Come As You Are

A fashion movement of body positivity, with purpose at its core.

EVERY BODY SHOULD HAVE ACCESS TO WONDERFULLY-MADE PIECES THAT FIT AND FEEL GOOD. IT’S SIMPLE REALLY. THANKFULLY WOMEN LIKE MANLY MUM, SOPHIE HENDERSON-SMART, ARE MAKING THIS IDEA A REALITY WITH HER SWIMWEAR BRAND, SAINT SOMEBODY.

Sophie Henderson-Smart searched the globe for a beautiful quality, on-trend swimsuit made with her average size 16 shape in mind. “Nothing. How crazy is that? I thought. Imagine being the most common size and yet, the least catered for. How many other women face the same problem?”

In 2017, after taking a career break to look after her two boys, Sophie decided to turn her biggest frustration into her greatest adventure. “I thought if no one else is doing it, it looks like it’s going to be me,” she smiles.

Sophie decided to do something no other brands were doing, to focus on the average size woman. Her ideal customer is a size 12-22 who values quality and wants to feel amazing in a swimsuit. “To be able to gift a woman confi dence is a truly rewarding thing.”

Creating a business for good was always the plan for Sophie.

“I grew up with a mother in education and a father in medicine and I was always in awe of their achievements. They dedicated their lives to making the world better. I wanted to follow in their footsteps and create a business with purpose,” says Sophie.

SAINT SOMEBODY has also partnered with Buy 1 Give 1 initiative and every sale helps a person in need.

Although simple to the eye, SAINT SOMEBODY pieces are complex in structure to ensure the best fi t and support for a wide range of bust sizes. “Every piece is hand fi nished in small batches. This is slow, mindful fashion,” Sophie explains.

Turns out you don’t need a fashion degree to have your own label. “I come up with all the design ideas myself. I have spent years dreaming about the swimwear I would love to wear but could never buy.” Sophie then calls upon her technical team to turn these ideas into the real thing.

In 2019, the brand launched into the US market with a base in California. It quickly gained praise as one of the top swimsuit brands out of Australia. “Last year we launched online with Neiman Marcus and one of our swimsuits was featured in Sports Illustrated. These are surreal moments,” Sophie remarks.

When it comes to fi nding her creative streak she looks to her community.

“Brookvale is a wonderful place to be. My warehouse is next door to La Creme Creative Inc., the co-working space housing some talented creatives. “There is a lot of collaboration and support around here. Conversations in the laneways and cafés. People are business focused and community minded. The creative vibe in the air is good for me,” says Sophie.

The business continues to grow at pace with the dream of making SAINT SOMEBODY the go-to brand for women size 12-22.

“Global domination has been the plan from day one.” Sophie laughs. “The key for me is to remain focused on our brand values, while pushing to new heights in terms of design and fabrics. Slow and steady. I truly believe the best is yet to come.” •

3/8 ORCHARD RD, BROOKVALE Visit by appointment. hello@saintsomebody.com.au INSTA: SAINT.SOMEBODY FB: SAINTSOMEBODY

www.saintsomebody.com.au