In early 1968 John and Wendy Borthwick set out along the hippie trail with India their goal. Two backpackers, a pair of flimsy air mattresses, a couple of hundred dollars and a belief in luck were their only possessions. In early 1969 they joined a handcrafts collective and opened a store in Sydney. In this little bohemian haven they sold their 1st kurta shirt, a classic hippie garment still stocked at Tree of Life Today.
In the early 90’s the first Tree of Life store opened its doors in Sydney’s Balmain. The idea was to engage with free spirits, regardless of age, size, gender or religion. Their inspiration has come from afar, sourcing treasures, textiles and handicrafts from across the world. John and Wendy still work in the business and consider their customers, employees and workers across the ocean as family and essential co-contributors. Today Tree of Life remains the iconic bohemian brand of Australia, celebrating freedom of expression and creativity for starry-eyed dreamers everywhere.