Meet Sophia Phillips

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sophia Phillips. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Sophia, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.

Creativity comes to me in waves. As a small business owner, with so many tasks competing for attention, it can be easy to slip into execution mode and forget to pause for inspiration. I’ve learned that slowing down is essential and is what re-energizes me and opens the door to new ideas. I find my creativity most often outdoors: walking, noticing the details of florals, foliage, and nature. Many of my designs are born from these moments. I’m also deeply inspired by interior design and architecture, especially when traveling or exploring historic homes. These experiences spark ideas that often weave their way into my collections. In a less literal way, slowing down when I’m cooking or watering my garden gives me time alone to think of new ideas and refresh my brain.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

My name is Sophia, and I am the co-founder and designer behind Willamere, a kitchen textile brand based in Charleston. I hand-draw every print before we bring them to life on organic cotton textiles. I design everything from table linens to aprons and pot holders, to recipe cards and more. What excites me most is knowing that these heirloom-quality pieces become part of people’s daily rituals, whether it’s setting the table for a family meal, hosting friends, or creating traditions that can be passed down. My passions of watercolor art and cooking and baking were influenced by both of my grandmothers, and blending the two has created Willamere.

Right now, I’m especially excited about our new Autumn Collection, which includes aprons, table linens, and thoughtful giftable pieces like wine bags and cocktail napkins. At its heart, Willamere is about embracing slow living and celebrating the beauty of time spent in the kitchen and around the table.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

The three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are dreaming big, working hard, and leading with kindness.

First, feeling inspired and dreaming big has always guided me. I’ve learned that no idea is too small and sometimes it’s the simplest thought or sketch that blossoms into something truly special. For those just starting out, I’d encourage you to stay curious, keep a notebook close, and allow yourself space to imagine without limits.

Second, working hard and being diligent has been essential. Building something meaningful takes tenacity, long hours, and the willingness to go the extra mile. My advice here is to focus on consistency and to show up each day, even in small ways, and those steady steps add up to real progress.

Finally, kindness and understanding have been at the heart of everything. Whether it’s working with collaborators, partners, or customers, treating people with warmth and respect creates lasting relationships. Early on, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle, but never underestimate the value of kindness.

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?

Willamere is still such a new business, only launching in November of 2024, so in many ways this entire journey has been about growth. Everything is new, and each season brings lessons. I’d say my biggest area of growth has been learning to go with the flow. When you’re building something from the ground up, it’s easy to want everything to be perfect and planned, but I’ve found that being flexible and open often leads to the best outcomes. Instead of being rigid, I’ve leaned into the process, trusted the timing, and allowed the brand to evolve naturally.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://willamere.com
• Instagram: @willamere
• Facebook: @willamere