Common Ground: In Conversation with Sophie, Founder of Købn

There’s a quiet intentionality to the way Sophie approaches both life and work. As the founder of Købn, her world is shaped by texture, restraint and longevity — values that extend well beyond the products she creates.

In this conversation, Sophie shares how building a small business has refined her relationship with self-care, ritual and boundaries, and how thoughtful choices — in skincare, home and daily rhythms — support a more grounded way of living.

Below is our conversation.

How has your perspective on self-care or daily ritual evolved alongside building Købn?

Building a small business has taught me just how essential boundaries and ritual are. When your work is deeply personal, it’s easy for everything to blur. My office sits separately from the house, which has been important — it creates a physical and mental shift between work and home.

Over time, I’ve learned that caring for myself isn’t indulgent, it’s necessary. Simple rituals help me reset, ground, and show up more intentionally, both creatively and personally.

What does your personal skincare ritual look like, and how has it changed over time?

I’ve always been conscious of my skin — it’s never been naturally flawless — so from my teens I invested in quality skincare. Looking back now, I can really see the payoff.

Today, there’s such a beautiful landscape of brands and far more information available, particularly around natural formulations. Having recently turned 50, my focus has shifted toward hydration, nourishment, and supporting the skin rather than trying to “fix” it.

Are there simple, grounding rituals you return to in your day-to-day life?

Yes — simple, consistent habits. Making the bed every morning sets the tone for the day. I stretch gently in the mornings or start with a calming river walk, read before bed, and light incense in the office when I begin work, then again at home when I finish.

I need my environment to feel calm and organised — a clean, considered space helps me feel settled and focused.

How do textiles or the sensory details of home play a role in how you care for yourself?

I’m a Taurean, and I’ve always surrounded myself with beautiful, tactile things. I’m drawn to warm, earthy tones, and my home reflects that palette.

We’re lucky to live with large windows, gum trees, and sunset views from the lounge room — the natural light and outlook bring a sense of calm that’s incredibly restorative. Texture, colour, and light all play a role in how I unwind.

What does intentional living look like for you right now?

It looks like resetting — how I work, how I engage with social media, and how I protect my time.

As a small business owner, you’re never really “off,” but I’m learning to allow myself space. Turning on the out-of-office during holidays, stepping back from constant online presence, and being more present in real life all feel essential right now.

How does sustainability show up in the small, everyday choices you make?

I will always choose ethical, sustainably made products over mass-produced alternatives. I’m not an over-consumer, particularly with fashion — I prefer fewer, well-made pieces that last years, if not a lifetime.

The same goes for the home; many of my favourite pieces are vintage, chosen for their craftsmanship and story.

Is there a place, philosophy, or experience that has shaped the way you design and live?

My home is filled with pieces collected while travelling — objects that hold memories and meaning.

India, in particular, has had a lasting influence on me. I’m drawn to the beauty found in everyday life there — in colour, texture, and ritual. My design process is intuitive and deeply connected to colour and its interplay. It’s about feeling rather than rules.

What does quality over quantity mean to you, both personally and professionally? How do you see the connection between caring for ourselves and caring for the planet?

When we slow down and become more intentional about how we care for ourselves, we naturally consume less and choose more consciously.

Respect for our bodies, our homes, and our time mirrors respect for the environment — they’re deeply connected.

What guidance would you share with someone wanting to create a more intentional ritual of care at home?

Surround yourself with pieces that make you feel good — objects that hold meaning, beauty, and a sense of calm. Create small rituals that you can return to daily.

Every morning, I wake feeling grateful for my surroundings, and that sense of appreciation sets the tone for everything that follows.