In conversation with Sourced Studio
CONSCIOUS CONVERSATIONS SERIES
From playing Chris Hemsworth’s on screen girlfriend to starting not one, but two businesses, it has been quite the career ride for preloved fashion seller and stylist Sarah.
Read on to find out what drives Sarah’s mission, how she came to love rummaging in charity shops and her tips for buying preloved items online.
Sourced Studio - your source for the very best preloved finds
CLOTHES | ACCESSORIES | HOMEWARES
“I want to encourage people to change their shopping habits and show them that second hand does not mean second best.” — Sarah, founder of Sourced Studio
FLYING THE SMALL BUSINESS FLAG
People's career and business journeys, as are rarely linear - what were you doing before you founded Sourced Studio?
So buckle up, as my journey to Sourced Studio is very definitely not linear. I always wanted to be an actress. It’s all I ever wanted to do but I studied English Literature at University in London to make sure I had something ‘to fall back on’. I got a first but instead of jumping straight into the world of work, I applied for a programme named Shipwrecked on Channel 4 and got in which was an incredible experience.
After that, I joined a girlband when I got out and worked as a wedding consultant at Harrods to make some extra money too. That all fell through and then I studied to become a Personal Trainer while finally trying to make it as an actress. I got a part in the film Rush as Chris Hemsworth’s German girlfriend which was another amazing experience and a role in Mr Selfridge but then I fell pregnant with my first child and roles dried up (as they do).
I had my daughter not long after and with two young kids at home, I knew I wasn’t going to be applying for any full time roles so I created @icklepicklepreloved selling preloved kids clothes, toys and books. It grew organically and I had a fab following.
My kids finally went to nursery and school and so I got a job as head of fabrics at Made.com working part time and then as I also needed a creative outlet, I launched Sourced Studio, a website selling a curated collection of ladies clothes, shoes and homeware. Made.com then went into administration so I took the opportunity to put all my time and energy into Sourced and here we are!
Why did you decide to launch a business selling preloved clothes and homewares?
I have always been into shopping second hand. I used to go to all the charity shops with my Mum and Nan and I used to love dressing up and playing around with fashion.
My Nan was also an avid knitter and would create some wonderful garments for me. It was only when I grew older that I started to take more of an interest in our planet and the detrimental affect we can have on it as humans. One of the worst things is the impact the fashion industry has. The stats are truly horrifying and I was determined not to let me or my children add to it, so we buy and wear pretty much exclusively preloved.
I also found that you can be so much more creative with your wardrobe and the way you curate your home with items that have already lived a life and have a story to tell.
Sourced Studio values
“Bringing beautiful, timeless pieces to a wide audience for accessible prices, while helping to keep items out of landfill and doing my bit for the planet.” - Sarah
What impact do you hope to achieve through Sourced?
In terms of selling items, I want to encourage people to change their shopping habits and show them that second hand does not mean second best.
I also try to show them that as an industry, the quality of most items nowadays, especially those created at a ridiculous rate by fast fashion companies, is awful and that items used to be made with pure materials as they were built to last and withstand multiple wears, timeless classics that can be worn for many years.
Most items now are created to be worn once, for a photo, and that’s it and the amount of plastic in modern materials (polyester, nylon and acrylic) is shocking. These materials wash well, rarely wrinkle and are cheap and easy to work with, so I get the appeal for manufacturers but the cost to the environment is so high.
The other side of what Sourced does is styling
and wardrobe decluttering.
With this, I wish to help women embrace who they are and to be the best version of ourselves. When I became a mum and reached my mid 30’s I had lost touch with who I was both on the inside and the outside, and I had to completely rework my wardrobe and let go of a lot that simply didn’t represent who I was anymore (or simply didn’t fit ha ha).
I have worked with new mums, women going through big changes in their lives and it is so cathartic to see them shed those parts of themselves that doesn’t fit with them any more. It’s a beautiful thing to see and makes me feel wonderful.
What core values drive your business and decisions?
Bringing beautiful, timeless pieces to a wide audience for accessible prices, while helping to keep items out of landfill and doing my bit for the planet.
What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve been given?
Just do it.
I create ideas and sit on them for a really long time and then when I finally do it, I wish I had done it ages before! I lack confidence and need encouragement with big decisions but as I become more knowledgeable and experienced with what I am now doing, I am gaining the confidence to back myself and it is wonderfully liberating.
SUSTAINABILITY
What steps have you taken or are you taking to run your business in a more sustainable and ethical way?
I reuse any packaging that finds its way to me and my postage parcels are all compostable or paper based (brown paper tape etc). I also only sell preloved clothes and so I don’t add to the supply and demand of the fast fashion industry.
What advise would you give to those who want to ditch fast fashion for a more sustainable wardrobe?
Get out to your local charity shops. It can be overwhelming so go in when you’re at your most happy and energised and go in with no expectations.
Enjoy looking at the variety and try items on for fun. Look at all the labels and look for natural fibres - linen, cotton, wool and cashmere etc. Also, if you go shopping on the high street and you see something you like, take a picture and then have a look on Vinted for the same style, colour, shape etc. If this all still scares you, contact me and I will do it for you as shopping preloved is my happy place.
Any tips for buying preloved items online when you can't try them on, or see if they suit you?
Find your favourite trousers/jumper/coat etc and measure them so you have a benchmark.
Know your dimensions and never be afraid to ask questions of the seller and if they can send a pic of them wearing it, even better, as it really helps to get an idea of fit and size (some won’t want to though so be ready for that).
WELLBEING
Running a business is a tough gig, juggling ALL the things. What do you do to look after your own wellbeing?
I go running and do HIIT workouts. I just competed my first half marathon and so training for that has been great for me, mentally and physically.
I also am trying to carve out more of a social life now my youngest is 5. I am seeing friends more and really enjoying trying things I’ve not done in a long while - escape rooms, karaoke, little city breaks. I also created @thesmallbusinesshive with my friend Laura which is a community of like minded small business owners where we come together to discuss the highs and lows of running a small business and the juggle of life when working for yourself. This also really helps to ground me and feel inspired by so many incredible women and men experiencing the same as me.
WEBSITE & BRANDING
How has your website helped your business?
Having a website has helped me feel more official. I am really bad with technology and so maintaining an online presence is a part of my business I really struggle with but I love being able to direct people to my website.
What has been your biggest website or tech challenge?
I am currently trying to migrate my website over to Shopify and I am really struggling. There are some things on my current website I want to change and Shopify seems like a better platform for allowing me to do this. I wanted to get someone to do it for me but it is something I really want to learn for myself so watch this space ha ha.
If you were given £5k to spend on your website and/or branding, how would you spend it?
I would get my new website up and running for sure and also plan more pop ups. They work really well and give me the opportunity to get out there and meet my customers and be a part of their styling journeys which is a massive part of why I love what I do.
Discover preloved clothes, shoes and accessories at Sourced Studio
You can find out more about Sarah, Sourced Studio and The Small Business Hive here:
Website: https://sourced.studio/
Instagram: @sourced.studio
The Small Business Hive: @thesmallbusinesshive
