Today we’d like to introduce you to Sophie Hughes.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I grew up on the Maine coast and had my first taste of jewelry making through an apprenticeship program in high school. Making jewelry instantly resonated with me. My metalsmithing teacher helped me get an apprenticeship with a local jeweler, and once it was time to apply for college, there was no question what I was going to pursue!
I went on to earn my BFA in Metalsmithing at MassArt and opened my first studio in SoWa shortly after graduating in 2008. I continued to work for other local jewelers while I nurtured my brand. These figures in my life were extremely supportive, and influential to my growth – I am incredibly grateful to them still. Once my brand was strong enough, I transitioned to being a full-time, self-employed jeweler.
During November/December of 2012 I joined four other independent jewelry designer-makers to host a holiday pop-up shop in a vacant South End storefront. We did minimal marketing – we utilized window displays to pique the interest of passersby, emailed existing clients, set up a Facebook page and scattered some postcards around the neighborhood. The pop-up was a success! Feeling secure in this test-run of store management and my solid understanding of the local market, I spent the following year searching for my own commercial space. In November of 2013 I opened my storefront on Dartmouth St in the South End and moved the studio there – lofted above the shop. And that’s where my story currently continues!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Balance is a challenge. The love of designing and making jewelry is what drew me to this industry, but starting and growing a business requires administration and management, which is the not so glamorous and soul satisfying side of making your passion your business. There is also an added layer of complexity in being both an artist wholesaling their own work and being a retailer, selling other artists work. We essentially run two brands/businesses from one space – my eponymous line (Sophie Hughes Jewelry) from the studio lofted upstairs and the shop (Ore) at street level.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Sophie Hughes Jewelry & Ore – what should we know?
Fusing, textures, imperfections. Roughhewn work that highlights the maker’s hand while looking elegant, bold and sexy. I’m also really proud of the consistently growing engagement and custom jewelry area of the business!
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
There are a number of stockists who have been super supportive and have carried the brand since the very early days. Their support of my work has contributed a lot of growth to my line, which has in turn fostered the growth of the brick and mortar shop. I also have a strong kinship with a number of other creative female entrepreneurs in Boston – from photographers to other jewelers. We have been able to champion each other in our triumphs and support each other through the trials and tribulations. The same is true of my staff in house – Yes, this business is my baby but it is also a collaboration. Each of us wears a variety of hats – on any given day we are each creative in the studio, client facing in the shop, and administrative on the back end. We all have to be able to frequently switch gears – that’s part of working in a combined studio and shop. Plus, our space is lofted and open air, so there are always a lot of ideas bouncing around in open, group communication between us which helps us bond and arrive at creative solutions.
Contact Info:
- Address: 80 Dartmouth Street
Boston, MA 02116 - Website: www.sophiehughes.com
- Phone: 617-247-7426
- Email: ore@sophiehughes.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sophiehughesjewelry/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/ore-boston?osq=sophie+hughes
Image Credit:
Juliette Laura, Olga Hall
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