The Story Behind Sandals & Sunsets

If you’ve ever wondered how Sandals & Sunsets began, it all started with a holiday in Spain. (of course, you know I love to travel)

Years ago, while travelling through Spain, I bought a pair of beautiful handmade leather sandals from a small shop in a back cobblestoned alley.  They were simple, stylish and incredibly comfortable — the kind of sandals you could wear all day while wandering and sightseeing.  At the time I saw the glitter pairs but went for a Classic Black.

When I came back home, I realised something. I wanted more pairs in all the colours… and so did my friends.

The problem was that when we went searching for similar sandals in Australia, they were often $180 or more, which just wasn’t realistic.  As a mum of three, spending that much on a pair of sandals simply wasn’t in the budget and would create way too much Mum Guilt.

But I couldn’t stop thinking about those Spanish sandals and the way they accommodated my rather wide big toe!

Keeping My Connection to Spain

Before moving to Australia, I had spent time living in Spain and absolutely fell in love with the lifestyle — the sunshine, the relaxed pace, the food, the siestas, the fiestas and of course the beautiful craftsmanship you see everywhere.

Starting Sandals & Sunsets was a way for me to keep a little piece of Spain in my life and share that feeling with ladies here in Australia.

I wanted women to be able to enjoy authentic Spanish leather sandals without paying luxury boutique prices.

A Business Built Around Family

Another big reason I started the business was my family.

Like many mums, life revolves around school drop-offs, pick-ups, sports, activities and all the mum taxi duties that come with raising kids.

I wanted to create a business that allowed me to work around my children while still doing something I loved.

Sandals & Sunsets grew from that idea — bringing beautiful handcrafted sandals from Spain to Australia while building a business that fits around family life.

Handmade in Spain, Loved in Australia

Every pair of sandals is still handcrafted in Spain using beautiful leather, just like the pair that first inspired me all those years ago.

It makes me incredibly happy knowing that these sandals have now travelled from small Spanish workshops to wardrobes all across Australia.  In August this year we will celebrate 10 years in business and I couldn't be prouder.

And it all started with just one pair on a holiday.

Thank You for Supporting a Small Business

If you’ve bought a pair, shared my page, left a review or told a friend — thank you. Supporting a small business means the world, not only do I do a little happy dance but the kids also do a whoop of joy when they hear that cha Ching sound, as they know that helps me be around for them.

If you’re new here, welcome. I’m so glad you found us.

Sambo aka the sandal girl.