SOPHIE HELLYER | RISE FIERCE COMMUNITY
Sophie Hellyer is a cold-water swimmer and environmentalist who divides her time between Cornwall and London. She's also a surfer, yoga teacher, brand ambassador and founder of the Rise Fierce collective which has encouraged thousands of people around the world to form support networks and regularly commit to getting in clean, open water together. A habit of cold water immersion has been shown to have many health benefits for mind and body and Sophie has shown us that finding a common purpose can help us feel part of a strong, supportive and uplifting community.
When are you most calm?
When I'm underwater
When are you most excited?
When I'm with friends
When are you most angry?
When I see the inequalities for women in society
When are you most motivated?
When I'm immersed in nature
Could you tell us about the Rise Fierce collective and how it has evolved? Have you seen positive changes at an individual and community level?
Rise Fierce began as a group of us getting up early and dipping in the sea. We had talked about the health benefits of cold showers and decided the ocean was as good as any bath. I was immediately hooked on the sensations, the subtle feeling of strength, and the community it created. Through the powers of social media Rise Fierce became something more significant, an online and offline community of cold water dippers around the UK, Ireland, and further afield. When I first used #risefierce, it was merely about getting out of bed in the morning with a fierce attitude, but it quickly became more about rising up in life to deal with whatever situation you are dealt with. I've seen the cold-water make a positive change in so many people's lives. It's created friendships, given people strength and focus, and always adds a bit of fun to your day too.
As an environmentalist, how do you use your power as a consumer to make a positive change?
I try not to consume too much! I don't often buy new clothes or accessories, and when I do, I try to buy natural fabrics from small, local, independent makers. With food, we try to buy local, organic, and plastic-free, but it's not always possible. I try to be conscious of my purchasing decisions.
How do you maintain a sense of balance when so much of the work you do is online? Do you schedule in time to be unplugged?
I love social media and my work. I know the internet has a dark side, but for me, social media is a friendly, informative community. However, I need time offline and away from screens to unwind. I try not to use my phone between 9pm and 7am, I leave it downstairs overnight while I'm in bed, so I'm not tempted to look at it. In the house, I try to leave it plugged into the charger so it becomes more like a landline. If I want to use it, I have to go to it, that way it's not always in my hand or pocket tempting me. And although I often share my morning swims, hoping they will encourage others to jump in, sometimes it's nice to just go in the sea and leave technology at home. When I'm immersed in nature, I am my most me.
What was it that originally attracted you to the Francli phone case and how is your experience with it so far?
I saw the case in Open surf shop and loved the aesthetic of it. i’d been eyeing them on my friends Cat Sarsfield and Zoe Morton for a while and was stoked to stumble across one the right size for my phone. I LOVE my case and it's now an everyday essential. I no longer take a bag anywhere, just my phone case with my bank card in the back pocket. I like that my phone isn't in my hand all the time, and it makes an outfit with no pockets easy. Definitely a favourite that will get lots of use!
Image Jonny Weeks
Photography by Jonny Weeks