Jewelry designer Sophie Monet Okulick spent much of her childhood at her father’s woodshop. Her dad, artist and sculptor John Okulick, serves as a great inspiration for her own art —a collection of artistic wood jewelry. Each Sophie Monet piece is unique, highlighting the natural grains of the wood and paired with precious stones and metals. The designs are bold and effortless, combining high-fashion with an earthy appeal. Today, the designer takes on our #5MinutesWith questionnaire, sharing where she gets inspired and who she’d love to collaborate with. Plus, you can snag a look at her Venice woodshop in the slideshow.
MY LIGHTBULB MOMENT:
There hasn’t been a single moment that I can pinpoint that’s made me step back and pause. Instead, it’s the cumulation of little moments throughout the years: seeing a gorgeous woman in my designs for the first time, mastering a new shape, traveling the world sourcing inspiration, perfecting my craft in a villa in Tuscany, seeing my story told. It’s those million little moments that have propelled me forward and made me realize that I’m in the exact place that I should be.
I CAN’T START MY DAY UNTIL:
I get a few cuddles in with my dog Chloe.
SUCCESS IS:
Being happy with myself wherever I am and with whatever I’m doing. It’s not measured by any one accomplishment but an overall feeling of contentment, which is something I strive for each and every day.
YOU’LL NEVER SEE ME WITHOUT:
A pair of wood hoop earrings—they’ve become not only a uniform staple but a signature look of mine.
DREAM COLLABORATION:
Isabel Marant. I think the natural elements of my collection would marry beautifully with some of the French-meets-boho elements of hers.
THE ONLY CITY BETTER THAN VENICE:
Hawaii; the beaches, the sunsets, the warm, sticky air. It’s pretty perfect.
WHEN I FEEL UNINSPIRED:
I go into nesting mode. I begin to intensely clean all of the spaces around me and have the urge to organize just about anything and everything in sight. The monotony of those tasks actually frees up some mind space that I think allows me to refocus and center myself again.
ADVICE I WISH I HAD 5 YEARS AGO:
Don’t be afraid to ask more questions. It may be cliché, but there really are no dumb questions. The bottom line is everyone needs help, and you shouldn’t be ashamed to ask for it. The generosity of so many people along the way has made me realize that I wish the sharing of knowledge and advice was something people spoke about more.
IN 5 YEARS, FIND ME:
Working on new collections in inspiring spaces and innovative designs. I want to take what I’ve learned from the jewelry I make and apply it to other categories. I think beautifully shaped wood translates so well to so many different designs. It’s something I want to devote more time and headspace to.
ABOVE ALL ELSE:
Don’t overthink it. My business was built on an idea that I knew to myself to be true. We’re so quick to get in our own way when we get scared of insecure and we can be our own worst enemy. Trust your gut and go with what you believe. That’s when you’re freest to create.
