Eleven Years of Ankalia Sandals Australia
Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would become a Sandal Artisan. https://ankalia.com/pages/our-story
A simple chance meeting and a comment that was made in Italy is what got the idea in my head. I was at a crossroad in life, and I now call Ankalia my mid-life career detour. My marriage was ‘on the rocks’ and I was over 40 and didn’t know what I was doing with my life.
I had always loved fashion, and I suppose I was a little bit creative, and I was looking for something ‘different’ to do. I had no real plan, no strategy but I loved working, I enjoyed business and I enjoyed creating.
https://ankalia.com/collections/ankalia-sandals
When I first started, I didn’t even know what Instagram was, let alone what a hashtag was. I was very naïve and thought I would just build a website and go from there. I had no clue!
I posted consistently and shyly, even when it felt like nobody was interested. I chased really hard to try and get the brand out there, but I was constantly knocked back.
Eleven years later, I’m still going with Ankalia. I describe myself as being in a constant state of “entrepreneurial poverty,” but I would not have it any other way.
Through the support of the women that have taken the risk and ordered sandals, messaged me, supported me and encouraged me, I have grown into the version of myself that feels like I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing.
https://ankalia.com/collections/ankalia-sandals
Starting Ankalia and running a small business is extremely hard but I love all the challenges it brings, and I love the women I have met along the way.
I hope I am giving back with what I share each day on Instagram and with the sandals I make for so many gorgeous women all over the world.
What started as an idea of an online sandal business has become a community. So many conversations and messages from women of all walks-of-life connecting in ways I never expected.
I am so grateful and thankful for all the support, the connections and the new friendships that have developed over the last eleven years.
https://ankalia.com/collections/ankalia-sandals
Lots of love,
Cheryl xx
