From Barefoot Beginnings to a Jewellery Brand with Heart

How one woman’s love for adventure, nature and craftsmanship sparked the creation of Embella – now a globally cherished jewellery brand.

WORDS BY Scarlett Thomas 

She traded life on the road for a dream built by the sea – founding Embella, a jewellery brand inspired by the beauty of nature and the spirit of adventure. From crafting barefoot on the beach to growing a loyal following at the iconic Mindil Markets, Sally’s story is one of passion, perseverance and staying true to her roots.

Sally’s love for jewellery began young – just seven years old – collecting sequins from her dance costumes that her mother handmade and turning them into friendship bracelets. She sold them for 30 cents at her dad’s newsagency. “Looking back,” she says, “it feels wild to think that Embella’s story started in such a simple way – but from that very moment, I knew I was meant to create.”

Her creativity only grew from there. At 15, she had her first market stall at the Port Fairy Folk Festival in Victoria. From there, she hit the road, travelling from festival to festival, selling jewellery made from shells and stones she’d collected along the way. At 23, she met Ross now her husband and business partner and together they embraced a life of freedom, travelling Australia in a motorhome with their three dogs and building Embella one handcrafted piece at a time.

But the journey wasn’t without its hardships. In the early days, Sally faced immense personal and financial challenges. Losing her dad, who was her greatest mentor and the one who first sparked her love for business was a deep blow. “He had always been my guiding force,” she shares. “We attended trade shows together, and he taught me so much about business.”

Like many small businesses, growth was slow, and resources were tight. “We lived week to week, handcrafting jewellery, sourcing materials wherever we could, and reinvesting every dollar back into the brand.” But with heart, hustle and unwavering dedication, Sally and Ross slowly grew Embella into the brand it is today.

That same heart is what drew them to Darwin. “Mindil Markets was actually the reason we moved here,” Sally says. “We’ve been a part of the market for over 20 years.” Now, she calls Darwin home with Ross and their two children, Kailani and Nalu. It’s not uncommon to spot a queue of happy customers at her market stall, decked out from ring to anklet in Embella’s signature sun-soaked pieces.

Sally says the local community has been a huge part of Embella’s journey. “Many of our customers have been with us from the very start. They’ve watched us grow and supported us every step of the way.”

So, what sets Embella apart? At its core, Embella is a celebration of nature, craftsmanship and creativity. “From the beginning, I’ve stayed true to my vision – handcrafting jewellery with the shells and crystals I’ve always loved, weaving together colour, texture and meaning.” Each piece is designed to be a timeless keepsake, created with care and intention.

Sally’s design process always begins with the stones. “No two are ever the same,” she explains. “I’ll choose one that resonates with me and create a colour palette around it. That stone becomes the heart of each new design.”

As a woman in business, Sally acknowledges the juggle is real. “Balancing motherhood and running a business has been one of my greatest challenges,” she admits. “After having my children, I had to adapt to the limited time I had.” These days, her kids often join her in the studio. “It’s such a special time and it fills me with joy.”

Over the past 20 years, Sally has experienced countless proud moments. “There’s nothing more rewarding than watching people leave our stores with a smile or seeing someone wearing my jewellery out in the world,” she says. “It’s those moments that remind me why I started.”

As for what’s next? Sally’s goals for Embella are simple and grounded. “Stay true to our roots and watch the brand grow. I hope to see more people around the world wearing Embella, with our stores remaining a place where creativity, quality and connection come together.”

For those just discovering Embella, Sally has one message: “Our jewellery is both timeless and effortless; inspired by the breathtaking locations we’ve encountered on our travels, each piece carries the spirit of the ocean and the sun.”

Shop Online: http://embella.com.au and in store at the Star Village Arcade, off the Smith Street Mall Darwin City NT 0800 or Shop 2/29 Yamba St, Yamba NSW 2464

Follow Embella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/embella_style/