Sama Bags, Madhatter, Billabong W20 Shoot

It was a pleasure to photograph Sally Welburn, a female creative surfer from Jersey's surf and skate community. Sally moved to Jersey from North Devon in the UK. She is the founder of Sama bags. 

"Moving to Jersey was a game-changer for me in this sense. I met some incredibly empowered and empowering women who have welcomed me with open arms and have since become more like family than friends. They've helped me wrap my head around Jersey's intricate surfing conditions and will push me to get in on days when I'd otherwise head home for a cuppa! I still have moments of insecurity when I surf, especially in new places, but that isn't a feeling that females alone feel. I love surfing with the guys and either using it as a challenge to push myself, or to sit back and appreciate our differences in all their beauty.

Sama bags was born in the unlikely scenario of having a broken leg, the start of a global pandemic and the desire to impress a boy! Yep. I'd seen some board bags whilst visiting my best friend in California a couple of years ago, and the idea had lodged somewhere in the dusty corners of my head. Just before lockdown, I headed to the Hospice Charity shop and bought myself an £18 sewing machine and some old curtain fabric. A Local coffee shop Bean Around The World, was kind enough to save me some coffee sacks, and the rest is history! By the time my leg healed, I'd taught myself how to sew and had made a handful of bags for my mates. I've since shipped a few to the UK and have upgraded the sewing machine & my sewing skills thanks to my Gran and a few sketchy FaceTime calls! It's a peaceful time at the sewing machine with some tunes for company; I guess that's why I like it.

Connect with Sally on Instagram: @sama.bags

Sally is wearing Billabong, provided by Madhatter Surf Shop. @madhatter_surfshop

"For me, Billabong encapsulates how surf culture has evolved over the years; you can feel the authenticity in their products. They're a brand I've grown up with, and I feel a sense of familiarity too. I love the colours and textures of the Autumn/Winter collection; the oversized jumpers are perfect for after-surf cosy sessions by fire."

*All images © Ollie Jones Photography Limited. No image may be copied, modified or distributed without licence.