Madhatter Meets Sally Welburn

Each week we will be introducing a different female creative from the surf and skate community here in Jersey. This week we sat down and spoke to Sally Welburn about her gorgeous new found skill and small business. Interested to find out more? Read on to find out what Sally has been getting up to over Lockdown.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

My name’s Sally, I’m 26 and I’m from North Devon in the UK. I moved to Jersey last summer and I’m currently working as a secondary school teacher.

How long have you been surfing for?
I’ve been surfing on and off since I was about 11.

Is there anything or anyone in particular that got you into surfing?

My brother was surfing long before me and got me into it, slowly at first, but it soon became a love of mine. It took me a while to gain confidence in the water but I was really lucky that my school had a surf life saving club. I soon started to rely on the ocean, not only as a place to hang out with my mates but also a place to go to when life was a bit more challenging. It’s a place I retreat to time and time again to reconnect when I can’t find answers. Surfing has lead me to some places I couldn’t have dreamed of and continues to do so….

Is it tough being a female surfer in a largely Male populated sport?

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 I think that isn’t a feeling that is felt by females alone. 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.

What inspires you to get creative? 

Creativity has always played a big role in my life. I remember art lessons when I was about 10, painting my best friend’s dreadlocks bright orange and sticking beads in his fringe! I get so buoyed-up seeing other people pursue their creative ideas with complete conviction, it’s what brings us to life. The energy that’s given out by people being true to what really brings them joy is what life is all about for me. I love that. I often find the most creative people are the ones who are just scraping a living, but it’s definitely a living worth scraping. I’ve tried to let go of the idea of perfection this year, just giving new stuff and try and backing yourself is an achievement in itself.

Can you tell us the story behind Sama bags?

Sure. So, 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, really. I’d seen some boardbags 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 shop in St Peters and bought myself an £18 sewing machine and some old curtain fabric. Bean Around The World were 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 spent at the sewing machine with some tunes for company, I guess that’s why I like it.

Have you got a social media platform for your work? 

Instagram:@sama.bags

Why did you pick this brand? What stands out about it for you? 

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 to. I love the colours and textures of the Autumn/Winter collection, the oversized jumpers are perfect for after-surf cosy sessions by fire.



Words by Jenna Springthorpe
Photos by Ollie Jones Photography

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