Article: Wrapped in Wellness: Mayde founder Sylvia Hill on our latest collaboration
Wrapped in Wellness: Mayde founder Sylvia Hill on our latest collaboration
At INBLUEM, we hold motherhood close to our hearts—it’s a source of strength, creativity, and purpose that inspires so much of what we do. That’s why we’re thrilled to spotlight Sylvia, the visionary founder of Mayde, a boutique towel brand deeply rooted in thoughtful design and sustainability. As a fellow mother-led business, Sylvia’s journey resonates with our own values, celebrating the art of balancing creativity, entrepreneurship, and family.
During our conversation, Sylvia dialed in from the breathtaking slopes of Courchevel—an idyllic backdrop that perfectly mirrors the elegance and refinement of her brand. It’s here, amidst the snowy peaks, that she shared her story of weaving beauty, purpose, and motherhood into the very fabric of Mayde.
A Glimpse into Sylvia's world:
What are you watching/reading/listening to at the moment?
Listening to Agnes Obel (always), and currently reading Kristin Hannah's "Wild".
Listening to Agnes Obel (always), and currently reading Kristin Hannah's "Wild".
Who inspires you?
Lots of people, but mostly places - I feel more connected being somewhere beautiful and feeling inspiration pouring through my veins that way, more so than connections I get from people (that's not to say I don't - Kelly Wearstler is a huge inspiration of mine). Right now, I'm in the breathtaking mountain town of Courchevel 1850 in the French Alps, and the inspiration is pouring in from every direction, thanks to the sheer beauty and fresh crystallised air. This is the kind of stuff that fills my cup and makes me brim with creativity and joy.
Lots of people, but mostly places - I feel more connected being somewhere beautiful and feeling inspiration pouring through my veins that way, more so than connections I get from people (that's not to say I don't - Kelly Wearstler is a huge inspiration of mine). Right now, I'm in the breathtaking mountain town of Courchevel 1850 in the French Alps, and the inspiration is pouring in from every direction, thanks to the sheer beauty and fresh crystallised air. This is the kind of stuff that fills my cup and makes me brim with creativity and joy.
If you could have a conversation with your younger self what advice would you give her?
Try not to sweat the small stuff. My mum actually gave me a great piece of advice a few years back, in a time when I was quite stressed, and I'd happily give this advice to my younger self: "Will it matter to anyone in 100 years?"... I'd love for my younger self to take this question in so that she can be more brave in her decisions in the future, and to not worry so much about what other people think. Those "big problems" at the time generally end up being of little consequence down the track. So don't sweat it. Find a solution and carry on!
Try not to sweat the small stuff. My mum actually gave me a great piece of advice a few years back, in a time when I was quite stressed, and I'd happily give this advice to my younger self: "Will it matter to anyone in 100 years?"... I'd love for my younger self to take this question in so that she can be more brave in her decisions in the future, and to not worry so much about what other people think. Those "big problems" at the time generally end up being of little consequence down the track. So don't sweat it. Find a solution and carry on!
What INBLUEM ritual or potion is resonating with you most in this season of your life?
Absolutely the Finger Lime serum - i've been using this since INBLUEM's early days and I swear by it. It's one of those products that just gives your skin exactly what it needs, even if you don't realise it. 100% nourishment.
Absolutely the Finger Lime serum - i've been using this since INBLUEM's early days and I swear by it. It's one of those products that just gives your skin exactly what it needs, even if you don't realise it. 100% nourishment.
What is a unique way you practise self love?
There are a lot of ways, but my favourite is definitely the time I get to spend alone—when I can wander, reflect, and take a moment to really appreciate all the ups and downs. It’s a chance to reset, remember how lucky I am with my beautiful family and home. And, of course, a nice glass of Pinot doesn’t hurt either, haha.
There are a lot of ways, but my favourite is definitely the time I get to spend alone—when I can wander, reflect, and take a moment to really appreciate all the ups and downs. It’s a chance to reset, remember how lucky I am with my beautiful family and home. And, of course, a nice glass of Pinot doesn’t hurt either, haha.
How did your personal experiences shape the vision and values of your brand?
We started Mayde when our first son, Duke, was still in nappies. We'd moved up from Sydney not too long before that, and all of a sudden found ourselves living close to the beach and living that Gold Coast lifestyle most people dream about. So we started Mayde really with that experience in our pockets - being a young family, living near the beach, needing a solution to carrying heavy and bulky towels, and prioritising good quality over anything else. Once we found a couple of good suppliers, we began the sampling process and all of a sudden, we found ourselves with a pretty cool towel brand, that ticked all the boxes that mattered.
We started Mayde when our first son, Duke, was still in nappies. We'd moved up from Sydney not too long before that, and all of a sudden found ourselves living close to the beach and living that Gold Coast lifestyle most people dream about. So we started Mayde really with that experience in our pockets - being a young family, living near the beach, needing a solution to carrying heavy and bulky towels, and prioritising good quality over anything else. Once we found a couple of good suppliers, we began the sampling process and all of a sudden, we found ourselves with a pretty cool towel brand, that ticked all the boxes that mattered.
What excites you most about collaborating with INBLUEM?
I think the fact that they're all just good humans! It feels so nice to collaborate with a team that cares about and respects the needs of the consumer and not in that over-consumption way, but rather in a more thoughtful manner. Knowing we, as brands, choose to produce products that are good for your skin and produced in a more sustainable way, made the decision to work together on this little project all the more easier. We made sure we had a bit of fun with it too - it doesn't all have to be so serious.
I think the fact that they're all just good humans! It feels so nice to collaborate with a team that cares about and respects the needs of the consumer and not in that over-consumption way, but rather in a more thoughtful manner. Knowing we, as brands, choose to produce products that are good for your skin and produced in a more sustainable way, made the decision to work together on this little project all the more easier. We made sure we had a bit of fun with it too - it doesn't all have to be so serious.
How do you see our role as creators evolving in a world increasingly focused on mindful consumption?
It’s gotta be the way forward, right? We all have a role to play in finding ways to create, design, produce, and market products with less impact on the planet. Starting with small batch, small businesses, and supporting local shops is a great step in the right direction. It's up to us to show people that they don’t have to rely on the big box brands for everything, especially if they're searching for quality. There are so many small businesses out there making a real difference by slowing down the cycle of overconsumption, and those are the ones we should be paying more attention to.
It’s gotta be the way forward, right? We all have a role to play in finding ways to create, design, produce, and market products with less impact on the planet. Starting with small batch, small businesses, and supporting local shops is a great step in the right direction. It's up to us to show people that they don’t have to rely on the big box brands for everything, especially if they're searching for quality. There are so many small businesses out there making a real difference by slowing down the cycle of overconsumption, and those are the ones we should be paying more attention to.
It was such a pleasure working with Sylvia and Mayde on our latest collaboration, INBLUEM: The Art-Form. Through this collection, we celebrate the artistry and intention that define Sylvia’s work, creating pieces that elevate everyday rituals into moments of connection and beauty. It’s a collaboration rooted in shared values—a tribute to craftsmanship, mindfulness, and the art of living well. Explore the collection here.
Photography by Dean Raphael
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