Our Story

Hello and Welcome!

I’m Emilie, the founder of Ora & the Seas. I live in Mudjimba on the Sunshine Coast (QLD) with my son Austin and my husband Tom. Originally from France, I grew up on the beautiful island of Moorea, in the South Pacific. In 2012 I made a permanent move to Australia and have been calling it home since.

Moorea is a place I hold close to my heart and influences a lot who I am today. My backyard was the lagoon before we moved to the valley of Vaianae, where my parents built an off-grid eco-lodge. My dad was passionate about off-grid living. This meant solar panels, a wind turbine, and a river-powered turbine to meet our energy needs. 25 years ago, it was unconventional. Our installation wasn’t perfect, our diesel generator saved the day more than once and waste was challenging to manage, being so far from the main facilities. That didn’t stop him. He was persistent and true to himself and his vision. He inspires me a lot.

The Nature in this valley gave us so much: clean water, fresh air, more bananas than you can eat, and a profound appreciation for our planet. We had a simple life, and I think it was sufficient.

Life moved on, and about a year after landing in Australia, a friend suggested I check out a screening of Plastic Paradise at the Bondi Surf Life Saving Club.
It had a huge impact on me. Watching that documentary was a wake-up call.

Taking action wasn’t easy. I picked up plastic on the beach, joined a local clean-up on the Northern Beaches, and started sustainability conversations at work. At the time, it felt good, but frankly, I wasn’t making any difference.

A few years later, my son Austin was born, and surfing had become a passion. Like many mums, motherhood sparked in me a new entrepreneurial drive, and I was no exception. But between procrastination, having too many ideas, and the challenge of juggling work while caring for a little one, I didn’t get very far.

I eventually began moving forward with a project: a “sustainable” surf wear label for women. Each piece was made from recyled fabric (sourced from salvaged and recycled fishing nets) and ethically manufactured in Brisbane. It felt like a step in the right direction, combining my love for surfing with my passion for sustainability. I started getting samples made, but after picking up a few rounds, I realized that these beautiful garments would eventually wear out and end up in landfills. That just didn’t sit right with me. I put this project on the back burner for some time.

I eventually came across 2 innovative businesses, Upparel and TRA. They collect and recycle textiles to transform them into a new valuable resource. I reframed the waste problem I’ve been pondering over; shifting my focus towards waste in surfwear industry will have a greater impact. I will collect worn-out surf and beach wear and divert it from the landfill.
Today, circularity in businesses is not yet a given, I believe consumers, too, have a responsibility and an important role in pushing for change.

Businesses are gradually sourcing better materials and manufacturing responsibly; these are crucial steps in a sustainable approach. Considering the end-life of the products we create and sale should also become a priority.

Together, we can make an impact. I realized that on my own, it wouldn’t happen. Ora and the Seas is not the solution, it’s one step in the right direction. I think of it as a fire starter. I believe it can trigger curiosity, conversations, and actions. We can consume less, consume better when possible, repair, and dispose responsibly of our clothing.

Join me on that journey, together, we can do better.

With much gratitude.
Emilie