an aussie jewellery business was so moved by the devastating earthquake and tsunami in japan earlier this year it has launched a fundraising drive.
soop design, which makes and sells japanese and nature inspired products, started donating 25 per cent from each and every sale to the red cross since the 8.9 quake hit japan on march 11.
creator suzanne preston says she was shocked by the images she saw when the devastation took place.
“oh it was just unbelievable,” she says. “watching the waves rolling in and then hearing about the nuclear disaster was just terrible. it’s so hard to reconcile the beauty of the japanese culture and design with such total annihilation.”
the reason behind the campaign is not only personal but reflects soop’s design influence.
“the recent events in japan saddened and shocked us and we feel that is very much our duty to donate a portion of sales to the red cross, which is actively working to provide care and essential services in japan.
“soop imports a lot of raw supplies from japan and i also have a family connection as my sister-in-law is japanese and is living just south of the disaster area.”
preston says the campaign has been very successful among her regular customers who have either bought pieces or donated directly because of it.
however, fundraising by such a small company does have its difficulties.
“it is tough, especially as my product is handmade meaning we only have a minimal margin to play with.”
despite this preston says she has no end date in sight and will keep the campaign going while she can.
“well, it will just keep going for as long as possible or until my fingers drop off,” she adds.
preston was inspired by artisans she’d met while travelling. once she came back to australia she returned to graphic design and pr as a freelancer where her business soon evolved into soop.the brand’s name comes from a moniker preston was given while working in the uk with another suzanne.
“we were both known as sue. to differentiate between us suzanne m was known as soom and suzanne p (me) was known as soop and that is how it came to be,” she explains.
products from the wa based company include necklaces, earrings, brooches, hairpieces and homewares such as clocks and salt and pepper shakers.
papers used to create the pieces are handmade in japan from the bark of a mulberry tree, while fire-polished czech glass, swarovski crystal sterling silver and semi-precious gems add the finishing touch.
