Today we’d like to introduce you to Sophia Phillips
Hi Sophia, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My name is Sophia Phillips, co-founder of Willamere. Growing up, I was very imaginative and entrepreneurial. I was either thinking of cupcake flavors for my pretend bakery, or sketching the perfect outfit for a made up occasion. I get my creative side from my mom, an interior designer and artist, and my analytical side from my dad, an engineer. During my junior year of high school, I travelled to London with my family and visited the design studio of an up-and-coming British shoe designer. The design studio was fabulous, but I realized that running a business in the fashion industry was attainable—real people had these jobs.
After high school, I studied business before transferring to the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles, where I earned my degree in Merchandise Product Development. The next few years I worked in the fashion industry for all kinds of brands: maternity, childrenswear, swimwear, shoes, t-shirts… you name it.
I didn’t always know I wanted to start my own business, but as I gained more confidence and experience, the idea started to spark again. As a child, I loved imagining businesses. But as I got older, self-doubt crept in, and I became more cautious. It wasn’t until I worked in the industry, gained real-world experience, and learned valuable life lessons that I realized: if I never tried, the answer would always be “no.”
Blending my love for art and design with my passion for interior design, cooking, and baking, I saw a need for elegant yet functional kitchen textiles. From there, Willamere was born, officially launching in the fall of 2024.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting a business is like a rollercoaster—not just because of the highs and lows, but because I never expected to feel them all in a single day! Launching Willamere on a tight budget hasn’t been easy. I’ve had to step outside my comfort zone and take on tasks that aren’t in my wheelhouse. But luckily, I’m a fast learner and willing to figure things out as I go.
Every day, my mind is filled with a million thoughts and questions. How will we connect with more people? What size tablecloth will they buy? Do they prefer red or blue? How will they want their order gift-wrapped? What social media platforms are they using?
Willamere is still in its early stages, but that’s what makes the journey so exciting. The challenges may be constant, but so is the joy of building something from the ground up.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Willamere is a kitchen and home textile brand designed to celebrate slow, intentional living and meaningful time spent with loved ones. I hand-draw all of our prints, which are then printed onto table linens, aprons, and kitchen accessories like oven mitts and pot holders. Our fabrics are made from natural fibers such as cotton and linen, ensuring both sustainability and an heirloom quality—pieces designed to be cherished and passed down for years to come.
Some of my favorite memories have been made around the dinner table or in the kitchen, cooking and baking with family and friends. I wanted to bring that same sense of warmth and beauty to the home, whether it’s a quiet morning with a cup of coffee or an elegant dinner party with friends. Our textiles are designed to add charm and sophistication to these moments.
What sets Willamere apart is our prints and design aesthetic—they’re always a conversation starter. Because I personally create each design, you won’t find them anywhere else. I also wanted our pieces to effortlessly mix-and-match, making it easy to coordinate different prints and solids without overthinking.
Beyond table linens, our kitchen accessories—like aprons, oven mitts, and pot holders—are also beloved by our customers, especially as thoughtful hostess gifts, or holiday presents. As we continue to grow, my goal is to expand our collection with even more timeless, versatile pieces that bring beauty and function to the heart of the home.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is simple but powerful: never give up and trust that everything will work out. I know the hard work that has been put into Willamere—and into my career as a whole. Every lesson I’ve learned and every job I’ve had has led me to this point for a reason. Even on the toughest days, I remind myself to keep going. And sure enough, before long, something exciting happens that reignites my passion and keeps me motivated to keep creating and working hard. These hard times make the small milestones even more exciting! They’ve also taught me to be thankful and truly appreciate the good moments when they come. Having gratitude and recognizing how lucky I am to be doing this makes the journey even more meaningful.
Pricing:
- Kitchen Accessories: $12-50
- Table Linens: $80-$125
Contact Info:
- Website: https://willamere.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willamere
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/willamere
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/Willamere/
