Custom Pillow Boxes: Sofía Uriach

Sofía Uriach is a symbol of creativity and art in abundance.

Her brand became a representation of her passion for hard work and commitment to honest values.

At Packhelp we have had the opportunity to speak with Sofia and learn about how she launched her brand of handmade bags.

Read the entire interview and learn more everything about Sofía Uriach below.

Packhelp: What made you launch Sofía Uriach?

Sofía: The truth is that I have always felt the need to create. I painted throughout my entire life. It's how I've managed to channel all my emotions.

When I was 12 years old, I started to incorporate fashion design into my creations.

But when I was deciding what career path to take, I didn't go for fashion. To be honest it scared me a bit. I ended up opting for Business Administration, thinking that it would be useful in the future. I didn't love it, but I did learn to think like a business person.

The following years I worked in fashion companies by blissful chance. I started out as a supplier to large groups, working with printed fabrics.

I wasn't a big fan of what I was doing. Being a supplier was hard. Long waits, weekly trips with early mornings, and constant feedback that was not always the best... 

The moment came when I changed my job and went to a multinational just to see the other side of the coin. Now I was the one who received the suppliers of materials.

And my first personal premise was: they will not wait and I will always give them productive feedback on the collection they show me. It seemed fair to me. I did so and gained great friendships that I still have.

Years went by, but I didn't like my role. I wanted to be a designer! I then went off to study a Master's degree in leather accessory design.

Once I was done with that, I started applying like crazy to change jobs. It took a while, but the wait paid off, and I got a contract to work in another large multinational Fast Fashion brand.

I learned a lot of things; how to ask for materials, how to visit fairs, how to travel in search of inspiration.

I then realized that this frenetic pace was unsustainable at all levels: at a personal level, at the level of dealing with our manufacturers, at a cost and unsustainable.

I started making calculations of how much I would need to launch my own brand.

Then I decided to make the jump and leave my current job. 

Now I try to do things differently. I don't believe in seasons, so models come out when I feel its best. My workshop always has production capacity because I do very small runs. But I don't care. It's what I've always wanted, and it's what I'm going to fight for!

Packhelp: How is the day-to-day life like in the company?

Sofía: The truth is that I don't have a day to day, because each day is different and unpredictable.

I'm the designer, the one who makes and retouches photographs for both products and advertising, the one who manages social networks, the accountant, the one who makes the VAT returns (I thought I was dying with the first one that I had to fill in!), the one who takes the car and drives 6 hours to meet its manufacturers ...

But it's all worth it.

Packhelp: What does Sofía Uriach's slow fashion philosophy consist of?

Sofía: As I was saying, for me Slow Fashion is going slow in the process and giving each piece the time it needs. 

I have also proposed to work exclusively with national suppliers. I am tempted by Italian leather, but it's not the right choice for us at the moment.

When it comes to the workshops, they're located in different parts of Spain (Ubrique, Elche and Barcelona).

As I make very small production orders, I control the whole process and buy just the right amount of leather to reduce waste as much as possible. so that there is as little waste as possible.

Packhelp: What role does packaging play for Sofia Uriach?

Sofía: At the moment I have only designed 1 packaging, and I truly love it!

I decided to get a box designed for my cardholders. We got this custom pillow product box.

It was an original way of presenting them, avoiding the typical box that is usually used.

YOU CAN BUY PACKAGING LIKE SOFÍA URIACH'S HERE

Packhelp: What strategy did you follow when designing the packaging?

Sofía: The design strategy was very simple. I knew from the very beginning I wanted something super minimalist.

Packaging is an extension of your brand and its supposed to add value to your products. 

When you receive a product in generic and impersonal packaging, you naturally feel disappointed.

That is why I decided I needed beautiful packaging, to enhance the products. and at Packhelp I found exactly what I needed.

Packhelp: What are the future plans for your company?

Sofía: My brand launched in January 2020. I had a lot of plans and then our friend COVID-19 changed everything.

I've taken this as an opportunity to reflect and redefine my brand strategy.

So in the future, I will continue designing accessories and sell them to women who love them and wear them every day.

I'm also looking forward to opening a retail store in Barcelona.

As you can see, you only have to propose it to make a more sustainable, durable and respectful fashion with the planet. Consumers have to be open to change, but we also have to encourage them with ethical business values ​​and showing greater responsibility to the planet.

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