Our Story

🌞 Our Story

Shade & Sun. Purpose & Passion. Family & Legacy.

The name Ombra & Sole means Shade and Sun — a reflection of both our love for balance and our mission to protect.

Ombra & Sole was founded with a clear purpose: to make sun protection stylish, safe, and part of everyday life for families across Australia. But behind the brand lies a deeply personal story.

 

☀️ A Brand Born From Experience

After being diagnosed with four melanomas in four years, co-founder Kara Giovenco and her husband Guy made it their mission to promote sun safety — not just as a precaution, but as a way of life.

Living under the harsh Australian sun and raising their two beautiful children, they knew the importance of creating stylish, functional sun-safe products that parents trust and kids actually want to wear.

Ombra & Sole (or O & S) stands for their values — and serendipitously, also for their children’s initials: Oscar and Scarlett.

👒 Why Hats?

We believe sun protection shouldn’t be boring — it should be beautiful, breathable, and bold. That’s why we’ve built a collection of hats, sunglasses, and accessories that combine fashion with function, designed with Australia's unique UV challenges in mind.

 

💛 Giving Back Matters

Ombra & Sole proudly donates $1 from every hat sold to the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation, funding melanoma research and raising awareness about early detection.
➡️ Learn more on our Giving Back page.

 

We hope our products help your family enjoy sunny days with confidence and comfort — and we’re so grateful to have you on this journey.

With love,
Kara, Guy, Oscar & Scarlett
(The O & S founding family)

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