Sophie is known for her spunk and enthusiastic personality and tribal minimalist jewelry. She’s also the boss babe behind Tribes + Society. If you are hearing fluent beautiful french at a market or from behind a booth OR a gorgeous accent you’re sure to have found this lovely lady!
Sophie – TRIBES + SOCIETY
WHAT DO YOU MAKE/SELL? TELL US ABOUT YO’ SELF.
I am a metalsmith, who designs and creates jewelry. All my pieces are handmade in my home studio. Although I love working with different metals (brass, bronze, silver) I also incorporate semi-precious stones and even fibres to some of my designs. Each design is set in simplicity, and can be worn everyday.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU HAD YOUR BUSINESS?
It’s been three years for T+S , but I’ve been making and selling for over a decade. I just hadn’t quit found my happy place yet
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED?
Market Collective gave me my first chance to showcase my jewelry, which gave me the confidence to approach Calgary boutiques about carrying my designs. I pretty much turned a hobby into a business, which is a normal and lovely transition.
WHO OR WHAT INSPIRES YOUR WORK?
I have always had a deep interest in archeology and the anthropological meaning of jewelry, specifically of the Bronze Age and Roman era. Each of T+S’s unique pieces stems from my fascination in the role jewelry played–
WHAT DO YOU DREAM FOR YOUR BUSINESS IN THE FUTURE?
I hope to still be able to maintain a healthy family/life/work balance. Owning T+S has allowed me to see my kids grow and also spend time with my husband, while still having time to do the things I love. I hope to have a studio and storefront, where I could share the space with another artist. And a special dream of mine is to collaborate with a local clothing designer, and create jewelry for their collection.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM AND WHY?
I’m always on the go, and rarely have time for lengthy posts, so Instagram is my fave to keep people updated on what I’ve been up to.
HOW DO YOU PICK YOURSELF UP WHEN THINGS GO WRONG?
I feel that being pragmatic about the issue and how to resolve it, has always helped me. Being a creative entrepreneur is a roller coaster ride, and emotions are always in the mix. Taking a step back to evaluate, removing yourself from the problem, and seeking someone else’s input can help immensely. Also, a big hug and wine never fail to help.
WHAT’S ONE THING NO ONE KNOWS ABOUT YOU? GIVE US AN INTERESTING FACT!
I grew up in my family’s flower shop, in Trois-Rivieres (Quebec) This is where I spent most of my days when I wasn’t in school. I even thought I would become a florist and help run the business once “grown up”. I do miss it!
IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY SUPER POWER WHAT WOULD IT BE?
That is super easy: I wish I didn’t need to sleep. I wish I could sleep when I wanted, but stay up all night for weeks without being tired. Imagine what you could do with all this extra time!
WHAT ARE YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES?
IG: @tribes_society
Facebook:tribessociety
WHERE CAN WE FIND YOUR STUFF?
I sell online: Etsy
I’m currently working on my website, which will be my online store: www.tribessociety.com
I also have my jewelry available at the following locations:
Calgary: 27 Boutique, APT 22, Crafted YYC , SalvEdge Boutique
Halifax: Make New
Ottawa: JV Studio