A homegrown brand birthed out of the UK, Grace Collective was founded by Sophia Mclean…
The faith-based jewelry brand creates statement pieces for the modern woman. A graduate of the London College of Fashion, Sophia is a trained fashion designer. But, while in university her passion within the industry shifted to jewelry design. In this conversation, Sophia opens up about her faith, the ah-ha moment where she realized she wanted to design jewelry, and why she felt in an oversaturated jewelry market, a brand was needed for women to express their faith through bold fashion.
Seele Magazine: Every meaningful brand begins with a story. What was happening in your life when the idea for this jewelry brand first took shape, and what inspired you to turn that vision into a business?
Sophia Mclean: Looking back on my life, I’ve always been a lover of all things fashion, style and creativity! It was one of the only things that felt natural to me. Something I never had to think about, I just did it because it was how I expressed myself being an introvert. I never followed trends and more so wanted to create my own style and individuality.
I originally studied fashion and clothing design in college but my attention drew towards jewellery design once I discovered my natural talent and skill for creating with my hands, so I went on to study at one of the most famous fashion schools in the world- London College of Fashion.
In my bedroom at university I would take old broken necklaces, earrings, beads and chains and turn them into unique creations for myself and some of my mums work colleagues haha. It seemed so small at the time but little did I know that this would be the start of my journey for my future self!
SM: Was there a particular moment in your personal faith journey that made you realize you wanted to create jewelry that expressed spirituality in a more visible, fashion-forward way?
SM: Yes, most definitely, and this is something that feels so special and emotional for me. It was at a time where I was really struggling and needed a sense of direction in my previous brand and in that difficult time, I had to take a step back and really call on God to lead me to what he wanted me to do in my business. This is what lead me into fasting and prayer for 3 days. No food and no drink for 72 hours. One of the hardest things I’ve had to do but it was also the most rewarding thing that happened to me.
It wasn’t until I finished fasting that God spoke to my heart to start a completely new jewellery brand and leave behind what I built for the last 7 years and build something that was inspired by faith but in a very creative and unique way. Something that hasn’t been seen before, but still carries the spiritual meaning of God’s Grace and love. I realised that God wanted to use me, but in a fashion-forward way, to reach women across the world who were perhaps similar to me but come from different walks of life.
A maximalist design of cross earrings, Grace collective’s Emerald and Pink Statement Pearl Earrings for $123 | Image provided by Grace Collective
SM: Jewelry can be deeply personal, often carrying memories, beliefs, or a sense of identity. What did you feel was missing from the jewelry market that you wanted your brand to bring to women?
SM: Jewellery is so personal to the wearer and if you think about it, we specifically and purposefully pick out certain pieces each day to adorn ourselves with. It’s a sense of our identity and how we want to be seen!
What I felt was missing from the jewellery market these days is personal and spiritual meaning. We live in a world where jewellery and clothing are disposable and follow the trend that changes the next season. But what Grace Collective wants to achieve is to bring women closer to faith through each piece of jewellery and accessory. That each woman can confidently wear each day that carries a deep sense of meaning as well as a unique eye-catching design.
SM: Launching a brand requires more than creative vision; it takes conviction, courage, and a willingness to take risks. What was the biggest leap of faith you took in bringing this brand to life?
SM: I believe the biggest leap of faith for me was just to start. To start even when I did not know what I was doing, to start even when I did not know what the next step will look like but having faith in the uniqueness and gift that I hold by bridging the gap between faith and fashion.
Creativity is just one side to bringing a brand to life but the other factors like researching, sourcing, marketing and funding are just as important. This is something that really pushed me out of my comfort zone but I love it.
Image provided by Grace Collective
Faith as a bold fashion statement
SM: Your brand challenges the idea that expressions of faith should be subtle or understated. Why was it important to you to create jewelry that allows women to wear their beliefs boldly and unapologetically?
SM: Fashion can be expressed in so many different ways for each individual so why shouldn’t our faith be part of that? Going back to my personal faith journey, I used to question God as to why he created me the way he did? Why I didn’t fit in anywhere or why I always chose to looked different to others? And the answer he gave me was this... The unique way that you are and I created you to be is because there are so many other women in this world who are also seeking the same thing. Who looks different, who express themselves differently and are looking for that missing piece to express themselves and beliefs boldly.
There are many women who love fashion but have not yet found statement pieces that embody and represent real meaning with style. This is why Grace Collective was born- To bring women closer to expressing their Faith through bold fashion and knowing that she can wear a piece of GC jewellery with purpose, style and grace. It’s all about a personal relationship with God, self and style.
SM: How do you balance the spiritual significance of your designs with the desire to create striking, contemporary pieces that feel at home in the world of high fashion?
SM: It’s so important for me to get the two just right because it will grab the attention of the wearer whilst also speaking to their spirit in a sense. High fashion has always been quite striking and not necessarily the norm, which is why my designs stand out so much but in an elegant way. It’s not just about the design, but it’s the way the jewellery piece makes you feel, to the touch, to the quality, to the movement of the jewellery and attention to detail. This is why Grace Collective feels so effortlessly high fashion.
SM: In an era when personal style is increasingly used to communicate identity, what does it mean to you for a woman to wear her faith as part of her visual language?
SM: This means everything to me, because not only does she show that she is not afraid to embrace her faith through her personal style in a world that can be anti-faith and critical, but she purposefully makes a decision on how she wants to be seen visually by what she wears and how she wears it. Whether that is in her everyday life or that special occasion or event. This is something that is so powerful to me when I see women doing this unapologetically.
