In Their Shoes - Sophie Harvey, Preloved Magazine

“In Their Shoes” is a series shining a light on female founders. At Salt-Water we love to champion creatives and women-led, independent and sustainable businesses.

Sophie Harvey is the Editor and Publisher of UK based Preloved Magazine. She is a Stylist, Photographer, Lecturer, and Mum of two.

Preloved Magazine offers an insight into living sustainably through curated interior styling. Sophie has been self-publishing Preloved Magazine for over a year now, whilst running her blog Stone & Sage since 2019. With over seventeen years of experience working within the creative industry, it’s safe to say she has a fountain of knowledge we were eager to dive into!

But first, the most important question…

SW: What is your go-to coffee order?

 SH: I actually don’t like coffee, strange hey! I am a tea drinker through and through, my Nanna grew up on a tea plantation; Taylor’s of Tea and the ritual of tea is deeply rooted. I like mine strong, stewed, loose, splash of normal milk and if it’s “one of those days” a spoonful of sugar. 

SW: What role does sustainability play in your business practice?

 SH:  The role of sustainability within my business is at the forefront of everything I do. I would say that it’s just really engrained in my every day, from our home to my day job as a lecturer and the projects we produce with the students, to the editorial side of Preloved magazine – it’s always there, front and centre.

I think growing up it was more of a necessity, from the clothes I was wearing to creating a home with my family, in terms of saving money and helping the planet.

 As a photographer I’m  mindful, it’s my personal preference but I don’t particularly like having all the new gadgets, toys, lights and trails of leads, so I only work with vintage cameras – I think I’ve really found my niche and it’s an iconic aesthetic.

 With the magazine, everybody we feature from articles, to writers, to photographers, to small businesses – they are doing what they need to do sustainably or leaning towards being greener and thinking about their eco ethics.

 SW: What has been your biggest achievement or milestone so far?

 SH: The biggest achievement or milestone I’ve had since running my businesses has to be finding the balance between family and work. I just hit that pinnacle point when I was in in my mid 30s of feeling exhausted and like there was no escapism.

 Having lockdown really cemented what it was that I needed to be doing in life - not feeling so repressed in a fast moving work environment. Stepping down from a managerial position as a Course Director really helped me find that balance and allowed me the opportunity to take that big leap of faith by going with my heart. In all honesty I didn’t know what I was going into; I just went for it! With only fifty pounds behind me, I built a website and bought some stock. From there it’s just slowly but beautifully evolved, very organically to where I am now, as an editor, publisher, photographer, stylist, interior design lecturer, and a mum.  I think we forget what an achievement juggling all of these roles can be; we’re so used to this constant treadmill and I think we have to be really grateful if we have that balance.

 My biggest achievement I think is just building the most wholesome community who support Preloved magazine and support my creativity and my work - I don’t forget that.

 SW: If you weren’t doing this, what do you think you’d be doing instead?

SH: This may surprise a few people, but if I wasn’t doing this, I would have 100% of loved to be a detective. As morbid as it sounds, something in homicide or that real nitty-gritty, inspector/detective role. It’s never too late I suppose! In my early 20’s it was to be a midwife, I really like the idea of working within a community, truth and loyalty are really important values in my life.

 SW: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

 SH: The best piece of advice I’ve ever received was just before going freelance, someone said,

“Do it! Just do it. Because before you know, someone else will do it.”

That’s always really stuck with me, and for a good 10 years I really contemplated making the freelance jump, I just didn’t know exactly what it was that I wanted to do. I kept seeing people start businesses, similar to what I thought I wanted to do - so I think just do it!

I had a recent experience where I was due to be writing a book and imposter syndrome really set in; I couldn’t pick it up anymore although I just knew I needed to do it. Two years have passed and I think my opportunity got lost somewhere in-between. So myself two years ago should have said “Crack on with it Sophie, just do it”. That’s the mindset I’m sticking to now, say yes to the opportunities – don’t be scared, challenge yourself and the fear that you have, these will be the things that you are most proud of.

SH: I am obsessed with Arlo Parks; an incredible voice, poetic and I really connect with the lyrics. 

SW: What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out in your field?

SH: The best piece of advice I could give someone who wants to start in this field, whether it’s photography or styling, writing a book, an editor, a publisher or just being a creative person – it is to really listen to who you are. I think we can get so consumed with what other people are doing and thinking should I be doing what they’re doing. It takes a lot for you to stop and really assess the things that are engrained in you personally.

 Don’t be afraid of showing any vulnerabilities that you may have, my biggest thing is that we can’t afford to buy new things. We live in a materialistic society with constant peer-pressure to have the newest items, to re-vamp your house yearly and wear the latest trends. You have to be really strong and believe in what it is you want to portray without any comparison to what others are doing.  I think it’s so important that you should want to inspire people. Listen to your inner voice and just be proud of what you are about and share your experiences with people. I’m really dyslexic, however working as an editor has really harnessed the power of words for me as a 40 year-old woman, mum and teacher also. They are the most powerful thing that I use on a daily basis and I’m really proud of that.

SW: And finally, where is your favourite place to go for dinner?

SH: It’s always home, the joy of sitting around the table as a family is so rare! My husband’s job is corporate, I’m usually away or working late, the children are at rugby or various clubs and I think we get to eat one evening a week together on a Sunday; my favourite day and time of the week, together. 

Head to our Instagram for the full behind-the-scenes into Sophie's day-to-day and don't forget to pre-order the Autumn/ Winter ‘24 edition of Preloved Magazine from Stone & Sage for a glimpse into this season’s interior trends through the world of preloved!