Our Origins

Sun & Earth began in Lismore with the North family, Joel, Anita, and their little boy Heath, who set out to create sun protection products that protect both people and the ocean. Joel, a lifelong surfer crafted our zinc balm with simple, natural ingredients and solar power, growing it from market stalls to stores across Australia and the world. They have faced enormous challenges yet their care, resilience, and love for the planet has steered them through all life's storms.

Ami first met Joel and Anita while living in Lismore while Joel was studying Enviro science and after years of orbiting at dinners and community events Anita came to sing in her band. Anita later became Ami’s doula and helped bring her son Atlas into the world, deepening their connection to a whole new level of trust and care. Anita falling pregnant with her second baby is what sparked the North's to pass on their business. Ami was born on a headland at Manly and grew up on the sandy beaches at Mullaway, the daughter of a surfer father and an environmental activist mother. She spent her childhood picking up plastic from the beach, attending protests to protect the ocean, and recycling everything at home. After her mother survived skin cancer and Ami developed a chemical allergy, discovering Sun & Earth has felt like coming home. Besides music and beach life Ami works with an Aboriginal trauma healing organisation, and feels the work of Sun & Earth is perfectly aligned especially because it cares for her heart-home: Sea Country.

Raphael, a world-travelling, sun-loving, kite surfing–obsessed French chef and handyman with a love of organic ingredients and perfecting recipes, moved to Australia to be near the ocean and met Ami the "love of his life" on Great Keppel Island. He spends all day out in the sun building in the hot and sunny conditions of the Northern Rivers and spends weekends out at the beach with his family. Now, as the Norths welcome their second baby Bonnie, the timing is perfect for Ami and Raphael to carry the vision forward. Together with Atlas, they are honoured to share our organic, small-batch, ethical zinc with everyone who loves the sun, the sea, and protecting the planet.