Women in Their Magic: Meet the Founder of Mahloe
Britt JamesWhere do you live now, and what is it about that place that feels like home to you?
I live by the ocean on the Sunshine Coast, and I honestly adore the slower pace this beautiful pocket of paradise has to offer. What makes it even more special are the incredible national parks scattered all around the coastline. I spend a lot of my time exploring them, surfing, diving, and wandering through bush tracks that open out onto wild beaches. Being able to move between the forest and the sea so easily makes every day feel like a little adventure.
You’re the founder of Mahloe. How did the brand begin, and what originally inspired
you to start creating jewellery?
Mahloe began very organically and was really inspired during my early 20s while I was
living in Hawaii. Being surrounded by the ocean every day, the shells, the light on the water, the textures of coral and sand deeply shaped the aesthetic that would eventually become the heart of the brand. I’ve always been drawn to creativity and beautiful objects, particularly those formed naturally by the sea.
While studying at university I completed a Bachelor of Arts and majored in Education, but throughout that time I continually found myself leaning into my creative side. I started making jewellery pieces that I personally wanted to wear that felt raw, textural and connected to the ocean.
What began as a creative outlet slowly evolved into something much bigger. When I allowed myself to follow that creative pull, Mahloe really started to flourish and grow. I realised I could build a life around something that genuinely lit me up.
Running a business isn’t always smooth sailing - what have been some of the biggest or noisiest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Running a business isn’t always smooth sailing. Building something from the ground up is
incredibly rewarding, there’s a wild sense of accomplishment when you bring an idea or
concept to life. When things are flowing, it’s such a beautiful creative process. But it can also be loud at times and when I say loud, I mean it. There are the realities that come with running a small business, financial pressure, moments of self-doubt, setting boundaries, comparison, mistakes, and the inevitable growing pains that come with learning as you go. One of the biggest challenges for me has been learning to truly
trust myself, and know that it’s going to always work out.
You come across as such a fun, upbeat person - do you feel like that all the time, or is cultivating joy something you consciously work on?
I am genuinely a happy-go-lucky person. I naturally tend to look on the bright side of things it’s just how I’m wired. That’s not to say I’ve had an easy boat ride through life, because I certainly haven’t. I’ve experienced loss and challenges at a young age that have shaped how I see the world. In many ways, those experiences have given me a deeper perspective on life and are a reminder that time is precious and that joy is something worth protecting and nurturing.
I do know that being close to nature helps A LOT for me, it always bringing me back to
centre. I also feel although knowing when it’s time to speak up especially when something matters or deserves more attention in the world. Running Mahloe has strengthened that part of me. It’s taught me resilience, confidence, and how to stand firmly in my values while continuing to grow.
When things feel full or overwhelming, what are your go-to self-care practices that help bring you back into balance?
The ocean and Nature. Always. If I’m overwhelmed, I’ll go for a surf, a swim, or even just sit by the water somewhere beautiful in nature.
Looking ahead, what’s next for you - personally, creatively or in business? Any goals you’re excited about?
I’m excited to keep building but in a way that feels aligned and intentional. I want Mahloe to grow but never lose its soul. Creatively, I’m excited to keep exploring more collaborative partnerships with amazing brands who Mahloe also aligns with.
Personally, I love my lifestyle and just want to keep living fully. More waves, more travel,
genuine connections and continuing to build a life that feels true to me. Staying happy,
positive and purposeful is all I could really ask for out of life!



