The Journey Begins

In 1972, my parents left London and set off on an overland journey to Australia aboard the legendary Magic Bus. With a single ticket, they travelled across Europe, the Middle East and Asia, with every bus, ferry and connection somehow falling into place—long before mobile phones, GPS or the internet existed.

Travelling by bus, train, truck and bicycle rickshaw, they embraced the unknown, discovering extraordinary landscapes, cultures and craftsmanship along the way. It wasn’t simply about reaching Australia; it was about slowing down, meeting people and experiencing the world with curiosity and an open mind.

That remarkable journey became the foundation of our family’s story, inspiring a lifelong love of travel, traditional craftsmanship and the people behind the things they create. More than fifty years later, those same values continue to shape The Natural Nomad.

Life on the Road

Travelling overland wasn’t always comfortable. Days were spent crossing borders, waiting for buses, sleeping wherever the journey paused and adapting to whatever came next. There were no mobile phones, online bookings or sat nav—just one ticket, a map and a sense of adventure.

Before crossing into Afghanistan, Mum cut Dad’s hair beside the Magic Bus because long hair wasn’t permitted at the border. It’s a simple family photograph, but it perfectly captures the reality of travelling in the 1970s—resourceful, spontaneous and full of unforgettable moments.

Looking back, it wasn’t the perfect plans that made the journey special, but the unexpected moments and the people they met along the way. Those experiences became stories that have been passed down through our family ever since.

Discovering India

As the journey continued east, India captured their hearts in a way no other place had. The colours, craftsmanship and generosity of the people they met left a lasting impression.

Long before “slow fashion” became a movement, they had fallen in love with handmade textiles, traditional block printing and the extraordinary skill of artisans whose knowledge had been passed down through generations.

That connection to India never faded. It became part of our family’s story and, decades later, would inspire the creation of The Natural Nomad.

Growing Up Among Makers

After arriving in West Wales from Australia, my parents built a life centred around creativity. Natural dyeing, spinning wool, weaving and making became part of everyday family life, and I grew up surrounded by traditional crafts from an early age.

As Mum’s work grew, weekends were spent at craft fairs and festivals such as Glastonbury and WOMAD, surrounded by artists, musicians and independent makers. At the same time, she began travelling back to India, building lasting relationships with artisan families whose craftsmanship and traditions continue to inspire us today.

Without realising it, I was learning that every handmade piece carries a story—not just of the object itself, but of the people, places and generations behind it. Those early years quietly laid the foundations for everything The Natural Nomad would one day become.

Life on the Festival Circuit

Growing up, festivals became our way of life. My parents traded handmade clothing and crafts at events across the UK and Europe, and I spent my childhood surrounded by colourful tents, music, creativity and people from every walk of life.

As I got older, I joined them, travelling to festivals, working on market stalls and learning the business from the ground up. Those years taught me the value of handcrafted goods, the stories behind the people who make them and the importance of creating something with honesty and care.

Looking back, it was the perfect education. The festival fields became my classroom, and they shaped the values that still guide The Natural Nomad today.

Finding My Own Path

Travel was part of my childhood from the very beginning.

As a family, we packed our old Volkswagen camper and travelled from Wales through France, Spain and Portugal to Morocco, returning home with handcrafted treasures, unforgettable memories and an even deeper appreciation for the people behind the things they made.

As I grew older, I continued exploring the world with my mum and with friends from the festival community. Journeys through India, Nepal, Indonesia and Thailand introduced me to remarkable artisans, traditional textiles and skills that had been passed down through generations.

Each adventure strengthened the connection between travel, craftsmanship and community that had always been woven into my family’s story. Long before The Natural Nomad existed, the foundations were already being laid.

Returning to India

More than fifty years after my parents first travelled through India, I returned to Rajasthan to begin creating The Natural Nomad.

My mum first started working with Govinda’s grandfather during her earliest buying trips to India, building relationships founded on trust, friendship and a shared appreciation for traditional craftsmanship. Today, that relationship continues with Govinda, the third generation of his family, who oversees production alongside his skilled team of tailors in Pushkar.

Working with Ram and his family of block printers in Jaipur, and Govinda’s workshop, feels like coming full circle. Together we create small-batch collections using traditional hand block printing, natural fibres and time-honoured techniques that have been passed down through generations.

Every garment is the result of many skilled hands working together. By continuing relationships that span generations, we’re helping preserve remarkable craftsmanship while creating clothing designed to be worn, loved and treasured for years to come.

The Natural Nomad Today

More than fifty years after my parents first travelled overland to Australia, their journey continues in a new way.

The Natural Nomad is my way of bringing together everything that shaped our family — a love of travel, respect for traditional craftsmanship and a belief that clothing should be made slowly and thoughtfully.

Every garment is produced in small batches by skilled artisans in India using traditional hand block printing, natural fibres and time-honoured techniques that have been passed down through generations.

This is only the beginning, and I’m so glad you’ve joined the journey.