People of Ibiza: Mads Kornerup

“My journey with spirituality has been unconventional, rooted in the wild beauty of nature rather than in traditional teachings. I grew up near Elsinore, in Denmark, close to Hamlet's castle, surrounded by nature. My connection was to the woods and the ocean. I spent countless hours in the forest alone, or with my dog, running around, building huts and exploring. It wasn't until I moved to New York in my twenties that I discovered Eastern philosophy through yoga. That was a pivotal moment for me. I realised the power of my breath and connected with Eastern wisdom. Hindu and Buddhist philosophies resonated deeply with me, becoming an integral part of my exploration. From an early age, I had an insatiable curiosity about the planet. I thought photography would be my key to adventure. I envisioned myself working for extreme ski magazines and National Geographic. But the universe had different plans. I found myself in fashion photography in New York. During this period, I started selling old Indian jewellery chains during my lunch breaks at the studios. What began as a side hustle quickly grew into a significant business. I opened jewellery shops in New York and Paris, but after September 11, I felt called to move back to Denmark. I’ve always believed that everything happens for a reason. Out of the deepest darkness, light is born. Inspired by my yoga practice, I decided to open a studio in Copenhagen. I wanted to recreate the sense of community I experienced in New York where people could come together to learn and grow. It was an ambitious project blending various yoga traditions under one roof. I will always be very grateful for all that I learned during those three years. My inspiration for Shamballa originates from Kathmandu. Essentially, it is about reminding ourselves that we are much more than just our thoughts and egos. We're part of a vast, interconnected universe. This realisation has guided me throughout my journey. The symbol of Shamballa, the double vajra, resonates with this belief. It's a constant reminder of our bond to the cosmos. Creating jewellery isn’t just about aesthetics for me. Gold symbolises the sun's warmth, lighting up the darkness. It's not just about looking beautiful; but rather the energy and intention behind each piece. I always encourage clients to connect with their feelings when choosing a jewel. Hold the stone, look at it and feel its energy. The intrinsic value of the stone is how it makes you feel, not just what you read about it. Ibiza captured my heart the first time I visited in 1993. The openness and the atmosphere here are unique. Returning in 2005 with my family, we were drawn to the island's liberating spirit. Places like Aguas Blancas, with its nudist beach, embodied a sense of freedom and connection. Living in Ibiza, especially in Santa Gertrudis, has been a dream come true. We can cycle around the village and I see the place thriving with great shops and galleries. We’ve embraced the local culture and the community has welcomed us with open arms. The joy around music and dancing is palpable and everyone, at any age, is invited. Whether you’re 70, 50 or 30, you feel part of something special. That’s what I truly love about this island. I plan on dancing until I die.”