Home Comforts #2 with Sahar Asvandi
In a new series to the Journal, Lou talks to inspiring figures about the things in their lives that - like good cashmere - evoke comfort, relaxation and happiness. In the second instalment, we take some time with friend and founder of the beautiful accessories brand S.JOON, Sahar Asvandi.
S.JOON is quickly becoming the go-to label for sculptural, playful and highly covetable handbags - and, notably being selected for Net-A-Porter’s prestigious Vanguard Program in 2020. Founded in 2017 by Yorkshire-born Sahar Asvandi, a former dancer (which may explain the grace and elegance carried throughout every perceptible part of the company), unique shapes like the Milk Pail and Tulip have become synonymous with the brand. And perhaps the Yorkshire element attributes to the warmth and kindness of the founder, Sahar, who graciously invited us into her home* for a cuppa and a chat.
L: Where is home to you?
S: Home has been a couple of places over the last year including Hong Kong, but due to the Pandemic home is currently in Yorkshire, in Leeds with my husband and dog Kimchi, an apricot cockapoo.
L: What part/parts of your home makes you most happy and why?
S: My favourite room in the house is our kitchen-diner. It’s an open space with plenty of spots to perch and chat whilst cooking. It’s flooded with natural light and looks out over our garden.
A corner of Sahar’s favourite space - her kitchen
L: Talk me thought your work, and how you came to found S. Joon
S: S.Joon is a relatively young accessories brand so my role can vary day to day ranging from the creative side of designing each new collection down to the more mundane administrative tasks required in a business. S.JOON started as a side hustle to my work in dance as I was sourcing vintage and designer pieces to put online. I noticed that the bags were selling really quickly so I decided to see if I could make more. It all really just grew from there, as did my love for it and thankfully it has now become my full time role.
L: How do you switch off from work?
S: It's often quite tricky to switch off from work as running your own business can be quite consuming especially as we increasingly work from home. At the moment due to lockdown, it largely revolves around walking the dog and cooking but in pre Covid times, it usually involved friends and a good gin and tonic (I have a particular bottle of Sipsmith Gin on my kitchen shelf which has been a delicious friend through lockdown).
L: Talk me through your ideal weekend
S: The dream weekend now would involve going to a restaurant with a group of people I love and having a long dinner before moving on for an after dinner drink somewhere. One can dream for now!
L: What’s on your reading list?
S: I’m just about to start “The Ministry of Guidance invites you to not stay. An American family in Iran” by Hooman Majd.
L: And finally, your edit of cashmere essentials?
S: I have the Exeter Beanie Hat in Camel which has been a staple of my wardrobe for a few winters now, I absolutely adore it. I also have my eye on the Esmond Cashmere Blanket Scarf because I love a big warm scarf and so I plan on this being the next addition to the gang!
To find out more about Sahar’s beautiful brand, visit her site here.
*Naturally, following the current national guidelines, this interview - and the cuppa - took place via digital means. Sahar, you owe us a real brew soon!