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Turning trash into treasure: An artisan’s journey
In a world increasingly conscious of environmental issues, words such as sustainability and fairness have entered the business lexicon.
Meet Sophie Witt. For her, sustainability is the core tenet of her one-woman business operation.
Sophie, who is based in Somerset, has transformed her hobby of beachcombing into a viable business model without losing the sight of the bigger picture – sustainability. Her jewellery-making business, Bahari Blu, was founded nearly five years ago. But the story begins when she was four years old while combing the beach with her grandfather.
Born and raised in Somerset, Sophie spent endless hours exploring the sandy shores of the West Country. Over time, she noticed the abundance of glass fragments and polished stones washed up by the waves. Instead of viewing them as mere debris, Sophie saw the potential for beauty within these discarded materials.
Discarded broken glass and ceramic pieces are smoothed into gem-like stones of many shades over the years due to constant contact with waves and water pressure. It was while she was studying sustainability at the University of Exeter that she thought of a way of marrying her hobby with her studies. Bahari Blu was born.
Bahari Blu was founded nearly five years ago, but the story begins when Sophie was four years old while combing the beach with her grandfather
Passion is not enough to execute a business plan. Sophie had to learn jewellery-making from scratch. After spending hours watching YouTube videos and reading blogs she went to Lamu – a remote island on the northern coast of Kenya to learn the craft from the masters.
Sophie shadowed and learnt from the local artisans who excelled in the craft of jewellery-making. She soaked up the sights and sounds of local craft markets. What started as a hobby has blossomed into a viable business where she transforms discarded glass and stones found along the shorelines into pieces of wearable art.
She said: “I have always loved making jewellery. From a young age I had fun experimenting with simple beaded designs and, as I grew up, I became more confident using the different types of pliers, wire, and fastenings. These jewellery skills have got Bahari Blu to where it is today, and I have loved the journey so far.”
Discarded broken glass and ceramic pieces are smoothed into gem-like stones of many shades over the years due to constant contact with waves and water pressure
With a keen eye for design and a deep appreciation for the natural world, Sophie began experimenting with different techniques to transform the beach “trash” into unique pieces of jewellery.
When asked what her favourite part of the process is, Sophie said: “My favourite part is dreaming up new designs, and bringing them to life. Each piece of sea glass is uniquely shaped, and I draw endless inspiration from the sites I see along the shoreline. Beachcombing is a wonderful excuse to spend many hours of my free time by the sea – I find the process so therapeutic and peaceful.”
Sophie’s designs are inspired by the shapes of seaweed, shells and other fragments she finds whilst beachcombing, and she now works from her home-based studio creating ocean-inspired designs with the very treasures she has spent her life collecting. All materials are 100 per cent recycled material, including the silver content. She makes the majority of jewellery herself, however the ceramic pieces are made by skilled silversmiths in the coastal town of Lamu.
Sophie’s designs are inspired by the shapes of seaweed, shells and other fragments she finds whilst beachcombing
By repurposing materials that would otherwise end up in landfills or polluting the ocean, Sophie said she wants to make a statement about the importance of environmental stewardship. Each piece of jewellery tells a story of renewal and transformation, turning what was once considered waste into something of value and beauty.
Sophie sells most of her work through her own website and ships to more than 20 countries. However, she values independent markets and trade fairs where she could have an immediate connection with potential customers.
She enthuses about the bustling and creative vibe of Bristol where independent businesses and artisans are held in esteem. She is in the process of applying to trade at the Bristol Indies Market on Corn Street and is eager to meet people and share her new works with the community.
Sophie’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond her choice of materials. Once a year on Black Friday, she runs a sale where 100 per cent of profits are donated and split between the charities Heal Rewilding and CHASE Africa.
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As her business continues to grow, Sophie remains dedicated to her craft and the principles that inspired her journey. Through her work, she hopes to inspire others to see the potential for beauty in unexpected places and to make conscious choices that benefit the planet.
On the process she concluded: “I find the process therapeutic, peaceful, and there is something magic about knowing that with each tide there will be new treasures waiting to be found.”
All photos: Bahari Blu
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