Over the next few months I am going to be talking to other designers and brand owners who have sustainability at their core. Today we’re talking to Sophie Butler from Stockholm Rose Designs. Stockholm Rose Designs is a handmade jewellery brand which uses 100% eco friendly, ethical and sustainable materials. Their goal is to make sustainability affordable and easily accessible for all, Sophie believes that living in a sustainable way shouldn’t put pressure on your paycheck and everyone should be able to do it!
Where did the idea for Stockholm Rose Designs come from?
I have two passions, Wildlife Conservation, which I have a degree in and anything crafty. I have also always wanted my own business. Combine all of those together, and a sustainable business was bound to come out! The idea came after I moved to Sweden, getting a job in conservation was going to be hard since I didn’t speak the language and they are already doing amazing job over here. I got very ill with septic shock and spent months of recovery on the sofa, giving me plenty of time to plan my business venture! It was there on that sofa after hours of Internet surfing conservation and sustainability and jewellery making websites and blogs that I thought, “Why not? Let’s do this.”
What’s your vision?
I would love a little workshop and retail shop in Stockholm where people can come and see the jewellery being made and also take a look around. I’m very lucky to live in a sustainable city with my view on life and I’m looking forward to share my jewellery with more of Stockholm. I would also love to teach silversmithing in the future, along with doing it sustainably!
What does your typical working day look like?
I usually wake up, walk to my workbench and straight away work on my projects since I can’t wait to get started! Breakfast comes later, once I remember. I then work until my boyfriend, Erik, gets home then we cook, go for a walk and watch Netflix while I crotchet!
How do you bring ideas to life?
Often an idea will start to form in my head and I quickly sketch it down. I give it more thought and come up with a real design on paper. Then I create it in scrap metal or paper first to make sure I don’t waste any expensive metals. And then I create!
If you were to start again, what would you do differently?
I’d make sure I knew all there is to know about the business side of things, it’s been a learning curve!
What’s next for you and your brand?
I very recently took some courses with the London Jewellery School in silver jewellery. So I’m coming away from wirework and into silversmithing. I absolutely love it! Autumn collection is in the making; think falling leaves, acorns and umbrellas…
Is there anything you haven’t yet tackled, but will want to do soon?
There are many things I would love to look into. Next up is stone setting and wax carving.
What is the one book that you recommend people read? Why?
Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams and Mark Carwardine. The book is eye opening from a conservation perspective and is something which inspired me to live more sustainably.
What is the one piece of advice you would give someone starting a sustainable brand?
If your heart is in it, then don’t look back.
Why should people buy from you?
The jewellery I make is affordable and 100% sustainable, eco friendly and ethical and hopefully you’ll think it’s beautiful too!
Connect with Stockholm Rose Designs: Shop | Facebook | Instagram
If you’re a sustainable brand and would like to take part in a Brand Chat interview, please get in touch.
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