Impact Interview: Sophie Lane

Name: Sophie Lane

Role/Function: Branding and Communications Lead at SOKO Kenya

What are you working on these days?

Currently, we're deeply immersed in a transformative journey at SOKO Kenya, one that prioritizes sustainability, uplifting people and meaningful growth.

With our new solar panels meeting 75% of our energy needs, we're not just reducing our environmental impact — we want to continue to set the standard for sustainable manufacturing and show what is possible in the region.

We’ve hit some other milestones, like our charity Kujuwa Initiative that has now provided over 20,000 washable sanitary pads to girls in Kenya by repurposing fabric waste from our cutting room floor. For us, though, it’s not just about addressing a need to end period poverty, we’re also working hard to empower women and in the community around our factory.

Additionally, our participation in the Stanford Seed Business Transformation Program means we are fully immersed in planning for long-term, sustainable growth. It's a huge commitment for the team but we are all driven by the belief that fashion has the power to be a force for good and we want to keep leading the way forward. We're excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and the opportunity to inspire supply chains and fashion brands globally.

What was the “aha” moment that sparked your interest in social impact? 

I wouldn't say there was a single "aha" moment, but rather, the values of social impact were instilled in me from a young age. My parents profoundly influenced me by dedicating their lives to supporting and uplifting others and creating a strong sense of community wherever we went. Our home was often open to anyone in need of a listening ear and a seat at the dinner table.

As a creative I’ve always been inspired by fashion, design, music and media. Being part of this journey with SOKO Kenya, celebrating the work of the people behind the clothes and using my skills to contribute to positive change and empower communities over there is incredibly fulfilling. It’s definitely a huge driving force for me. 

How did you break into the social impact space?

I began my career as a teacher for adults with learning disabilities, dedicating many years to honing my skills and climbing the ladder. However, I grew tired and uninspired. Becoming a mother during lockdown sparked a profound desire for change and thankfully, I had the courage to go for it.

Fuelled by my love for learning, I spent every nap time and evening immersing myself in online courses, connecting on business groups and following those who inspired me on social media. I ventured into freelance content creation and social media management, and ultimately reached out to businesses who excited me.

Working with SOKO Kenya has been an incredible journey, one that has surpassed all my expectations. Starting out as a freelance project, it has grown into a deeply rewarding partnership that continues to inspire and challenge me every day.

Working in social impact is often about driving change. What is the skill or trait that has been most important for your work as a change agent? How did you learn or hone it?

For me, driving change is possible through collaboration, creativity, and resilience. There are moments when it all feels overwhelming, but it's crucial to push through and believe change is possible. Maintaining vision and belief, as cliché as it may sound, is key.

What most excites you about the social impact space right now?

In the fashion industry, we're seeing a significant shift towards sustainability across the supply chain. Brands are increasingly adopting sustainable practices, from sourcing materials to manufacturing. This includes initiatives like ours to reduce waste, minimize environmental impact, and enhance labor conditions.

Transparency and accountability are also becoming paramount as governments and consumers demand more visibility into the origins of their clothing and the practices of fashion brands.

Overall, it’s exciting to see a growing awareness of the need for responsible and ethical practices within the fashion industry, driving positive change towards a more sustainable and transparent future.

This season, our Impact Interviews series features members of the Change Hub, our membership community for busy sustainable business professionals. Tap into trainings, tools and a trusted network of fellow impact practitioners (including Sophie!) by JOINING US HERE.