Challenging convention and pushing boundaries along the way, this woman is a force to be reckoned with, breaking convention and pushing artistic boundaries. In an industry often seen as elitist and intimidating, Sophie Tea is a breath of fresh air – like the artsy big sister you admire and secretly envy for her effortless cool. It’s this aura combined with her impeccable talent and authenticity that has connected with a global audience and redefined what it means to be an artist.
The overarching ethos of Sophie Tea Art is making women feel just a little bit nicer about themselves. Her work celebrates the female form, promoting body positivity and self-love.
Always wanting to follow a creative path, Sophie pivoted from her corporate experience to embrace her desire to become an artist. With no formal art degree, no contacts and plenty of rejection, it seemed impossible. But Sophie took an innovative and bold approach and built her brand by taking over the digital space, using social media to document her creative process and foster a community to come along with her on the journey.
A Sophie Tea piece has since become instantly recognisable, from the vibrant colours to her signature splats that mark her work complete. Her Nudies project, a celebration of all female body types, has earned widespread recognition for its raw empowerment and inclusivity. Sophie called out to her community to be subjects and share their stories while having the unique opportunity to be immortalised in art history.
You’re most likely to have had your first introduction to Sophie’s work, as I did, through the power of TikTok’s For You page algorithm. Her now much-loved Charity Shop Friday series engages audiences each week as she travels to a town or city, visits a charity shop, picks a unique item, buys it, paints it and then returns it for one lucky customer to rebuy. It’s an innovative idea that has fans, old and new, flocking to the stores each week for the chance to get their hands on a one-of-a-kind Sophie Tea original as well as meet the legend herself and get items signed. It is a concept that has not only catapulted Sophie’s social media success but shone a spotlight on charity retail and sustainable shopping.
I was lucky enough to experience this first-hand and witness the buzz as the word spread that Sophie was in a local town. Crowds gathered in excitement for her arrival, which she was overwhelmed by. She stayed past closing hours in the shop to greet each and every person who had come to show their support, whether they shared words of appreciation, asked for a selfie or handed an item to be signed. Her presence brought so much joy and her kindness and graciousness were so lovely to see.
Sophie has successfully mastered the art of social media to unlock a whole new audience by breaking down barriers and making art accessible and engaging. She’s not afraid to be vulnerable, to be honest, and to be a little messy. It’s this candidness that resonates with her audience, as well as her magnetic, fun personality, which is impossible not to love.
Her future looks vibrant as she continues to be a creative trailblazer and lead the body-positivity revolution to women all around the world.
Sophie – you’re just our cup of tea!
ROARA Magazine 