We feel incredibly lucky to count amongst our family the amazingly talented author and illustrator Sophy Henn, so of course we knew that we wanted to interview her for our #KINNShip series. For any of our mummy and daddy customers out there, we're sure you will have come across her wonderful books over the last couple of years, and if you haven't yet we can't recommend enough that you do! Funny, witty, oh so stylish and kind (you can tell that we are a huge fan of our cousin!) Sophy Henn is just another example of what happens when you go after what you love!
• How would you describe your personality in three words?
Silly, hopeful, anxious.
• When you wake up what are the first three things you do?
Attempt to wake my teenage daughter, make a cup of tea, attempt to wake my teenage daughter.
• What does your dream day look like?
I think I am probably in South Cornwall, right by the sea. I glide out of bed and my daughter is already awake! We all head out with the dogs for a bracing walk along the coast, followed by a pot of tea and breakfast. Then I write, which goes really, really well and I do not find myself scrolling through twitter even once! In the afternoon there maybe a paddle board, maybe a potter about some junk shops, but there is definitely a lovely dinner followed by some sort of murder mystery on the telly and a glass of red wine. Bliss.
• What’s the best piece of advice you have ever given and received?
It’s cheesy but the classic Instagram “You are enough” has got me through some wobbly moments. I find working in creative industries incredibly exciting and fulfilling but there is no right or wrong and it all so subjective so at times things can feel personal.
• What inspired you to become an author/illustrator?
My daughter. Seeing her react and engage with picture books made me realise how exciting, important and fun the medium is.
• What is the biggest lesson you have learnt since you launched your first book, “Where Bear?” ?
Never forget who you are writing for. It is surprisingly easy to become distracted by what your peers are doing and who is winning awards etc, when it’s actually, and obviously, about engaging with your audience and giving them the best experience.
• Where do you go or what rituals do you have for those moments you need to feel inspired or energised?
Ideally going for a walk, possibly going to the gym, maybe dancing around my studio to something by Beyonce. Followed by a cup of tea and a gentle reminder that if I sit it out for long enough an idea will come along.
• At KINN we believe in clean beauty, for you, your family and your home, what is family to you?
Love and laughter and tears and acceptance.
• What's your favourite thing about your home?
Shutting the front door after a long day.
• Favourite podcasts and other digital inspiration
I listen to a lot of audio books when I am drawing and BBC radio Iplayer is a godsend. I haven’t quite got into podcasts yet, other than Serial, but I keep meaning to. And I love Pintrest, who doesn’t?
• Which five sites are always in your browser history?
All work related I’m afraid…Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram, online thesaurus and National Rail Journey Planner for whizzing about to book events.
• We can’t get enough of your books, and Bad Nana is amazing, can you give us a glimpse of what you’re working on next?
Well, I have just finished a non fiction picture book called Lifesize Dinosaurs, to follow on from Lifesize which has just come out. These books encourage kids to interact with the pages and see how they measure up to lifesize illustrations of some amazing creatures. I have nearly finished Bad Nana 2 which has been great fun to do and I can’t wait start number 3! I have a new picture book out next year that I am VERY excited about! Oh and some more Teds, I do have a soft spot for Ted!
• How important is it to you that your beauty and homecare products are clean?
Hugely important. Out of respect for ourselves and our planet we must all do what we can to clean up our lives. We have one planet and I feel desperate about the state we are leaving it in for the next generations.
• Which are your favourite KINN products?
Each and every one.
