About Ambarya
We bring beautiful artisan-made accessories to women who want to shine with their own style. The rich, vibrant culture of India is captured in these handcrafts.
When you buy something handmade, you help keep ancient traditions alive. Ambarya exists to protect these crafts and recognise the artisans who make them.
Our purpose is to support ethical work environments and help artisan communities to thrive. That’s why we’re committed to paying a fair living wage to the makers with every sale we make.
Some identities aren’t easily pinned down, and Fiona Deniz’s is one of them.
She explains; “My parents are Anglo Indians who were born in India and moved to Australia. So my upbringing was infused with a mix of Western and Indian culture and Australian culture too. I grew up with the idea of living with several different identities woven together.”
As an adult Fiona longed to explore her Indian roots. She only visited India once, as a toddler. So when her parents invited her to join them on a family reunion, she booked flights right away.
Her trip in 2019 didn’t disappoint. She bathed in India’s warm colours, spirituality and emotion.
She visited the schools and streets where her parents grew up and she was humbled by the simplicity of their early lives. It struck her how much our opportunities are impacted by the country of our birth.
In Cochin, Kerala, Fiona stumbled on a female cooperative handcrafting accessories. Something about the place felt magnetic. She was struck by the artistry of the women who made the goods. They used skills which had been passed down generations.
Fiona recalls that moment, “The handcrafts caught my eye. Earrings that made an old outfit feel new. And pashminas that felt deliciously soft against my skin. I wanted to find a way to share these treasures with my friends back home.”
The following year, Melbourne’s long lockdown provided an opportunity for Fiona to reassess priorities. She realised that she wanted to do something meaningful. Something to create a more just world. Something which also drew the different strands of her life together. And the answer lay in her trip to India. She decided to start a business to connect her community in Australia with artisans in India. And so Ambarya was born.
“This business weaves together the different strands of my identity. It brings unique handcrafted accessories to people who want to make a difference. It’s my way of bringing the beauty of India to Australia and at the same time, doing my part to create a better world.
And that’s why I called it Ambarya, the Sanskrit word for ‘bringing together’.
Thanks for joining me on this journey.”
Fiona x💖x
Look good and do good x
Saw these and knew they would work for my mostly black clothes I wear, I'm from Melbourne isn't that what most of our closets full of ;)
A pop of colour to brighten up my outfits, they were noticed the first time I wore them! Easy to purchase and the earrings came quickly. I loved the packaging and the thank you note, you just don't get this from other brands. It felt like a personal
experience just for me. I saw a similar pair elsewhere but decided to buy from Ambarya as they help women earn a fair wage - we need more of this. I figured if I can look good and help someone be paid fairly for the work they do, then yes I'd rather buy from Ambarya. Excited Handloom Pashmina - Rich Pastels for my
next purchase likely as a gift for a friend or for me!
Never seen a Pink Jade!
I have never seen pink jade. I had to have them. The vibrant colour and the rarity of the gem were stunning when I received them.The purchasing process was very easy, and the packaging was true to Ambarya's message of giving back to environment and community. The earrings are beautifully made. The colour of the pink jade complements a range of colours and are definitely eye catching. Looking forward to purchasing more beautiful items here.
Soft and Luxurious!
The pastels colors in this pashmina are creamy and soft so I can pair it with almost anything in my wardrobe. It feels super luxurious against the skin and generously sized - perfect on those cooler nights out when I'm not sure if I'll need a jacket. Love love being able to directly support rural communities with this great purchase!! ❤❤
Love it!
I got this scarf for Christmas and it is amazing! I love the design and it feels so soft. The scarf is perfect for summer evenings when it gets a bit chilly and you can wrap yourself up in it and also great for dressing up any outfit! The packaging came with a hand written note which was a lovely touch! I admire the ethics that we are supporting local artisans by being a apart of Ambarya. Thank you for creating something so wonderful and looking forward to seeing what else is on your site!
Unique
Bought the tribal earnings for Christmas had several comments on the precious stones and others said they looked unique.