What a perfect day to start my series of chats with females I admire - International Women’s Day, the day to celebrate women and their achievements. I want ‘curated chats’ to be a interesting little read to find out about the inspiring women behind your favourite brands, businesses and Instagram accounts.
I have a HUGE list of women I would love to speak to, but to start I want to introduce Sloow Studios to you.
“SLOOW creates simple, concise, craft solutions that provide a sustainable alternative to disposable fashion”
I first came across Sloow via instagram and instantly fell in love with their beautiful neutral, minimal pieces. When Amanda the founder asked me to rotate a couple of her creations I jumped at the chance, I felt honored to be asked and excited to play dress up.
I asked Amanda if she would chat with me about Sloow and I am SO happy she agreed as I loved finding out more about the brand and I hope you do too.
For those that don’t know you please can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your business?
I'm Amanda, founder of SLOOW Studio. I currently work as a trend forecaster and SLOOW is my side hustle.
SLOOW celebrates the preservation of traditional craft techniques by an appreciation of small-batch handmade products. Designed and sewn by myself.
SLOOW creates simple, concise, craft solutions that provide a sustainable alternative to disposable fashion. Ultimately simplifying an individual’s life, empowering the message to buy better, buy once. Developing a trend for life of simple, slow living.
Each item is made to order, so there is no wasted stock. Items are handmade in London and curated into minimal clothing created from natural fibers. SLOOW is helping to close the loop by creating from remains.
When did you start your business and how did it come about?
During the pandemic in August 2020 I set up SLOOW, it was something I developed at university and I picked up my sewing skills again as I was in need of something creative to occupy my time. So I started to design and sew items that I felt were missing in my wardrobe and piece by piece my collection grew and I started to sell the items.
If you could go back and tell yourself one thing when you started your business, what would it be?
Don't be afraid to ask for help and feedback along the way.
What are your hopes and dreams for your business?
To keep improving on sustainability and make sure the items I design are timeless. I would love to have my own studio one day, where it is a creative space for other residents to collaborate with and where I can run workshops to keep these crafts alive.
How do you balance your business and family/social life?
Lots of organisation and balance, but more importantly knowing your limits and how much you can do in a day. SLOOW is a hobby and I always want it to bring me joy, so if I can't get something done in the day, I step away and there is always tomorrow.
What's your biggest piece of advice for female business owners?
Believe in yourself and your ideas. The community of female entrepreneurs is so inspiring, I feel we can support and bounce off each other.
What three tools (apps, books, podcasts, etc.) would you recommend to anyone trying to start her own business?
Book: Let My People Go Surfing, Yvon Chouinard (climber, businessman, environmentalist, and founder of Patagonia one of the most respected and environmentally responsible companies on earth)
Apps: Monzo (ideal for managing expenses etc.) , Nikon (you can download images from your SLR camera & take live shots), Pantone (colour references), Good on you (App to check how sustainable brands are)
Podcasts: Create Tomorrow (WGSN), Monocle, BOF.
Do you have a favourite quote/life mantra?
Less is more, a phrase adopted in 1947 by architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.
Discover Sloow Studio below:
Instagram - sloow_studio