SM: Spiritual jewelry can sometimes be viewed as traditional or sentimental. How are you reimagining these symbols for a generation of women who want their accessories to be both meaningful and fashion-forward?
SM: I love this question! Yes, spiritual or faith jewellery has often been viewed or seen as “traditional” or “sacred” in the past. But when you think about it, those same spiritual jewellery pieces at one point in time were also seen as “daring” or outgoing to someone before it was ever created or became modernised. Now in the same way, I am re-imaging what spiritual jewellery looks like whilst still keeping the sentimental value and meaning behind the designs. For me It’s not just about my jewellery pieces being aesthetically beautiful, bold and fashion-forward, but you can feel its value and presence through every detail of the designs.
This is why Grace Collective re-imagines what wearing your faith looks like.
Sophia at a jewelry brand | Image provided by Grace Collective
The meaning behind the designs
SM: Take us behind the creative process. How do you translate an abstract idea, a spiritual belief, or a moment of personal revelation into a tangible piece of jewelry?
SM: The creative process behind my latest collection- ‘On the Cross’ Collection came to life when God spoke to me in a personal revelation of remembering we have been given the gift of grace and love through Jesus. The most powerful and iconic symbolism and representation of Jesus is one that every person around the world recognises even if it is not their beliefs. And that inspiration comes from the Cross.
Being a creative, jewellery designer and fashion lover who is also a believer, it was natural for me to create and develop something that can be simple into an eye-catching piece of jewellery. What really makes these pieces stand out and fall in love is the intricate detailing of each design. There are bold yet subtle elements from pearl detailing to the cut and colours of the stones to the meaningful engraving that each piece of jewellery has which is- “Saved by Grace” taken from the scripture of Ephesians 2:8 and also part of how Grace Collective got its name. I wanted women to remember who they are in Christ when they wear their GC jewellery.
SM: When a woman wears one of your pieces, what do you hope she feels beyond looking beautiful? Is there a particular emotion, reminder, or sense of strength you want the jewelry to evoke?
SM: Whenever I’m wear my GC Cross earrings, I always get stopped by a woman admiring them and saying how beautiful and striking they look, and where I got them from. But there have been moments where they would ask me if I am believer too. Grace Collective sparks up conversations with people that you may never have crossed paths with had it have been an ordinary piece of jewellery, but can turn into building unexpected connections!
Not only do women feel and look good when she wears my pieces, but it brings out a sense of confidence that allows her to walk in her purpose.
Grace Collective brings women closer to faith through fashion.
SM: Your brand brings together elegance, expressive design, and spiritual storytelling. How do you ensure that the meaning behind a piece remains as powerful as its visual impact?
The meaning behind a piece will always be the key and primary factor with any Grace Collective jewellery or fashion piece. I always start with the meaning and inspiration first and then I will branch out into the visual designing. This part takes time because it needs to be well thought out and intertwined together. The design itself will be the first thing the wearer sees but it’s the spiritual storytelling and meaning behind the design that is what captivates her.
Image provided by Grace Collective
The woman, the mission and the future
SM: Who is the woman you envision wearing your jewelry? What do you think she is expressing about herself when she chooses a piece that combines bold design with spiritual meaning?
SM: The woman I envision wearing Grace Collective is a confident woman who knows her own style, who isn’t afraid of standing out in a world that wants her to fit in. A woman who realises that fashion and faith can exist in the same space and not feel like it has to be hidden but embraced no matter her race, her culture or background. Grace Collective is an outlet for how she can express herself and wear her faith beautifully and boldly.
SM: Faith can be a source of identity, resilience, and empowerment, particularly during uncertain times. Has your own spirituality shaped the way you approach entrepreneurship, creative risk-taking, or overcoming challenges?
SM: Yes, absolutely! My spiritual walk has definitely shaped the way I now design and see inspiration. It also changed the way I see outcomes and challenges in entrepreneurship and learning to have faith in the unseen. Entrepreneurship in its own right is tough, and I know this from my previous experience in my former brand. But knowing that God is on my side, makes the impossible, possible. “All things are possible for one who believes”- Mark 9: 23
SM: Fashion has the power to influence culture and challenge perceptions. Do you see your brand as contributing to a broader conversation about how modern women express faith, femininity, and individuality?
SM: I believe Grace Collective is for the modern woman and Chrisitan. It challenges and changes a person’s view on what faith jewellery should look like and creates a feminine yet edgy and expressive way to create her individuality. I created GC not just for the women who already believes in Christ, but for the woman or girl who do not yet believe but love the design and style. This could be the gateway to these women asking more questions about faith and planting seeds to know more about him. This is the purpose in why Grace Collective came to life.
SM: If a woman discovers your brand and wears one of your pieces for years to come, what do you hope it will represent to her — and what lasting message do you ultimately want your brand to leave in the world?
SM: I hope it will represent her style, her grace, her confidence and the unwavering love of God all wrapped into such a bold and beautiful design that is unique and faith inspired.
In a world that tells you to fit in, Grace Collective reminds you that your faith doesn’t have to look boring or hidden.
Wear your Faith BEAUTIFULLY!
TRENDING
What we wear can say a great deal about who we are. But for some women, personal style is about expressing something deeper than aesthetics — it is about revealing what they believe. Built on the conviction that faith need not be hidden or understated, Grace Collective brings spirituality into the world of bold, contemporary jewelry, inviting women to wear their beliefs with confidence, beauty, and intention…