Directors & Members
Sally Harper – Artist Director Julia Field – Holistic Director Rachel Matthews – Design Director Other Members: Chris Taylor - Treasurer Rebecca Wade – Secretary
Sally Harper – Artist Director
Arts Practitioner and Bespoke Milliner
I have been fortunate to work with many different groups of people in schools, within the community and for events over the last 30 years of my career. Projects have included textiles, using natural and recycled materials, fine art and crafts.
My way of working is very open and very much led by the group’s intent, their voice is key to the success of the project. Whatever the project might look like, the people involved are what drives what we do and how we do it.
Working through the pandemic, I missed the social connection with different people, I missed making a difference to them and that pleasure in helping them succeed and develop. My work since the pandemic is much more focused on healthy minds and ways in which craft activities can help to promote positive outcomes.
I qualified with a BA (hons) and MA in Fashion and textiles, and I am also a bespoke milliner working with clients to create hats and headpieces for social events.
Julia Field – Holistic Director
Angelic Reiki Master | Sound Therapist | Meditation Teacher
ulia started her spiritual journey around about 8 years ago, attuning to Angelic Reiki in 2021.
She was then driven to study sound and meditation and loves the way it all combines together for relaxation, healing and rejuvenation.
As a Healing Practitioner – she was mesmerised with the change in herself and knew instantly that she needed to pay it forward. “Healing chose me, and not the other way around.”
Every healer needs to heal themselves, so she continued to work on herself daily as she battled with depression, anxiety and felt generally overwhelmed by day-to-day life. When she eventually found her ‘inner smile’, she knew that it was time to heal others. She’d been spiritually awakened and found her life purpose.
Her journey led her to attune with Angelic Reiki healing, Sound Therapist and Meditation Teacher and become a Practitioner, which she would like to develop and share within the communities we work with.
Rachel Simpson – Design Director
With over 25 years in the footwear industry, Rachel Matthews is an accomplished shoe designer whose career spans collaborations with numerous high street brands and over 14 years as the founder and creative force behind her own luxury women’s footwear line, Rachel Simpson. Currently serving as CEO of The Beautiful Shoe Company Ltd, Rachel not only leads her namesake brand but also provides expert freelance design services.
Beyond her extensive work in footwear, Rachel’s passion for creativity extends into her entrepreneurial ventures. She is the founder of Heal & Sole, a luxury candle business that combines her eye for design with a commitment to mindfulness and well-being. Rachel’s dedication to fostering creativity within communities is reflected in her role as Design Director at Soothing Stitches CIC, where she helps to deliver workshops aimed at bringing people together through creative projects. With this blend of professional expertise and community-focused initiatives, Rachel continues to inspire and support individuals through art, design, and innovation.
