HOUSE THIRTEEN

STEPHANIE FLEMING

Q&A Lucky for SOME

We meet Stephanie Fleming, founder of House Thirteen, to discover Bali inspiration, jewellery musthaves and a love for Tring

Q What inspired you to launch House Thirteen?

A I had always felt that I had a creative side, but was hopeless at drawing, so I thought the artistic life may not be for me. When I moved to Bali, the island had such a creative energy and I was surrounded by friends doing their own thing so when I came to a natural crossroads in my life, I began to think about what I really wanted to do. As Bali has a strong silversmithing heritage I decided to take a couple of classes purely to make some pieces for myself, and I absolutely loved it. I started designing more pieces with the view that if anyone else liked them then great, and if not then I would be happy to create them for myself. Thankfully they did and I not only found my artistic outlet, but also what would eventually become my business.

Q How did you want the label to be di erent?

A I wanted the design and ethics of the business to be the real di erentiators of the brand. Design-wise, I wanted to create beautiful high-quality pieces that are also super wearable and, to be honest, easy. Everything is created with adaptability in mind so that the wearer can get the most

out of it, whilst also having a strong design element. On the fl ip-side, I’m very mindful about how I do business. I work closely with my workshop in Bali to ensure everything is ethically handmade from largely recycled materials, my packaging is all eco-friendly and I only create small batches. I believe that nothing I put into the world should out-live me.

Q In a nutshell, what do you o er?

A I o er a range of sterling silver and 18k gold-plated jewellery, alongside a collection of soy candles that I make myself. The jewellery is a mix of geometric, Art Deco-inspired designs and more simple, everyday pieces. The candles are a recent addition in fi ve unique shapes, made from sustainable materials and o ering something di erent to complement the jewellery.

Q What inspires your designs?

A My designs were inspired by a work trip to Miami a few years back. I fell in love with the bubble-gum Art Deco buildings that line South Beach and wanted to bring some of those geometric elements into my jewellery. But instead of being an “Art Deco” themed collection I wanted the designs to e ortlessly fi t in with life today, just like those buildings do. I’m the kind of person who wears the same pieces of jewellery constantly – my necklace hasn’t left my neck for years! – so I wanted to also create a range of everyday “Foundation” pieces that you could mix and match.

Q What’s new for AW22?

A I’ve been playing with some new candle scents for Christmas along with easy-gifting sets. I’m hoping to add new jewellery next year, including some personalisation options. I have a toddler and am pregnant with my second so I’m waiting until I have the headspace to really get lost in design. I’d love to do a charity piece too and have a design in mind.

Q When did you move to Tring and what do you love about the area?

A I moved to Tring in spring 2021 with my partner and baby son. We moved from London, but I grew up in Berkhamsted – the brand is actually named after my childhood home there. So I was already really familiar with the area… or so I thought! Tring has been full of surprises and I’m really loving it here. There is a really strong sense of community in the town, with amazing events and fairs, but also a large supportive business community all working on really interesting ventures in their own way. I also love being close to nature. My garden looks out onto a fi eld and Tring Reservoirs is just up the road, so I feel very lucky to live somewhere that combines all of this.

Q How do you see the future of House Thirteen evolving?

A I see the future of House Thirteen being about expanding my product o ering and growing my audience, whilst retaining that family-run, personal approach and staying on top of sustainable considerations. I would really like to get more into the local scene, fi nding local stockists and raising awareness in the area. I’m excited to see how it evolves, especially in such a supportive local community.

ROCK @ Theydon