Then we have reached the next chapter in my little story about the wonderful people who are such a big part of How To Do Fashion. If you did not read it last week, you could also read it here on the blog. I want to introduce you to my small team as I am not alone in getting the wheels turning. "It takes a village…" as they say.

Today you get to know Sofie. With her only 23 years, Sofie is the team's benjamin, the youngest here with us.

From the time I first met Sofie, I loved her, actually from when I read her application and before I even met her. She applied for an internship as a part of her study in the winter of 2020. In the middle of our "job interview," I told her that I would like her on the team. It all went very fast, from Sofie applied and until she got the place, it only took 4 days. Then, 14 days later, Sofie finished her semester at the study and started a 3-month internship. But it just felt just right. We have often talked about how Sofie was supposed to end up right here.

But what does she do then? Sofie works with social media, marketing and communication, which is a big part of having a company like HTDF. When Sofie started here, she was entirely new to making her clothes and what she created was mainly in the knit category. But now, she has also begun to sew her own clothes in our beginner classes.

Like last week when I interviewed Louise, I also asked some questions to Sofie.

What is the best thing about working at HTDF ?: "I think it's cool to work in a company that makes a difference for so many women. The body view and the approach to the body at HTDF positively influence the women who come to our sewing workshops and buy our patterns. It has also made a difference in me. In the time I have worked here, I have become much better at accepting and respecting my body and myself. That journey inside myself and others is probably the best part. And of course, the culture we have in the office; it's always nice to look forward to working and seeing your colleagues."

Since we are a company that works with sewing and the cut pattern, it is pretty obvious to joke about Sofie's favourite things in sewing.

What are your favourite colours?: "green and blue - I love the two colours. But in general, I am very fond of colours."

What are your favourite colours to sew in ?: "As I said, I love colours, all colours also in prints. But when I sew, which I have not done so much, then I am very fond of plain things, not prints, because I'm so proud that I can create it, and I want to show it. I think details and beautiful finishes are better seen in solid-coloured fabrics. But I believe that prints will creep in on me over time."

What about your favourite sewing technique: Haha, I do not have one yet. Can I say the seam ripper? I don't love to rip up the seams that I sew, but I use it quite a lot - I'm pretty new to sewing, and mistakes are made, haha. I think it's a bit magical to sew (and knit). It's like 3D printing with your hands. I have become very fond of sewing even though I find it difficult. I am also happier with the clothes I create myself than those I buy.

When you sew for yourself, what do you prefer to sew: Again, I am very new to sewing, but I really want to be good at sewing bottoms. I have an insanely hard time finding something that fits, and after I have sewn some skirts for myself that fit well, I also dream of sewing pants.

What is your favourite pattern: I have a slightly different approach and relationship to the patterns than the others on the team. Because I do not look at them from the sewing technique point of view. I only work with the patterns once the others have finished the development of the pattern. After that, I have to tell its story and get it out on social and digital media. So my favourites are No. 21, 22 and 24 because they are the ones I have been a part of shaping its story, as they have all come out while I have worked here. But the patterns I wear the most and have most of in my wardrobe are no. 7, 9 and 14.

How would you describe your style: I like classic styles, but just in colours. I love colours. I also want to consider myself practical; some days, you can see me in jeans and my Salomon hiking shoes - but always with a twist, such as a pearl necklace. We talk a lot about clothes in the office, and it's pretty funny how you, Nanna, see me. She made me realise that I also like to decorate myself with pearls or other jewellery, fun accessories, etc. But I still think I have to grow into my style, and I am not quite there yet. I still experiment a lot. So long story short might be: classic with a practical and colourful twist, but in development.

In the end, I asked the other two how they would describe Sofie in a single word.

Sign describes Sofie as alive and bubbly

Louise describes Sofie as a happy chatterbox

A bubbly chatterbox is an excellent description of Sofie. Just look at some long answers she comes up with. Of course, Sofie always has something to say, something on her mind, and she is good with words. She is truthful and always speaks words that comes from the heart. But she is so much more. She also has some deeper and more thoughtful sides.

Sofie is one of the young people who make me have high hopes for the future. Because Sofie is one of the most responsible and focused people, I know. After Sofie had been with me for 14 days, I dared to leave her an enormous responsibility. The fact that she can be both responsible and structured, but at the same time also be a proper party of fireworks with lots of creative ideas, I think is a rare trait that I value very highly. In addition, Sofie is a really curious person, which helps make her good at her job.

In addition to my evident enthusiasm for having Sofie on the team professionally, she is also just a really lovely person to be with. She has incredible and positive energy - and that is the kind of person you have to remember to collect and keep close because then one's life is just more colourful. And my days are always more colourful and joyous when they are with Sofie.

That was the second part of my story about my employees. Something important about the women who work for me is that they contain the values on which HTDF is based - but in their own way. Because we must not be too similar either. We 4 ladies complement each other's professionalism and work well, but also in terms of personality, we are all a good match. It is important to me that it is nice for everyone to come to work, that you can be who you are and feel what you feel. Sometimes we talk more than we work if there is something more important that needs to be addressed first. There must be room for everything in my office.

TEAM HTDF: Meet Sofie - Effervescent and speaks words that comes from the heart