Meet Our Founder and Creative Director Cheryl Botha

Way back in 2012 I resigned from a Directorship in the corporate world, telling everyone I was going on a sabbatical.

At that time, I had no definite plan, other than the fact that I wanted to study fashion in Europe and change my career.

Three years and a lot of study, travel, adventures and sandals later I am now the creative mind and owner of Ankalia. https://ankalia.com/

I try to fly under the radar, but you will see my name and face on all things Ankalia and all things - sandals. So, it’s only right that I tell you a little bit about myself. 

My Mid-Life Creative Detour

A ski instructor in the early days and then a corporate executive working globally for more than 10 years, I was looking for a change and something a little bit creative and a little bit fashion related.

“I had always loved clothes and handbags, but I was never really into shoes. It must have been fate when I was offered an internship in Italy, training under renowned Sandal Artisan – Antonio Viva. I really discovered a passion then – something creative and working with colour, design and fashion.”

“I decided there was a real gap in the Australian market and very little choice for flat embellished sandals. So, I brought my training back with me to Australia and launched Ankalia online.” https://ankalia.com/

Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would ever become a “Calzolaio.” (Italian for Sandal maker).

The rest is history, as they say. I now work from my home studio and it’s more than 10 years ago that the website went ‘live.’ I still love what I do. I get nervous every time I make a pair of sandals but it’s so worth it because I love helping ladies feel chic, pretty and stylish. You can peruse my current designs here: https://ankalia.com/collections/ankalia-sandals

 Lots of love,

Cheryl xx