The Beach People has become a globally recognised brand celebrated for its distinctive beach lifestyle products and exquisite designs. Co-founders and sisters Emma Henderson and Victoria Beattie grew up surrounded by the beauty of the ocean, spending their childhood sailing and living along the picturesque north coast of New South Wales. It was here, amidst the salt air and coastal vibes, that their deep love for the sea took root. The duo shared not only a passion for the ocean but also a keen eye for design, which eventually led them to create a brand that effortlessly blends luxury and practicality. “It started with a simple idea and a love of design,” Emma and Victoria say, reflecting on the humble beginnings of their vision. Today, The Beach People is known for capturing the essence of beach living in every product, turning everyday moments into coastal escapes.
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[ Founders – The Beach People ]
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Their journey began in the summer of 2013 with a simple idea: to create sophisticated, functional beach essentials. Their debut product, the iconic Roundie® towel, quickly gained a cult following, selling out within weeks of its launch and establishing The Beach People as a must-have brand for beach lovers worldwide. This success propelled Emma and Victoria to expand their vision, creating a full range of coastal-inspired products that bring the spirit of the ocean into everyday life.
Coastal DESIGNS
At the heart of The Beach People lies a deep connection to the sea. Drawing inspiration from their coastal surroundings and extensive travels, Emma and Victoria create designs that embody the natural beauty of the ocean. Each product starts with hand-drawn patterns, ensuring originality and a personal touch. The result is a stunning collection that balances function and style, from their signature Roundie® towels to candles, bath linens, and ponchos. Their designs incorporate earthy tones and intricate patterns, reflecting their love for the ocean and the serene coastal lifestyle.
“We’ve worked hard to design some beautiful, luxurious products which reflect our love of the ocean,” Emma and Victoria share. “Everything we do has its own unique twist, and that is something we love about what we do.”
FAMILY-FIRST
From the very beginning, The Beach People has been a family-driven venture. The sisters wanted to create a business that allowed them to balance their careers with motherhood, building something their children could be proud of. They also hoped to inspire future generations to follow their dreams. “Trust your gut, face challenges head-on, and don’t let fear stop you from chasing your dreams,” Victoria advises aspiring entrepreneurs.
Emma and Victoria’s commitment to their relationship as both sisters and business partners has been key to their success. Early on, they created a “Sister Contract” that highlighted their strengths and weaknesses, always putting their friendship first. They’ve learned to lean on each other during tough times, taking breaks to enjoy life and maintain their strong bond.
STARTUP ADVICE
Starting a business requires courage and perseverance. Emma and Victoria took a leap of faith, investing their savings—including their house deposits—into their vision. Their mantra for success? “Life is too short not to follow your passions,” says Victoria. They also recommend tackling the hardest tasks first each day, using the mantra “eat the frog” to stay focused and productive. “Starting a new business requires courage and perseverance, and it’s essential to lay a strong foundation from the very beginning,” they note.
Mistakes are inevitable, but they are also opportunities for growth. Emma and Victoria stress the importance of having a support network of mentors and peers to guide you through the challenges of entrepreneurship.
Work & Life
Balancing work and family life is a constant juggle, but Emma and Victoria have learned to prioritise what matters most at any given time. As mothers, they accept that some weeks demand more attention to family, while others require focusing on work. “When you own your own business, the workload is limitless,” they say, but they’ve found that stepping away—whether for a walk on the beach or family adventures—helps maintain balance and creativity. They also keep weekends work-free and dedicate evenings to family time. Dinner is their sacred moment to connect, recharge, and share their day.
What’s Next
Looking ahead, The Beach People is gearing up for an exciting new collection, including their highly anticipated bedding line. The sisters continue to push the boundaries of design while staying true to their brand ethos: creating beautiful, functional products that celebrate the coastal lifestyle. “We’re excited to bring new products to our customers that will elevate their beachside living,” they share.
As they continue to build their brand and legacy, Emma and Victoria are a shining example of how passion, perseverance, and a love for what you do can transform a simple idea into a globally admired business.
Emma & Victoria share their insights on work, life, & family.
We love what we do because… We love the adventure and the opportunity to create unique products that bring a touch of the ocean into people’s lives.
Never be afraid of… Being honest. Authenticity and staying true to ourselves has been one of the keys to our success.
Our greatest talent is… Emma says of Victoria: “She is the hardest worker and the wisest lady.” Victoria says of Emma: “Highly creative, she’s literally buzzing with ideas!”
Our biggest challenge… At the moment, getting all our new products to market on time!
When starting a business one must… Be courageous and trust your gut. Don’t let fear hold you back from pursuing your dreams.
Most rewarding career moment… Watching everyday people all around the globe enjoy the products we create. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see our designs become part of people’s daily lives.
We’ve loved… Creating ‘The Original Roundie.’ It took two years, and nothing prepared us for the public reaction. It was so rewarding, and we’re grateful that people love our products as much as we do.
I never go to work without… Loads of snacks and a big bottle of water!
Never underestimate… A walk on the beach or a dip in the sea. It’s the perfect way to recharge and find inspiration.
In our spare time we like to… Spend our days with friends and family by the sea, enjoying the simple pleasures of life.
Every girl needs… A Roundie! It’s a must-have for beach days or as a home accessory.
Happiness is… Family. We cherish every moment spent together.
Success means… A healthy and happy home. When our family is thriving, everything else falls into place.
What’s next… Lots of new products on the horizon, including some exciting surprises—so stay tuned!
Living the dream means… Being present and enjoying every day, whether at work, with family, or on an adventure.
Hope you loved reading about The Beach People’s journey! Thanks for hanging out with us. Now, dive into their coastal collection and bring some beachy vibes into your life—click the link to shop!
The Beach People: Shop 48/1 Porter Street, BYRON BAY NSW 2481 WWW.THEBEACHPEOPLE.COM.AU
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“Big thanks to Emma and Victoria for sharing your amazing journey with us! Your passion, creativity, and dedication are like a refreshing ocean breeze. You’ve shown us that with vision, hard work, and a fearless spirit, anything is possible. Women like you remind us to ride the waves, stay true to our values, and chase our dreams. We can’t wait to see what awesome things you’ll do next!” – Demi Karan, Heels Agency
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Shop The Beach People
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The Beach People: Picnic Basket$199.00 -
The Beach People: Wet Bucket$169.00 -
The Beach People: Original Jute Bag$29.00
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