Ombra & Sole Named a Double Finalist in the 2026 AusMumpreneur Awards
I’ve started and deleted this post about five times. Some news is hard to put into words without getting a little teary.
So here goes. Ombra & Sole is a double finalist in the 2026 AusMumpreneur Awards.
Two categories. A national celebration of mums in business. And our little family sun protection brand is part of it.
A few years ago, sitting in a specialist’s office hearing the word melanoma again, I couldn’t have pictured this moment.
But that experience became the reason we started. And every family who has supported us since has helped bring us here.
The Personal Story Behind Ombra & Sole
When Guy and I created Ombra & Sole, we wanted to make everyday sun protection easier for families.
After my own melanoma diagnosis, I knew how much sun safety mattered to me. I also understood the practical side of parenting: hats that come straight off, sunnies that get left behind and the effort it takes just to get everyone out the door.
We wanted to create hats and sunglasses that families would enjoy wearing. Comfortable, practical pieces that looked lovely too.
That idea became our range of UPF50+ hats and UV400 polarised sunglasses, made for family outings, beach days and everyday adventures.
Helping Families Feel More Prepared Outdoors
For us, it’s about making hats and sunnies a familiar part of getting ready.
Less searching for something the kids will wear. More feeling organised and ready to head outside together.
Our products are part of a broader sun protection routine, with styles for little faces through to grown ups.
Our Two AusMumpreneur Finalist Categories
Both categories mean so much to me, for different reasons.
Overcoming the Odds
This is the one that made me cry. I’ve faced melanoma five times. That experience is woven into why Ombra & Sole exists and why I keep sharing our story.
Building a business alongside health challenges, teaching and family life hasn’t always been easy. There have been times when I’ve needed to slow down, ask for help and take things one day at a time.
Being named a finalist in Overcoming the Odds feels deeply personal. It’s a moment to recognise the road that brought us here, including the parts people don’t always see.
People’s Choice: Making a Difference Business
This category brings me back to the purpose behind our products.
We want to help families build everyday sun smart habits, raise melanoma awareness and give back along the way. Every information card packed into an order and every conversation sparked by our story is another opportunity to share that message.
Being recognised in this category means a lot, because that purpose has been part of Ombra & Sole from the beginning.
Sun Protection With Purpose
We donate $1 from every hat sold to the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation.
It’s a commitment that feels very close to home.
When you choose one of our hats, you’re also helping us continue that support. Together, those individual purchases become something bigger.
Whether you’re choosing your little one’s first sun hat or finding a style for yourself, we’re grateful you’ve made our family business part of your everyday life.
The Community Behind Our Small Business
I run Ombra & Sole largely on my own, around teaching and raising our two children. Guy helps whenever he can around his full time job.
Some days are filled with packing orders. Others involve website updates, product planning or figuring out something I’ve never done before.
Then a message arrives from one of you, and it reminds me why we started.
A parent sharing that their child loves their hat. A photo of siblings wearing their sunnies. A recommendation in a mums group that introduces a new family to our brand.
Those moments matter.
Every order, review, share and kind word has helped us grow. This recognition is something I’m so proud to share with the community that has supported us.
Join Us for the Next Chapter
Being a double finalist is a lovely reason to pause and celebrate. It’s also encouragement to keep going, keep learning and keep sharing our purpose.
If you’re new here, welcome. We’re so glad you found us.
Discover Our Family Sun Protection Range
Looking for a hat they’ll enjoy wearing or sunnies for your next outing? Have a browse and find something that suits your family.
And if you’ve been here from the beginning, thank you for helping a very personal idea grow into something we can share with families around the world.
This Aussie mum is feeling pretty grateful.
With love,
Kara x