Crafted by Swedish-born Hanna Axelsson and Australian-born Ashleigh Powell, two free spirited women who share a deep love of travel, Axel & Ash is about defying the odds and breaking the rules, providing inspiration and motivation to live life to the fullest.
Their chic collection of travel journals are stylish, informative and inspirational and will ensure you capture, remember and treasure the memories that count. We spoke to the inspirational minds being Axel & Ash and their stories will leave you lusting after a holiday.
What inspired you to create Axel & Ash?
HA & AP: Inspired by Sebastian Terry's book 100 Things, where he created a list of 100 things to accomplish with the aim to tick them all off, one memorable afternoon on Ash's balcony we decided to share our crazy bucket lists. We bonded over our passions for travel, adventure, photography, the art of journaling and a common bucket list goal - to start a business - and Axel & Ash was born.
Where do you find your inspiration?
AP: So many things inspire me; meeting new people, listening to music, witnessing a friend achieve something amazing, hearing a new story about your mum you never knew or looking at a phenomenal piece of art! The world throws out inspiration everywhere, [it's] magical!
HA: I'm inspired by life around me - the people, the sights, nature, art, conversations and stories. I'm a real chatterbox and I take a lot of inspiration from speaking to people and hearing their stories.
What is it like designing and co-owning a brand together?
HA: Ash and I are like a married couple that love each other one minute and just can't seem to agree the next. We both have such strong personalities and sometimes it's hard to agree on what's best [but] a lot of the time we come up with amazing ideas together! The best thing is we compliment each other - my weaknesses are Ash's strengths and vice versa.
Can you tell us about the Scandinavian inspired interactive world map, Let's See It All?
HA & AP: Let's See It All is designed for travel lovers to document their journeys around the world. Inspired by our passion for travel and immersing ourselves in new cultures, the world map is an easy, fun and enticing way to recount memories and plan new adventures, it's our way of encouraging wanderlusting souls to dream, trace, decorate and explore.
Where are your top 5 travel destinations for 2016?
AP: Byron Bay, India, U.S (California), Scandinavia road trip and the Greek islands!
HA: The Finnish countryside, Joshua Tree in California, road trip through Sweden, The French Riviera and a private island in the Maldives.
What are three things you can't travel without?
AP: Camera, laptop and my swimmers!
HA: My phone, unnecessary outfits (that I have never worn before and don't end up wearing during the trip!) and my Canon camera.
What is your favourite inspirational quote?
AP: 'Believe you can and you will'.
HA: 'If you obey all the rules - you miss all the fun!' - Katharine Hepburn OR 'Remember that person who gave up? Neither does anyone else! - Unknown
We live in a technology driven society where we can document our journey electronically. Why do you think the traditional pen and paper experience is so enticing?
AP: Most people work on computers all day long, so to be able to take a step back and have our own time, to collect and write our thoughts - can be quite euphoric.
HA: There is always a sense of intimacy when putting pen to paper in a journal, it becomes very personal and extremely fulfilling once put away and reflected upon years later.
What was the last things you ticked off your bucket list?
AP: Snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef! Over the Christmas/New Year break that just passed a few friends took a road trip in an RV from Sydney to Cairns. Our last stop was Green Island on the Great Barrier Reef where we swam with turtles, Nemo's and the most beautiful coral in the world, it was just incredible!
HA: Picked an avocado straight from a tree! I did this in Hawaii and it was the biggest avocado I ever seen.
What is next to tick off on your bucket list?
AP: [Attend] the Coachella festival and [go] hang gliding.
HA: [I want to] learn to play the guitar and walk on my hands (this has been my new years resolution two years in a row - I'm working on it!).
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