the 3 piece beach rule, local craft, and eyewear with impact: in conversation with jack & shelly of bird & hill
The 3-Piece Beach Rule, Local Craft, and Eyewear with Impact: In Conversation with Jack & Shelly of Bird & Hill
Bird & Hill founders Jack and Shelly discuss their daily 3-piece beach trash rule, in-house ocean-friendly manufacturing, and building a beach brand with impact.
“The ocean and beach are for everyone. We like to preach to leave nothing behind but our footprints.” – Jack & Shelly
Rooted in coastal culture, Bird & Hill is an Australian beach brand built “for the people by the sea.” Founded by Jack & Shelly, the brand merges effortless ocean aesthetics with small-batch, low-footprint craftsmanship – a combination so authentic it even caught the eye of Chris Hemsworth, who has supported the brand for years.
We caught up with Jack and Shelly to chat about their lifelong 3-piece beach trash rule, teaching the next generation of surfers, and keeping production local.
Snapshot Profile
- Names: Jack & Shelly
- Role: Founders & Creators at Bird & Hill
- Base: Australia
- Specialism: Coastal Eyewear, Sustainable Beach Apparel, & Local Workshop Production
- Brand Ethos: “For the people by the sea”
The Interview
Why is conserving and protecting the oceans so personal to both of you?
Jack & Shelly: Growing up by the sea is deeply embedded in who we are. The oceans make up the majority of our planet, and keeping them clean for future generations is a non-negotiable if we want what’s best for all walks of life.
What daily practices or actions do you take to help the ocean?
Jack & Shelly: Every single day we go to the beach, and every day we collect at least 3 pieces of trash to take back with us.
It’s a simple rule we were brought up with, but if everyone adopted it on their daily walks, the cumulative impact on coastal pollution would be huge.
What can the surfing industry do better to support ocean health?
Jack & Shelly: The surf industry is definitely heading on the right track. The key is to keep inspiring the grommets – teaching younger surfers about pollution and cutting back on single-use plastics. Minimising single-use plastics has made a noticeable positive difference, especially here in Australia!
Jack & Shelly’s Inspiration & Recommendations
Recommended Reading
- How to Give Up Plastic by Will McCallum: A staple book around the Bird & Hill office for practical ways to eliminate everyday plastics.
Supporting Independent & Local Brands
Jack & Shelly: “Look to support small, independent brands. We design and create all of our goods in-house or through small, low-carbon-footprint workshops across Australia, Indonesia, and the USA. For instance, our approach to crafting sustainable eyewear caught the attention of Chris Hemsworth, who has been a great supporter of ours for years.”
Final Thought
Jack & Shelly: “The ocean and beach are for everyone. Leave nothing behind but your footprints.”
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