It all started as a part of an assignment during her studies, and the immediate positive response she received lead her to continue even after the project was over. «It hasn’t been easy in any way, but I’ve learned a lot and gained so much valuable experience from running a small business over these years. I’m really happy I took the leap instead of opting for something more traditional or safe straight away.»
Oda Stormoen
Ever since she was a little girl, Oda enjoyed making clothes for her dolls and organizing make-pretend fashion shows at home. Today, she runs her own DIY fashion brand, Flid, a community that aims to inspires more people to start sewing their own clothes and building a sustainable wardrobe they feel connected to.
Having always enjoyed making things, she became more deeply involved in sewing in her early twenties. Discovering pattern making, she realized that she could create the clothes she wanted, all while maintaining a budget-friendly, inspiring, and creatively stimulating wardrobe. "From there, I never looked back, and I have spent most of my time developing my craft and learning more about the artisanship of it all. Now, I really enjoy both the creative and technical aspects of sewing and pattern making, and hope to translate that passion into inspiring, appealing, and refined patterns for the modern sewist."
Working for herself involves a wide range of tasks, creating what she describes as a controlled chaos of managing numerous responsibilities simultaneously. “Working as a one-person team and being my own boss has its pros and cons. The freedom is great for creativity and strategy, but the downside is the challenge of maintaining work-life balance with all responsibilities falling on me. Despite the demands, I enjoy the ability to get inspired, run with ideas, and launch new projects spontaneously. Being my own boss fosters a dynamic, flexible approach that enhances my creativity.”
Making fashion, and the sort of ‘personal couture’ that DIY sewing and knitting presents, more accessible and appealing to more people is something Oda holds close to her heart. “The creative possibilities and sustainable upsides in crafting a unique wardrobe with longevity and personal choices at its core are inspiring. So I try to balance these two things with my designs, helping people make elevated and elegant garments at home, that both make them feel good and contribute to a more conscious relationship with fashion.”
The meaning of the Norwegian word Flid meaning making something with care, and that ethos is embedded in the vision for her company; placing more value and love in each garment we own by producing them ourselves. “The aim is a community where like-minded individuals can share their passion for design and aesthetic expression without compromising the well-being of the planet or mental health. The ultimate goal for Flid is to inspire people to craft their own sustainable wardrobe, fostering a deeper connection to their clothing choices and promoting skill development in sewing and knitting."
Her studio is filled with several Varier chairs, and works as the heart of the various functions of her studio. “The chairs create different moods as well as zones for differing types of work. I often have long days at the studio, and having these dedicated chairs helps boost my energy and productivity.»
“The ultimate goal for Flid is to inspire people to craft their own sustainable wardrobe, fostering a deeper connection to their clothing choices and promoting skill development in sewing and knitting.”
Especially Move has become a favorite during the long days of crafting. “I think it might be the most perfect chair for sewing! It has definitely changed the way I operate, move, and behave in my workshop for the better. When I'm immersed in my projects, I shuffle between the sewing machine, cutting table, and ironing station. Move is so flexible, dynamic, and agile, allowing me to use it in various situations and positions while staying completely mobile and in reach of everything. I feel like the way it adapts to my body and the type of task being done helps prevent fatigue as well. It's just fantastic."