Meet the Founder: Tooka's Sophie Campbell

Second in our meet the founder series is Sophie Campbell from Tooka. Tooka creates beautifully crafted homeware from planters to butter dishes that are full of colour and pattern. Each piece is so carefully considered and unique, they truly add a special touch to any space. 

Sophie and I (Milly) started our businesses at similar times and lived on the same road in Battersea, South West London. Sophie is somebody I hugely admire for her tenacity and creativity. She’s built a colourful and stylish brand from scratch with quality at the core; I’m lucky enough to own a few of her gorgeous and original pieces. 

We chatted with Sophie about the inspiration behind her brand, advice on running a successful business and her dream dinner party with Sir David Attenborough! 

Tell us a bit about Tooka. What inspired you to start your business? 

I was a tea trader for many years and with my job was lucky enough to travel extensively in India and Africa.  Being in these wonderful countries I saw the craftsmanship that went into making the most beautiful homewares.  I always had an urge to do something more creative and after having children I decided to satisfy this itch and set up Tooka.  I design the products and then they are brought to life by the skilled artisans from around the world. We work with small, family run businesses, with each piece made by hand and this authenticity comes through in each product – each one is unique and a piece of art.  

If you had to choose one piece in the range that really defines the brand what would it be and why? 

I think it would have to be the large bone inlay planter.  When I launched these about 5 years ago, Tooka really took off and every year I sell more of these bone inlay planters than any other items in our collection. 

If you could give any advice to someone looking to start a business, what would it be? 

Stop doing endless business plans and seeking advice and just start  - learn on the job, you’ll never be totally ready, Go for it!!! But don’t think it will be easy and a quick fix to making your millions! It is hard graft, I have never worked so hard, but it is the most rewarding and satisfying thing watching YOUR business grow.  I have learnt so much as you have to cover every base yourself and can’t rely on anyone else, but it could not be more rewarding or satisfying than working on your own business and hopefully watching it grow.   

1. Eat in or out? in 

2. Favourite cookery book? Julius Roberts’ The Farm table

3. Favourite recipe? Amber Guinness’s sausage pasta – the ultimate comfort food on a winter’s evening

4. Favourite restaurant? Would have to be the River Café

5. Favourite kitchen utensil? Lemon squeezer – hugely satisfying

6. Coffee or tea? Tricky – Having been a tea taster  I should be loyal to wonderful tea (Yorkshire Gold being my fave) but I’m obsessed by good coffee and can’t function without my mid morning cup so it will have to be coffee.

7. Favourite ByRuby?  Prawn Curry every time, but I am loving the new Thai Green Chicken Curry.

8. What 3 items do you always have in your freezer? Frozen chopped sofrito, ByRuby prawn curry, handmade chicken stock  

9. Dream dinner party guest (celebrity or otherwise!) It would have to be David Attenborough – to listen to the real Mccoy of that amazing voice and his wisdom – don’t think you could beat it.  

10. Dream meal Best Italian tomatoes with burrata for starter, steak and chips with Milly's special green sauce on the side for main course, then rhubarb crumble and vanilla ice cream for pud. YUM!

Thanks so much to Sophie for taking the time to chat with us. With Valentines at the end of the week and Mother’s Day just around the corner, it is the perfect time to shop Tooka’s gorgeous homeware.  

If you have any recommendations on who you’d like to see next on our ‘Meet the Founder’ series, please let us know @byrubyfoods.