1: Sophie, watching you glide through air and water, like a human mermaid , is nothing short of mesmerising. We would love to hear about where you come from, how you evolved into such a passionate, conscious person, and the journey to becoming the warrior you are today ..
You're too kind. I don't know where to begin! I am a Central Coast girl born and bred, have been involved with the ocean my whole life. I grew up on boats with my family, sailing, snorkelling, diving, swimming and surfing. I certainly wouldn't classify myself as a warrior, not everyday at least. I think a big part of my journey has been challenge and adversity and just being honest with myself and those around me. I think the best part of my evolution has been just keeping it simple. This means being grateful for simple small things that are often overlooked, whether that be a cup of tea with honey, a little road trip, sunshine on my skin or concentrating on a small rock on the ocean floor and thinking about its history. Many people often overcomplicate their lives, and I'm still unlearning a lot bad habits, but it's always best to keep it simple.
2: I think the most fascinating thing about you is your incredible humble nature, and that your abilities are truly inspiring. Tell us a little about how making honey resonated with you , why you got into it , the dangers involved and the process from hive to your gorgeous jars.
This was a very random endeavour it got into! A client of mine who I did some graphic design for offered me one of his beehives, and in hindsight I'm stoked I accepted this seemingly strange offer. I was also allergic to bees at the time. I'm not so much a honey maker as I am a honey stealer; the bees are incredible and do all the work. Not a lot of people realise the symbiotic relationship between a bee and their keeper. In the wild, a honeybee swarm has an insanely low chance of survival without the support of a beekeeper. In balance to that, our whole farming industry and humanity would be rapidly annihilated without the humble bee. They are in charge of pollinating about 80% of our crops (so that means no avo toast or almond cappuccino without my little mates.) I take care of them and I get a lil treat on the side. Win win. My label is 'Gratitude Honey' as I trade it for goods and give it to people I'm grateful for. No price-tag , it's 'a take what you need, leave what you can' system. It all comes back around to me in one way or another... plus it makes for a great last minute gift when I've forgotten someones birthday.
There aren't as many dangers as people think. Besides from the occasional sting (to which you'll build eventual immunity), the biggest threat would be various hive diseases that could affect our delicate ecosystem. Education is the best thing for a new beekeeper, and all of this shouldn't repel anyone from starting one of the best relationships you'll ever have.
3: You are also a designer. Tell us about your design philosophy and what you have planned for the year ahead.
Yes (exhale). Another thing I came across by accident! I think I have too many hobbies, but this one has thankfully become my career. Started at uni in between lectures when I would just be photoshopping old black and white images with new world scenes into collages. The philosophy behind my designs is about being inspired by what already exists. Breathing life back into archival images, letting them live again. You can see my works at @soapandsuds on instagram and take a step inside my head for a little minute.
The year ahead is just about finding the love in creativity again and just be a little more free flowing. Separating my clients from my creative work has also been a challenge. The goal is just to get back into the flow state and when life falls apart, just keep making stuff! A wise creative once told me that's when we create our best work.
4: We love hearing about you, but I want hear about what our Ukiyo friends can do themselves to make small independant change in their own lives. I truly believe we can all make a difference, but some people feel that how will their own tiny steps ripple the ocean?
I once overheard a story about a young boy who was walking along a beach of stranded starfish. Thousands and thousands of them. He started throwing them back in one by one, even though there were so many that were destined to dry up and die. An old sailor on a wharf saw him and said "What do you think you're doing? There are so many of those things, you're never going to get all of them back in the ocean! I doubt throwing them in one by one is going to make a difference..."
The young boy picked up one right next to him and threw it back in the water as far as he could. "Well it made a difference to that one" he said. This story stuck with me because many people think to be able to make a true impact you need to take on massive monumental tasks, but it starts with the community and environment around you. A small compliment or a smile can make someones day. Little changes add up over time.
Soph and the Sea in Ukiyo Co Yoga Swim
5 : We have loved having you in our Ukiyo pieces, what is your feeling about the brand, and how small independent business can make change?
I adore these pieces so much, especially the yoga line. It didn't feel like clothing as much as it did an extra layer of skin. Sounds strange, but that's what you want when you're focusing on movement: effortless and comfortable activewear. The lifestyle clothing was also a dream to be in! The brand itself really embodies simplicity and embraces what is means to have a small independent business. Ukiyo consistently utilises local talent, locations, connections and resources which is something that I adore. I believe more and more people are making the switch from bigger labels to small local brands which is really great to see that kind of support.
Small businesses like this, and like my own, are essential to the future of avoiding large-scale amalgamation of conglomerate brands. Small businesses play a HUGE role in the Australian economy, accounting for almost half of employment in the private non-financial sector and over a third of production. So yes, small indie peeps- we need you! We also need to see more diversity across all markets, more representation of POC, more endorsement of local and indigenous artists, and better financial support for grass roots start ups.
Every time you purchase something, you are voting with your dollars. I'm stoked there is a giant generational shift coming, with waves of bright young talent ready to make conscious decisions about where they're spending their money.
6 : Thank you beauty for being a part of the future movement and we are honoured to represent you here. xxxxx
Thanks so much! It was an honour to be in front of the camera for you guys. Thanks for listening to me ramble!
Big love xx
Soph
Soph wears the Ukiyo Yoga high waisted hot pant and crop