About us
The connection we share
At Ambarya, we believe in the profound connection that exists between all beings. As Neil deGrasse Tyson beautifully stated, "We are all connected; To each other, biologically. To the earth, chemically. To the rest of the universe atomically." This understanding forms the core of our existence.
Ambarya was born from the knowledge that we are part of a global community, where our thoughts and actions have a ripple effect beyond our own experiences. Just as each individual bead on a mala is essential for creating a complete string, each of us is a vital part of something bigger and more magical.
The word Ambarya is a Sanskrit word, meaning to bring together.
This is a phrase that has extra special meaning for Fiona Deniz, the founder of Ambarya. Our mission at Ambarya is to help people achieve greater well-being by uniting self-care and care for the community. We believe that nurturing ourselves goes hand in hand with nurturing the world around us. Through our ethically and traditionally handmade gemstone malas, we offer a pathway to connect with oneself and what truly matters in life.
Bringing together the threads of identity
Ambarya also represents bringing together the diverse threads of our identity. We believe in the power of embracing our multifaceted selves, where our diverse experiences, cultural background, and various roles intertwine to create a unique tapestry. Each aspect of our identity adds depth and richness to who we are as individuals. And by honouring all parts of ourselves, we become part of a collective journey that acknowledges and uplifts the interconnectedness of all humanity.
Founder Fiona Deniz's personal journey reflects this interconnectedness. “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 I grew older, I realised that this is part of what makes me, me. It helped me see how I could uniquely contribute to the world”
The tug of Indian culture
As an adult, Fiona longed to explore her Indian roots. She had only visited India once, as a toddler. So when her parents invited her to join them at a family reunion in 2019, she booked flights immediately.
Her trip didn’t disappoint and gave her fresh insight into her cultural heritage. She was inspired by India’s warm colours, thrilled by the scenes and sounds, and stirred by the spirituality and emotion of the communities through which she travelled. She felt at home in India, noticing an immediate and deep connection with the land and the people.
She visited the schools and streets where her parents had grown up and was humbled to imagine the simplicity of their early lives. It struck her how much the country of our birth impacts our opportunities. It was at this time she really understood the inequality that comes from lack of opportunity. These experiences stirred her deeply and reducing inequality is a passion that has remained with her since the trip.
A magnetic moment
During her travels, Fiona encountered a cooperative of women artisans in Cochin, Kerala, where the artistry of handcrafted accessories and the beauty of natural gemstones captivated her. Inspired by these treasures, she realized she wanted to share them with others and create positive change. Thus, Ambarya came into being.
Ambarya serves as a bridge between communities in Australia and artisans in India, offering ethically made gemstone beads that resonate with positive energy. It is Fiona's way of bringing the beauty of India to Australia while contributing to a more just and compassionate world.
“This business brings different aspects of me together. It brings ethically and traditionally made gemstone pieces to people who want to make a difference in their life and the lives of others. 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."
Thanks for joining me on this journey.”
Fiona x💖x