[BC Interview] Behind the brands - SOI 55

#WhoIsBehindTheBrand?

There are over 20 brands that Borderless Creations are sourcing from.  We’ve introduced the brands and their products but who are the people behind the brands?  What are their thoughts?

We asked the same 10 questions to all the brands so that you can get a better understanding of the brands and their stories.

Today we interviewed Ms. Candice Tomkins, the Founder of SOI 55.

 

 

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Q1) What triggered you to tackle ethical and sustainable issues? 

A1) I was actually late to the game but once I had watched ’The True Cost’ documentary I couldn’t move forward without starting to apply changes to Soi 55. I also took part in a 6 week online course in Sustainability in Fashion which helped me gain a lot more knowledge about the industry.

Q2) What has changed from when the brand started and now?

A2) We have always had a good relationship with our artisans but now we are more conscious than ever in making sure they are happy.  We have also stopped using leather in all of our products.

Q3) What was the hardest part of developing your brand? On the contrary, what was the best thing about continuing the brand?

A3) The hardest thing has to be having to think about all the different aspects at once whilst trying to align your values. I love that I have control of where to go from here.

 

Q4) Tell us about someone that you know who are working on being sustainable. What kind of activity/initiative is this person doing?

A4) I feel really lucky to know lots of people working in sustainable ways but I have been really inspired by Stay Wild Swim who make swimwear from ocean plastic. 

Stay Wild Swim:
https://staywildswim.com/

Q5) What is your favorite quote? And why do you like it?

A5) “If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle.” - Steve Jobs

It is a reminder to keep pushing yourself forward in life.

Q6) Tell us about any books or movies that have had a great influence in your life!

A6) I really love ‘The Alchemist’ by Paulo Coelho

Q7) If you can eat ANYTHING now, what would it be?

A7) Italian pizza and an ice cold beer.

Q8) If you can go ANYWHERE now, where would you like to go?

A8) My top three places are México, Italy and Canada but actually I am loving exploring Portugal right now.

Q9) Any other country or city you want to live?

A9) I’m just about to try out living in Lisbon for a short time! I really loved living in Bangkok but I don’t think I could move there full time - I would miss the sea too much!

Q10) What are you most mindful of when you think of your lifestyle?

A10) To follow my heart always and be kind.

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[About Soi 55]

Soi55 started in 2015, during their "slow travel" through Asia. "Slow Travel" is a mindset that rejects traditional ideas of tourism and encourages you to soak in your environments and keep yourself open to new experiences.

Here is their story: "I started Soi 55 in 2015 whilst on a 'happiness mission' in Indonesia and Thailand. My passion for travel over the last 10 years has taken me to remote beaches, bustling cities and magical markets. I followed my dreams and finally aligned my desire to keep traveling with running my own business to create the beach and travel lifestyle I have always worked so hard to be a part of. Endlessly inspired by the far-flung beaches of the tropics, the Portuguese blue skies and the excitement of the undiscovered. With the help from talented artisans around the world I find, design and create colourful, beach + travel bags and accessories. Be it the beach or the city, travel is our passion and our products will always reflect this. Many of our collections are beautifully handmade by artisans around the globe using traditional or special techniques and are uniquely designed especially for Soi 55. All of our products have a level of sustainability and are designed to last you for years to come. ”

[Brand Site]

https://www.soi55lifestyle.com/

Find Soi 55 products on Borderless Creations：

https://borderlesscreations.com/en/collections/soi55