One former staff member claimed the workplace operated “more like a high school playground than a professional environment,” alleging favouritism and a clear hierarchy that marginalised those outside an “inner circle.” Others described a culture of competition, lack of support and employees “walking on eggshells.”
The allegations come after reports the company made a number of redundancies in February and vacated its Taren Point factory, marking a shift in operations following a period of rapid growth that had previously included international work trips for staff.
Raquel rejected the characterisation of the workplace, stating that anonymous reviews do not reflect the broader culture or values of the business, while acknowledging that experiences may differ among former employees.
The brand has also faced recent criticism from customers, with negative reviews emerging around product quality and customer service, adding to the growing pressure on the business.
Despite the challenges, Raquel said the company remains committed to improving its operations and maintaining high standards, emphasising that periods of change are common for fast-growing businesses as they evolve and adapt.
Source: The Daily Telegraph
