Sugar
and Vice is an amazing and quirky jewellery brand which started off small and
turned into something big! If your looking for something unique and
individual then head straight over to their store where you’ll be spoilt for choice
with their array of jewellery, brooches, hair accessories and most recently,
clothing.
I
did an interview with the brands lovely owner Sarah who shared her style inspirations
and her plans for the future of S&V, check it out below.
See
their website here: www.sugarandvicedesigns.com/index.php
And
like their facebook page here: www.facebook.com/pages/Sugar-Vice/37992071492
What inspired you to start the business?
Honestly? I just wanted to work for myself.
The idea of being self employed, making my own rules and doing my own thing
really appealed to me. I was working full time in an office at the time and had
absolutely no creative outlet so it initially started as a hobby and after a
while, allowed me to leave my job and concentrate on the jewellery as a career.
I never expected it to work out the way it has done and I'm grateful every day
that I get to wake up and do something I adore.
What is your design philosophy?
I don't really have an overall philosophy as
such, I just endeavour to create individual pieces that are as fun to wear as
they are to look at. I want my jewellery to be a talking point. As a huge fan
of bright colours and bold styling, I think it's great when I can create
something that compliments a specific outfit. I also never create anything that
I wouldn't wear myself!
Was
it difficult starting up a business?
Yes and no. In the beginning it was something
that I did as a hobby and to make some pocket money. When my partner and I went
full time, it was incredibly difficult financially. We had to be very careful
about our spending habits, and had to scrimp and save every penny. Over the
years it's become much more managable and we're able to make a living from it,
as well as using the extra to expand the business. It's also been a massive
learning curve as neither of us had any background in business, so things like
taxes and VAT, and even little things like email etiquette and legalities of
distance selling have all taken time to get our heads around. It's easy to see
why a lot of people in this business give up as you really have to want to do
it to get through the hard times, but it's so worth it if you're willing to
play the long game.
Who are some of your style icons?
Gosh, that's a tough one! I love people with a
distinct uniqueness. In terms of celebrities, I adore Alison Goldfrapp, Marina
Diamandis, Paloma Faith and Juno
Temple. They're not
afraid to take chances and always look fantastic, no matter how 'out there'
their fashion choices are. I think it's admirable that they're not afraid to be
bold, even in the face of snobby fashion criticism.
Where do you like to shop?
I mostly shop online, if I'm honest. I'm a big
fan of the typical high street stores, I'm not a label junkie at all! Stores
like H&M, TopShop and New Look are pretty on-the-ball when it comes to
their own take on high fashion that's a bit more wearable for the day-to-day. I
still love charity shops and eBay too, it allows me to source vintage items and
one-offs that can be paired with high street items to create something a bit
less identikit. I'm absolutely loving the 90's revival at the moment, it's very
inspiring to me.
What's next for the brand?
We've recently launched a small line of
clothing using designs that both my partner and I have created. I'm hoping to
continue to expand that side of the business, as well as improving our
jewellery. We've been doing this for six years but we're still learning new
tricks and techniques almost every day. I never want to lose the desire to
constantly improve, it's hard work but I think I'll always want to better
myself, and my products. My company is the thing that I'm most passionate about
so I think people can expect bigger and better, hopefully!
The Seaside collection
 |
Pinwheel
Necklace £15.00
|
 |
Shell
Bracelet £13.00
|
 |
Oyster
Necklace £14.00
The Darkside
collection
High
Heels Oversize Earrings £7.00
Dead Fly Necklace £9.00
Dolls
Eye Ring from £8.00
The Fastfood
collection
Candyfloss
Necklace £13.00
Salmon
Roll Necklace £10.00
Fortune
Cookie Necklace £13.00
|
Apparel
Skull
Bodycon dress £22.00
Matryoshka
Vest £12.00
