We were lucky to catch up with Sophie Campbell recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Sophie, thanks for joining us today. Can you tell us a bit about who your hero is and the influence they’ve had on you?

“You can’t have an omelet without cracking an egg,” is the latest piece of storybook wisdom my Grandma offered me, after my regular overseas call to her mentioned some frustration of a recent project I was working on.

She has always had a simple proverb that offers a little comedic relief, but a healthy dose of wisdom, for whatever life has thrown at me.

Her name is Valerie, which means “strong”, and that could not be more fitting for her. Now to the untrained eye, one might not recognize this little white haired English darling as a powerhouse of strength, but to maintain so much grace and kindness in a world that has sometimes been anything but that, is perhaps the truest indicator of what strength really is.

That, among many reasons, is what has made my Grandma my personal hero through every step of my life. No matter what she has endured, and no matter what is going on in her world or mine – she leads with love and kindness above all.

My Grandma didn’t come from a life of upper class affluence, but she came from a family that valued connection, creativity and love above all. This has always kept her clever, imaginative, determined and kind. Throughout my life I’ve watched her try her hand at various crafts, hobbies and art mediums – always amazed at how quickly she took to something, but also her perseverance that kept her working at those things.

I use the wisdom of her patience to remind me to keep exploring and deepening my craft and as a a reminder to stay present, and not to get lost in the nonsense of technology induced instant gratification.

My Grandma has encouraged me to go inward, to explore the depths of myself as I discover who I am as a woman and as an artist. She has encouraged me to go outward, to try my hand in in markets and craft fairs (something she did for years) and to share my art with the world.

Her love for loud statement fashion and jewelry, her deep knowledge of gemstones and minerals, and her ever present encouragement of art being a focus in my life influenced me as a child while I was making beaded earrings for her, and now, as the woman I am today – who proudly gets to adorn her in wearable art for her to enjoy for many years to come. Thank you for everything, Grandma.

Sophie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Sophie Campbell and I am the owner/artist behind Lost Highway Silver & Stone. I make wearable art, statement gemstone jewelry, and create wildcrafted and nature inspired crafts in my small home studio located in rural North Central Washington.
Art saved my life. Because of this, I have made it one of my missions to keep my products accessible, and also to offer skill trading or lessons for other people learning this craft. I offer one-on-one basic metalsmithing lessons for people who have always wanted to give it a go, but have never had the opportunity. I hope everyone can have an opportunity to learn more about who they are through the empowerment of learning to unlock the artist within.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

I had no initial capital or investment when I started my small business journey. I relied on my scrappiness and secondhand expertise to piece together a janky home shed shop. My flooring was donated by a friend, my lighting a free Craigslist score, my buffing wheels were an amazing yard sale find.

Most of my tools I have found at thrift or antique stores, my desks were side of the road scores, and little by little with a little research and a lot of patience I brought my workshop together one piece of a time. Kind of like a weird jewelers version of that Johnny Cash song.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

In person shows and markets, especially shows that pertain to my personal interests and lifestyle. I love human connection, and in spite of some of the tediousness that comes with it – I much prefer shows and markets over maintaining an online presence.

My work is so tactile, it can be hard to portray it correctly online. In person I get to connect, share stories and laughter, watch my jewelry and art being tried on and enjoyed. I have especially enjoyed car and motorcycle shows for these connection opportunities, shout-out to the Hopped Up Chopper Show in Seattle.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.losthighwaysilver.com
• Instagram: @lost.highway.silver

Image Credits

First photo – me kissing my grandma- Photographer is Oly Mingo