Sophie Monet Sophie Monet Jewelry

Sophie is one of those rising designers from Los Angeles. Her line of wooden jewelry seen at Bon Marché in Paris, we contacted her to find out more about her brand. If you like family projects, entrepreneurial stories and inspiring travels, then this exchange is for you!

Yes, I do have several pieces on show at The Audo in Copenhagen, and will be adding more throughout the year. I always enjoy visiting other people’s studios, so you’re also welcome to drop by the workshop to see the process and chat over a cup of coffee. 

I grew up in Santa Monica, CA, working alongside my dad at his workshop. He’s a sculptor and artist and would allow me to watch him as he was at work. Since I decided I wanted to venture out onto my own and start my own line, it was the obvious path to incorporate wood into my pieces, simply because of my past. Working alongside him allowed me to see the capacity of the material and I’ve never looked back. Due to my past, when I decided to go for it and create my own business it was obvious to me to use wood in my pieces. Working alongside my father allows me both to better understand the material but also to never look back. 

Since when have you created your own brand ?  

I started the line in 2011, though I’ve always had a passion for jewelry design, and craftsmanship. I’d say the past few years have been when the Sophie Monet line has been a brand available at the retail level. 

Your father is a sculptor, did it has an influence on your work ?  

It’s been an incredible influence not just watching the way he works but understanding how to build a business and create a unique niche in what can feel like a saturated marketplace. He’s been so core to shaping who I am as an artist, as a business woman, and as an aesthete.

How is it important for you to work in family ?  

I work right alongside my father, when he’s in the studio, and my showroom is upstairs, alongside my sister’s business. We don’t know anything but working side by side, and the comfort and stability it provides is something that allows us all to thrive.

How did you thought about a wood jewelry brand ?

It came purely because of my history and my own experience. I think though it may be common and found it nature, it’s really one of the richest and luxe materials around. I love the ability to manipulate it to create things that are appealing to women of all tastes.

Is it important for you to work with raw and natural materials ?  

It has become a core tenet of my business. I work with mostly scrap wood, which I get from my dad’s work. Being able to create a sustainable business model, by using recycled materials that would otherwise be discarded, has helped me fine-tune my own positioning as a brand, and set the line apart—and I think makes it more appealing to new customers.

Where do you source the wood you use ?

I source the wood I use primarily from our own collection of scarps and wood planks our family studio has accumulated over the years. I use may different types from Mahogany to Pine, Maple and ebony. Some exotic hardwoods and some local American hard woods. 

How can you define the style of your creations ?  

I would say I am definitely a mix of a few influences: European architecture, mid-century modernism, and a touch of SoCal spirit. I think I try and make things that stay true to my style but have a wide-ranging appeal, which definitely challenges me creatively and keeps me on my design toes. 

Which wood do you prefer to work and reasons why ?  

I love working with maple wood. It’s a light blond wood that is super fun to work with. The color has a light honey tone to it with a soft texture and simple flowing line grain. 

Are all your creations are handmade by you ? Is it important for you to create by your own hands ?  

Everything is done by hand, in my studio. Because of the material, it’s incredibly important for me to touch and feel everything, and that I get to see each and every piece, not just from a quality control perspective but from an artistic perspective, too. 

I was in Paris a few weeks ago, and I saw your works at Le Bon Marché. It’s a huge showcase and opportunity for your brand ! Did this bring you other opportunities in France or worldwide ?  

Yes. Working with Le Bon Marche on their instillation of California and L.A. designers has been a dream come true. It’s a testament to how much recognition and credit Los Angeles is receiving from a design perspective and it’s an incredible opportunity to expose an entirely new audience to my designs. I’m excited to continue to reach new customers in Europe. 

What inspired you in your Europe trip ? How is it important for you to travel for your work ?

My work is almost entirely inspired by the travels I take, and the things I see when I’m there. It’s critical that I travel as often as I’m able to take myself away from the studio and handiwork and fulfilling orders. I feel my most creative when I’m away from home, and most inspired when in a new environment. 

What’s your plans for the future ?  

Growing the brand and expanding beyond my LA comfort zone. There’s so much to see and so many new people to introduce to my brand. Some exciting new partnerships are in the works in the future, too.