An interview with House of Flint as part of our 'Get to Know...' series.
Tell us a little about yourself and your business…
I'm Jessica and I run House of Flint, which makes slow, sustainable fashion for all bodies. Our focus is on easy-wear and adjustable pieces that will bring you joy!
Where are you based?
Lincolnshire
Tell us a secret about you?
I work in organised chaos!
How do you make your work?
Design, sampling and fulfilment all happens in my studio in my home in Lincolnshire, but my production team is based in Norwich. Everything is cut to order, and made by a small team of freelancers. My design process is normally sketching on old bits of cardboard, but in an attempt to make this a little more organised I am setting up a design corner in my studio!
Describe your studio…
I've just moved to a bigger space in the front of our house, and immediately painted half of it bright orange (at my 3-year-olds suggestion). My favourite part is the wall dedicated to new collections, as it feels much easier to keep my thoughts ordered!
Tell us about your materials - where do you source them from and are they important to you?
I source natural and/or deadstock fabrics. It is important to me that this is the case as I try to keep sustainability at the forefront of every decision in House of Flint. I also try to source unique fabrics, to create garments that bring the wearer joy.
Why is it important to you that your work is made as responsibly and sustainably as possible?
This was the backbone of my business from the very beginning. I always hated the waste of fashion, and it was only when I realised there could be a better way that I was determined to create a brand that could make that happen, even in a small way.
How and why did you start your small business?
I was working in bridal wear when I became disillusioned with the industry. I'd always loved fashion design, but it felt very at odds with the slower and sustainable lifestyle I was trying to build. So I went to study a masters and build a brand that could change this, and work WITH that slower pace, rather than against it.
Any fun facts about your business, or achievements you want to shout about?
We showed a collection at London Fashion Week last year with a charity called Models of Diversity, and we have big plans for the next few months to grow the business again!
What do you love most about your small business and do you have a favourite piece of work?
I love that I literally feel no need to wear anything else. However my body fluctuates throughout the month, every piece still fits, is comfortable, and makes me happy. I know this is the case for many of my customers too, which is wonderful.
What do you think are the benefits of people supporting independent business?
They allow us to shop unique things, items with a story behind, and we can learn what that is by talking to an ACTUAL person!
Tell us about your favourite purchase from a fellow maker. What is it and who made it?
A painting I bought my husband from our village fair. It was by an artist who lives very near, and the painting drew my husband in as soon as he saw it. It was lovely to chat to the artist and see the piece itself before I bought it.
What are your favourite things about PRIOR - both as a customer and a supplier?
So many amazing brands together - it feels like a little community!
Do you have a goal for where you’d love your business to be in the future?
I'd like to make more of an impact on the fashion industry. Small brands need to rise up, as bigger brands either struggle to back-track and make sustainable choices, or simply refuse to.
View House of Flint's handmade collection at Prior Shop here.
