Stepping outside your comfort zone and embracing the unknown can be one of the most daunting yet rewarding experiences in life. Often, our comfort zones are built around familiar surroundings, routines, and the comforting presence of loved ones. However, true personal growth and the pursuit of our passions sometimes require us to make bold decisions that involve moving away, both literally and metaphorically, from everything we know. Embracing change and stepping outside your comfort zone is not just about pursuing a new job or hobby; it’s about embarking on a journey of self-discovery. This is exactly what our latest Cool Face of Bastet Noir was faced with, now successfully reaping the fruits of her labour.
Sophie Axon is a freelance PR & Marketing Manager, Copywriter, and writer for Vogue Scandinavia, currently residing in Oslo. Her expertise lies in art, culture, fashion, and design, as shown through her contributions to renowned publications such as Vogue Scandinavia and Allure. With a solid background in PR, she has previously managed campaigns for notable clients including Aeron, Birkenstock, Marimekko, Varier, Birgitte Herskind, Flatlist, and Copenhagen Fashion Week. Keep on reading to find out more about her inspiring story.
Sophie Axon is wearing The Fillipa Shirt, custom-made for her
Who is Sophie Axon?
Why are the most simple questions the hardest to answer? I guess that answers the question — I’m an avid overthinker, someone who cares deeply, who is still learning and becoming. Besides that, I’m a British-born Oslo-based writer and communication specialist working at the intersection of fashion, art and culture.
What’s your morning routine like?
As a creature of habit and someone who has a natural dislike for getting out of bed in the morning, a structured routine is important to starting off the day on a positive note. During the weekdays, at least. After turning off my alarm, I put my phone away for an hour while I shower, get ready and wake up in my own solitude. Most of my days are spent in the office where everyone is pretty sociable, so I try to start my day in silence, to help me recharge for the day ahead. Once I’m fully awake, I turn on the kettle and pour me and my boyfriend a cosy cup of coffee, before grabbing a small bite and heading to the office.
Having graduated from the University of York with a degree in art history, and specializing in fashion theory, it’s clear to see where your passion lies. Was it hard to find your journalistic voice and find an outlet that allows you to merge the two things that inspire you the most — art and fashion?
Truthfully, it took me a couple of years to recognise journalism as an option! Writing and fashion were always passions of mine, but so was art. I loved the idea of working in a gallery as a curator which is what led me to study Art History. After graduation I landed myself an internship with an online art gallery in Copenhagen. As amazing as it was, there was something missing; I felt the desire for something more where I could make more of an impact using creativity. That’s when I entered the fashion industry in PR & Communications. I loved writing press releases, pitching stories to editors and supporting brands with copywriting.
After a couple of years working in a PR agency, I took the plunge and went freelance to try my hand at journalism. With zero journalistic experience under my belt, it took me a good few months to land a commission. But somehow, my first commission was with Vogue Scandinavia, of all places! Never in a million years did I think I would ever be writing for Vogue. Like, what?!
Fast forward to now, it’s been 2 years since my first commission. I’m quite early on in my career and my journalistic voice is still developing. Being a good writer is one thing, storytelling is another. With that said, journalism is my dream outlet for merging the things that inspire me most — art and fashion. I count my lucky stars every day.
Sophie Axon is wearing The Fillipa Shirt, custom-made for her
You describe yourself as a ‘Brit in Oslo musing on Abba, art and fashion history’. What made you pursue a career based in Scandinavia, was this something you aimed for or was it a serendipitous decision?
Growing up with a Polish mother in a city so diverse, I’ve always been deeply fascinated by other cultures. But moving abroad? As much as I loved Abba and all things Scandi, it was never on my agenda. Until one day, out of nowhere, I felt an inner-knowing that Copenhagen was where I was meant to be. It sounds silly when I put it like that, but it’s honestly true. I really don’t know why, but I knew it was where I was meant to be. It took a while to secure an internship abroad, but once I did, there was no looking back. That’s where I truly found myself. It led to fashion, journalism and towards the end, my incredible boyfriend. He’s Norwegian, so that’s partly why I ended up in Oslo.
Three things you wish you knew before starting out?
Good things take time.
Nothing changes if nothing changes.
Vulnerability is a strength.
Biggest setback in life and what you’ve learned from it?
It’s not exactly a setback, but moving away from family and friends in the UK, and then moving away from my friends in Denmark to start all over again in Norway, it’s been the most challenging part of my life so far. On the one hand, I’m living my dreams and creating an amazing new life, but on the other hand, I’m doing it without some of the people I love most. With that said, I have no regrets. I do this by choice because I love the life I’m living. I feel so very lucky to have developed lifelong friendships with many incredible people, and to love them all so deeply is a real blessing. But with love comes grief which has taught me the true value and importance of people and kindness.
Books that changed your life
“Make it happen” by Jordanna Levin.
Favourite female empowerment speech
There have been so many incredible female empowerment speeches throughout history, but for me personally, the most powerful ones come from my friends. The words of our loved ones are often the most meaningful. From a deep conversation on the sofa, a long distance call or a late conversation after a night out, the words of my friends mean the most.
What’s in your Bastet Noir cart?
So many things! Currently, I have my eyes on the Mary Trench Coat. From Autumn to Spring, it would be the most versatile, timeless wardrobe addition.
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