Ombra & Sole Celebrates Top 50 Small Business Leaders 2026
We started with three hats, two young kids, and a very personal reason: to make sun protection easier for families.
Now, almost three years after launching Ombra & Sole, I’m sharing news I still can’t quite believe.
Inside Small Business has named me one of its Top 50 Small Business Leaders for 2026.
I’ve sat down to write this a few times, and every time I get a little emotional because behind this recognition are the hard days, the learning curves and the families who have supported us along the way.
So grab a cuppa. There’s a bit to share, and a very big thank you.
Why We Started Ombra & Sole
When Guy and I launched Ombra & Sole in January 2023, we knew exactly why we were doing it.
My melanoma journey had changed the way I thought about spending time in the Aussie sun, especially with our children. I wanted us to keep enjoying beach days, playground visits and afternoons outdoors. I also wanted hats and sunnies that made sun protection feel like an easier part of getting out the door.
If you’ve ever tried convincing a toddler to keep their hat on, you’ll understand.
Family Sun Protection That Fits Everyday Life
Our idea was simple: create practical, stylish sun protection that families would enjoy wearing.
That meant UPF50+ hats for kids and adults, and UV400 polarised sunglasses with flexible frames. Pieces that felt at home on a family adventure and looked lovely in the photos afterwards.
Before we sold anything, we spent around three years testing, tweaking and testing again. COVID restrictions stretched our timelines, but we kept going.
What the Top 50 Small Business Leaders Recognition Means to Me
Being named one of Inside Small Business’s Top 50 Small Business Leaders for 2026 is something I’m incredibly proud of.
A mum from the Sutherland Shire who started with three hats. It still feels a little surreal.
It also gives me a chance to share the story behind Ombra & Sole with more families. To talk about why we started, what we’ve learnt and why sun safety matters so much to us.
What Was Happening Behind the Scenes
Many of you know that my first melanoma diagnosis inspired this business. What fewer people know is that, while building Ombra & Sole, I received my 2nd, 3rd, 4th and fifth melanoma diagnosis.
That meant 3 monthly skin checks, PET scans, a brain MRI, major surgeries and weeks of recovery.
At the same time, I was learning how to run a growing business. SEO, website updates, email marketing, product development and PR. There always seemed to be something else to figure out.
I had to give myself permission to rest properly. To accept that some things could wait.
I also enrolled in a 12 month women in business course, building my confidence and skills as I went.
So this recognition carries a lot of emotion. I know what it took to get here, and I’m grateful we’ve been able to keep growing.
From Three Hats to Families Around the World
Sometimes I’m so busy packing orders and working through the next job that I forget to stop and look at what we’ve built.
Since launching:
- Our range has grown from three hats to more than forty products.
- Our hats and sunnies are stocked across Australia, New Zealand and France.
- We’ve sent orders to families in countries including the USA, Finland, Canada, the UK and Norway.
- Every order includes an information card sharing our story and simple sun safety reminders.
Behind each of those milestones is someone who chose to support our family business.
A mum recommending us in a Facebook group. A grandparent buying a baby shower gift. A family sharing a beach photo in their favourite hats.
Those small moments have helped our story travel further than we ever expected.
Giving Back With Every Hat
We donate $1 from every hat sold to the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation.
Together, those purchases have helped us donate thousands of dollars to the Foundation.
We’ve also supported its charity events and walks. Being involved means a lot to our family, and we’re grateful your support helps us keep giving back.
More Moments We’re Proud to Celebrate
Alongside the Top 50 recognition, Ombra & Sole has been named a finalist across three other awards programs this year.
Each one has been a lovely reminder to pause and appreciate how far we’ve come.
AusMumpreneur Awards
We were finalists in:
- Overcoming The Odds
- People’s Choice: Making a Difference Business
Being surrounded by other mums in business has been such a special part of this journey. They understand the juggle, and many have become friends along the way.
Women in Altitude Awards
We were named finalists in four categories:
- Impact Award: Education and Personal Transformation
- Purpose Driven Entrepreneur Award
- The Change Maker Award
- Emerging Leader Award
Seeing our family sun protection brand recognised in these categories was a moment I won’t forget.
2026 Sydney Business Awards
We were also named a finalist in Excellence in Micro Business at the 2026 Sydney Business Awards.
As a Sutherland Shire business, this recognition feels especially close to home. Our local community has been cheering us on from the beginning.
Why Your Support Means So Much
I run Ombra & Sole mostly on my own, alongside raising our two children and teaching part time.
Some weeks, it’s a lot.
Then a message pops up from a parent saying their little one loves their new hat. Or someone sends a photo of their teen wearing sunnies they’ve finally agreed to put on.
Those messages make my day.
Every review, recommendation and shared photo reminds me that our products are becoming part of your family’s everyday adventures.
That’s what I hoped for when we started: sun protection that feels practical, comfortable and good to wear.
Knowing you’re choosing our little business to be part of those moments means the world.
Getting Your Family Ready for Sunny Adventures
With spring here and summer on the way, it’s a handy time to check the family’s hats and sunnies.
Kids grow quickly, and something that fitted last summer might be ready to pass on.
A quick check now can make the next outing a little easier:
- Does everyone’s hat still fit comfortably?
- Are the sunnies a good fit and in good condition?
- Are your sun protection essentials easy to grab before heading out?
Our hats and sunglasses are designed to be part of your family’s broader sun protection routine, helping you get ready for time outdoors with a little more confidence.
Find Your Family’s Next Favourite Sun Hat
Explore UPF50+ hats for little explorers, bigger kids and grown ups, with styles for beach days and everyday adventures.
Choose Sunnies They’ll Enjoy Wearing
Discover UV400 polarised sunglasses with flexible frames, in sizes for babies, kids and older adventurers.
From Our Family to Yours, Thank You
Whether you’ve placed an order, shared our story or told a friend about us, you’ve helped Ombra & Sole grow.
You’ve supported a family, a purpose and an idea that began during a really difficult chapter of my life.
I’m so proud of how far we’ve come, and so grateful you’re here with us.
Here’s to more family adventures, more little milestones and plenty of lovely moments outdoors.
With love and gratitude,
Kara
Cofounder, Ombra & Sole
Cofounder, Ombra & Sole