Meet Jeweller - Sophia Hargreaves
UK Made Ethical Jewellery
Next up on our blog is an interview with UK Made Ethical Jewellery talent, Sophia Hargreaves. It’s number nine in our series which will be released throughout 2018. This series is all about showcasing some of the amazing women who have supported, inspired and been part of Saloukee’s 10 year story in business.
Today we are speaking with Sophia. She designs, creates, repairs and manufactures bespoke, handmade and ethical jewellery from her workshop in Hebden Bridge.
Our #ProjectWabiSabi month nine showcase is all about metal and in particular, copper. This is the material which marks the ninth wedding anniversary. This year for us is all about celebrating our 1-10 years in business. So during November, I will also be making a copper design of my own. Plus recommending other brilliant independents who work in the same medium.
The Background
Sarah and I met at Loughborough uni. I didn’t know Sarah that well until after uni really, and our work crosses over with us both utilising each others’ skill sets for various small business help when needed. I also made Sarah’s engagement and wedding rings (see more here).
We’re really lucky, there’s a group of us uni friends that still meet up for lovely weekends away, 15 odd years on!
Well making UK made ethical jewellery of course! But mainly just keeping my head afloat trying to juggle running a business around my other jobs (mother, wife, doggy mummy and DIY queen!). I try and push the business and myself as much as I can while keeping the bread and butter jobs coming in.
Is there one piece of advice that you would give to someone thinking of starting their own creative business?
Learning when to say no is a very important skill …
How has running your business changed in the time you’ve been involved in the industry?
Social media has changed things, mostly for the best but I still crave a bit of creative isolation!
Women In Business
Real Life Stuff
To not give a shit what other people think of you and your style!
What’s the most sentimental object that you own and why?
I think if I lost my engagement ring I would be gutted. My camper van, (Dougie) might also be up there in first place … I think because it’s so easy to escape life in Dougie … other than that I would quite happily get rid of everything else for a quiet life!
Something that has so much meaning that money could not buy a replacement.