life.style.etc Sophie Coryton, founder of The Room Service, on tracking down gorgeous pieces from hotels, trumpeting artisans and taking a giant leap into the unknown
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FEATURE BUSOLA EVANS
ver coveted a piece you’ve seen during a stay at a stylish hotel? Sophie Coryton did several years ago and it sparked the ingenious idea for The Room Service, an online boutique of curated pieces she comes across during her travels home and abroad and orders directly from the maker. Still under three years old, the thriving business now features artisanal brands such as Elvis & Kresse, John Julian and Samarkand Design. Sophie lives in Devon with her husband, daughters Rose and Ottilie and Gertie the kitten. Sum up your business in five words… Treasure trove of beautiful craft. What was your light-bulb moment? It started with an adventure trying to track down a beautiful lamp I had seen in a hotel in Majorca a few years ago. At the time I was working as a barrister. The concierge told me that he was asked about the lamp daily and I spent most of my holiday unsuccessfully trying to find the local artisan that had made it. I wanted to find a way to make it easier to find the things that we see showcased in these lovely spaces and often fall in love with. We launched in May 2018 at London Craft Week. What’s the greatest sacrifice you’ve made for work? Time with my family, without a doubt. The biggest risk you’ve taken in business? Leaving my career as a barrister to leap into the unknown. I didn’t have a background in design or e-commerce, just a love of beautiful things and a passion for travelling. Thankfully, that was enough to get to me started and everything else I have taught myself and learned along the way –from photography to website design. Your proudest achievement so far? Watching some of the makers we found,
who were little known when we started working with them, flourish and become ones-to-watch in the world of design. Who do you turn to for professional advice? I have had wonderful mentoring from a charity called Heropreneurs, who help veterans starting out in business – as I worked for the Royal Navy. It’s an incredible community doing inspirational work. W h a t ’ s yo u r f a vo u r i t e t r a v e l destination and why? Ile de Ré – for magical memories with my family, fields of lavender, sand dunes, boutique boltholes and the most incredible antique shops.
Where is the next place you’d like to travel to as soon as you get a chance? Ett Hem in Stockholm is at the top of my list – I love Ilse Crawford’s interior style. Name three makers you are particularly excited by… So hard to choose as I truly love everything we have in our collection. Newton Paisley textiles, 31 Chapel Lane linens and Lucy Augé illustrations. Share your best business tip… Be kind. Be courageous. The journey will be a joy and the rest will follow. X
theroomservice.co
I didn’t have a background in design or e-commerce, just a love of beautiful things and a passion for travelling livingetc.com
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