Feeling the stories woven into the land with Michelle Glew-Ross

Michelle Glew-Ross is a Sydney-based fashion designer and mum of two who launched lifestyle brand My General Store in 2016. Since then her eye for detail and environmentally sensitive approach to designing wardrobe staples has gained her a strong following both here in Australia and overseas. In 2024 she launched The Writers Room and Goonengerry House, a luxury accommodation offering on Bundjalung Country in the Byron Bay hinterland. This is an area of extraordinary natural beauty. We asked Michelle to tell us about her connection with nature: 

Do you believe nature has a consciousness or spirit? How does that belief shape your interactions with the environment?

Absolutely, yes. I see it in a flower, a tree, a forest, the ocean... a complete ecosystem, alive and in communion with one another and us. Of course, this shapes my interactions with the environment; I’m always conscious of how I and my family treat it, and also how we make it a priority to spend a lot of time in nature, giving and receiving from its magic, in reciprocity with all.

In my personal and family life, we only use natural products in all areas. Nothing goes down the drain that is toxic to our waters. Nothing goes on our skin or in our bodies that is toxic to our internal waters. In my work at My General Store, the environment is at the forefront of how we source, design and manufacture our products.

The experience at Goonengerry House is one of immersion in Bundjalung land. The house sits on the edge of Goonengerry National Park and Whian Whian National Park, both extremely powerful beings, and many teachings have come through from this land on how it would like to be supported. 

We honour the space that holds us by restoring some of the forest: hands in the soil, boots on the ground, allowing the space to breathe. The spring water that bubbles up through the Earth is respected and treated with gratitude for its ever-giving nourishment and flows generously not only to the dwellings, but also to the many native plants and trees that have been earthed here since we became the custodians. Everything we do here is in consideration of the natural environment and its pulse with all living beings.

What role do natural environments play in shaping human identity and sense of self?

Spending time in nature is essential to my wellbeing. It’s where my creativity flows, where I dream, reflect, and simply be. I believe nature shapes who we are by giving us a sense of belonging, a space for introspection and by influencing the values we hold, both culturally and spiritually. It’s where I can sit quietly, listen, and feel the stories woven into the land. It is the place that truly grounds me and cracks me open, which helps me to understand my true sense of self.

How do you bring nature into your home? 

We’re always collecting. Bugsy, my oldest son, has been a little bowerbird since he was young. I’d often find small collections around the house that he’d put together from his outdoor adventures. Now we have little natural capsules scattered all over the house, special rocks, shells, seedpods and pieces of coral from our travels. Bugsy has built an impressive cabinet of curiosities in his room, much like a Natural History Museum, with treasures ranging from seahorses to emu eggs and a stunning collection of crystals. I’m no different. I keep a pair of secateurs in my car, just in case I spot a branch or natural sculpture I can’t resist. I’ve lost count of the times I’ve pulled over to collect something beautiful from the side of the road or a park: a small piece of nature that calls to me.

Is there a sound in nature that you believe everyone should hear at least once in their lifetime?

The morning bird song in the hinterland is my favourite. There’s something magical about sitting quietly at dawn, engulfed by the incredible sounds the birds make as the sun begins to rise.

What are your favourite locations to be in nature? 

Goonengerry House is my haven. The energy of this place completely draws me in, and once I’ve landed here, I feel my most calm and relaxed. We are surrounded by lush forest walks and waterfalls: a true playground of green. 

The ocean has also always been a special place for me. Growing up by the beach instilled in me a deep love for the sea. There is nothing quite like a full-body immersion in the ocean: it's the ultimate remedy.