I am Sophie, founder of Maison Elhoria, a home textile brand born from my French Basque Heritage, and a commitment to sustainable living; we craft premium kitchen and table textiles that blend practical functionality with timeless style.
How did you start your business?
Because friends asked to buy my homemade pork canned pate. I decided to import Basque fabric alongside the pates pots.
How did you choose the name of your business?
It is the name of my home in the Basque Country.
Who or what inspires you and your products?
My French Basque heritage and passion for sustainable living.
What does a typical working day look like?
There is no typical day. I run my business and my home, garden etc, and day jobs (like Teaching French). I try to balance computer work and more hands-on work within the day.
What do you enjoy most about the creative process?
Meeting weavers and artisans who work as well as over a century ago.
What is your hero product or one that means the most to you and why?
It has to be the tea towel. I live amongst my great Gran mothers tea towels, huge in size and tough, not soft but so efficient. They have dozens of use, way beyond the kitchen.
What tip (or tips) would you give anyone looking to start a small creative business?
Follow you guts, don’t clock watch.
Shop these thoughtful gifts and meet Maison Elhoria at the Country Living Christmas Market.
