Sophie Rochester

Sophie Rochester founded Yodomo in 2017.

Her work centres on how we make better use of the materials that already exist, and how circular approaches can create environmental, social and cultural value. Since 2017, she has worked across industry and community settings to develop practical ways of reducing textile waste, from building reuse hubs and running public workshops to working with brands and local authorities on systems and strategy.

Sophie is a post-graduate researcher at UAL’s Fashion, Textiles and Technology Institute (FTTI). Her research asks how we define and measure the value of local circular economy initiatives — particularly those that generate social and environmental impact but sit outside traditional growth models. Drawing on Yodomo's work as a case study, she is exploring how new evaluation frameworks could help unlock better funding and support for circular practices.

She is the author of the award-winning Making a Living: How to Craft Your Business (John Murray Business, Hachette).

Photo Credit: Haruko Tomioka