Meet Georgia, The founder of The Islander. A company inspired by the UK coastline.

Hello, fellow beach lovers!

I'm Georgia, the founder of The Islander, and I couldn't be more excited to welcome you to my little corner of the internet. Have you ever wondered about the story behind the brand and company that celebrates local UK/South Coast/Isle of Wight beaches? Let's dive into the journey of a 30-year-old beach enthusiast as I turned my passion into a business.

Early Roots and Inspiration

I was born and raised mostly on the picturesque Isle of Wight, surrounded by the beauty of the coast. Growing up, my grandparents owned a small family-run beach business (on Small Hope Beach, in Shanklin), where summers were spent renting out deck chairs and sun beds. This early exposure to the beach life sparked a deep love for the sea and sand. 

A Passion for Travel and Exploration

Growing up with a single mum with 3 of us kids meant holidays for us were exploring the UK, camping in beautiful corners of England and spending days fishing and playing on beaches. I found my first job at the age of 14 and from then on I've always worked hard. Usually working 2/3 jobs at a time, when I turned 19, I knew I wanted to explore the World. Watching the movie 'The Beach' inspired me to save up my pennies and get a one way flight to Thailand. By 21 I was embarking on my adventures abroad, exploring different beaches and cultures around the world. Living and working in different countries and with my love for travel and the beach lifestyle only growing stronger, shaping my vision for the brand I would later create.

Turning Challenges into Opportunities

I've had my fair share of ups and downs, but to me, that is what makes life unique and exciting. My story isn't a sad story, it's a story of strength and resilience. Over the last 5 years especially, I was in a court case for my domestic abuse, lost some very important people in my life and after a ectopic pregnancy surgery, received a diagnosis of stage 4 endometriosis that brought unexpected challenges as well as fantastic strength. Despite the difficulties and the realisation that I couldn't have children, I decided to focus on living life on my own terms. These pivotal moments fuelled my determination to be creative and pursue my passions wholeheartedly.

A Brand Born Out of Love

Starting this company has been a journey of love, creativity, and a lot of learning. I began with a simple idea: to create high-quality, beach/local produce inspired clothing and gifts that reflect the relaxed, carefree vibe of the Island lifestyle. 

But this isn’t just about selling products—it's about building a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for the coast, local produce and the nature that surrounds us. 

Why Gyfted/The Islander?

Whether it's a cosy hoodie for a breezy beach walk, a beautifully designed bag celebrating the local produce, a t-shirt for a hot summers day, each piece is created with a lot of thought and love. My clothing and gifts are all about comfort, style and capturing the spirit of the seaside. 

Join the journey

I'm so excited to embark on this adventure with you. This blog will be a space where I share more about the design process, inspiration behind my collections and new idea's. I would love to feature local artists, beach related tips and stories from our community of beach and nature lovers. 

Thanks for stopping by and listening to my story.

With love from the Isle of Wight,

Georgia 
Founder, Gyfted/The Islander