STEFFANY ROUP
Steffany, founder of Steffany Roup Jewellery, designs beautiful bespoke handmade jewellery in her studio in Cape Town, South Africa.
Steffany’s pieces are bold but classically beautiful, with a sense of nostalgia and emotion applied to each handcrafted piece.
We spoke to Steffany about her experience as a designer - her work, what inspires her and her advice to emerging artists entering the industry.
Visit Steffany Roup Designs.
STEFFANY, DESCRIBE YOURSELF AND YOUR WORK?
I would describe myself as an introvert who likes collecting things but wishes she was a minimalist. I would describe my work as bold, but playful at times, there is often a sense of nostalgia with my work. I often try capture feelings in my pieces or to have my pieces remind me of certain places, things, or experiences.
WHAT INSPIRES AND DRIVES YOU?
I think what inspires me keeps changing, but some constants include the sea, summer, sunshine, nature, friends. I am driven to express my creativity through what I do, as well as a desire to keep learning and growing.
WHAT DOES YOUR WORK REPRESENT TO YOU?
I first started out just wanting to make beautiful things that meant something to the wearer. Now, I feel I have more responsibility to the people I work with. I have a desire to improve not only my life but theirs as well, through making beautiful, meaningful jewellery.
HOW DID IT ALL BEGIN FOR STEFFANY ROUP JEWELLERY?
I studied jewellery design and my sister studied fashion. After my sister had finished studying, she and some friends created a small clothing company and started supplying to small boutiques that were opening up to support small independent designers and makers. As a student, I started supplying my jewellery to a couple of the stores too, and selling my jewellery to make extra money. After completing my studies I continued to sell my jewellery designs. I have never actually had a job working for anyone else.
TELL US ABOUT ONE OF YOUR PROUDEST MOMENTS IN YOUR CAREER?
I think being selected by Wallpaper Magazine as a reason to visit Cape Town is a good one. Also, being able to make someones dream ring come true for an engagement or wedding, to be a part of that very personal and meaningful space is always humbling and it makes me feel proud that I could help turn it into a reality.
WHAT DESIGNS OR CREATIVE WORK HAS YOU EXCITED RIGHT NOW?
I like the work of the Haas brothers, its playful and other worldly, but still made beautifully. I love Brancusi's sculptures, Pierre Soulages paintings, and Calders Mobiles and Jewellery. Nayyirah Waheeds poetry.
DESCRIBE YOUR TEAM TO US?
I have an all women team and they are all from Zimbabwe. Juliet works with me in the studio and I have taught her to make jewellery. And Rose and Sandy work at the Watershed Market, selling our jewellery.
WHO ARE YOU COLLABORATING WITH RIGHT NOW?
The last collaboration I did was with a friend Amy Rusch. Amy makes amazing pieces from plastic bags that she melts together to form amazing patterns and then cuts them into geometric shapes.
We created clasps and details from off cut pieces of brass from the jewellery, and the used some surplus rope i had from another project to turn the pendants into necklaces. I love to collaborate and like to work with someone who has a different skill set to mine. It allows us to learn from each other, as well as create something new together.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE TO DO WHEN YOU'RE NOT DESIGNING?
Ceramic classes. I love making something that doesn't have to be sold and is just for me or is a gift. I love that it doesn't matter if it works out or not. I love many things - cooking, walks on the promenade, hikes in the mountains, or swims in the sea, exploring rock pools, and time with friends and dancing.
HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE THE INDUSTRY PROGRESS?
More support for handmade items and understanding that it supports individuals who design by hand which is a more sustainable way of making, buying and living. There is so much excess in the world- to buy something of meaning and value that you can keep forever is preciously, rather than 5 or 7 new things that you'll throw away when it breaks or you become tired of it.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR EMERGING DESIGNERS JUST ENTERING THE INDUSTRY?
I wish someone had told me to complete a business or marketing course, or to sign up for business coaching when I first started out. I think as a creative, I don't think like a business person in terms of numbers, growth, marketing, management- setting the foundations and systems early on will help free you to be more creative in the long run.
STEFFANY ROUP
