By Sissel from Foss and Bjørn – UK-based sensory jewellery inspired by Scandinavia
Running a small business is rarely just a 9-to-5 — especially when your products are deeply personal, lovingly handmade, and rooted in purpose. At Foss and Bjørn, every piece of sensory jewellery we create is designed to offer both style and support —
combining minimalist Scandinavian design with functional benefits for those who fidget, chew, or experience sensory overload.
Here’s a peek into a typical day behind the scenes at our small East London studio, though of course as you’d expect from a small business, no two days are the same!
Morning: Mindful beginnings
My day usually starts with lots of water and reviewing the To Do list. The overview of what needs to happen on any particular day is usually written the night before, and taken from a long list of tasks we manage in Tally, the project management app.
Having previously worked for decades in the fast-paced world of financial services, there are some productivity habits I don’t want to get rid of and this helps to stay on top of things! I get rid of any tasks that no longer serve us, and update if priorities have changed based on what’s come in overnight.
As a small business owner, it’s easy to get caught up in the frantic busyness of every day, but I try to spend the majority of my time on activities that really move the needle and push the business forward.
Mornings are important as a way to make sure the day starts on track, approaching it with intention and care. We work in a loft studio, where it’s calm, uncluttered (or at least that’s the aim!), and filled with soft neutrals and natural textures, inspired by Foss and Bjørn’s Nordic roots.
Once orders are wrapped (always plastic-free and gift-ready), we switch gears. Social media content, new product photos, identifying what updates our web designer should make to the website, or liaising with wholesalers and retailers — it’s all part of
the rhythm. We’re small, so we wear all the hats!
Midday: Refreshing
The middle of the day is all about refreshment and reinvigoration. No two days are the same, but it is important for me to always get some time in the fresh air and in green spaces such as the local parks. This helps me stay inspired and re-energised. This is also a great point in the day to multi-task and stop by the local post office to drop off orders for shipping after order processing and packing in the morning or the day before.
The connection Foss and Bjørn have created with our users is one of a kind, and means the world. I love hearing from customers — from women with late- in-life diagnoses, to teenagers who love being able to wear their sensory jewellery to school as we’re an allowable support aid in UK schools, to parents who want to find something that helps their children after they have grown out of the more childish aids on the market.
I particularly enjoy hearing from adults who find focus and calm through fidgeting but consider themselves neurotypical, as it shows that our products really can benefit anyone. Their stories shape our ongoing work and designs, and remind me why I started this journey in the first place.
Afternoon: Behind the scenes
Each of our necklaces are made with care. We use food-grade silicone and strong cord, ensuring our jewellery is safe for chewing and durable enough to withstand daily wear. We’re one of the very few producers who safety test all designs and all colours, and we’re safety compliant in the EU/EEA, Canada, the US, and of course the UK. Whether it’s a classic pebble shape or one of our textured designs, we focus on clean lines, calming tones, and having a direct connection with nature and place.
Each piece is inspired by a specific location, with the emotive associations and colours schemes that entails. We’re about to launch our summer 2025 collection, which is heavily inspired by the outdoors of coastal Eastern Norway, and we hope the freshness and lightness that this area holds comes through to the end user. We design my day based on energy levels, and prefer making and designing in the afternoon. That’s when we sit and decide which designs will make it into the new collection, and when we find calm in the soothing repetition of making the necklaces with our own hands – stringing, knotting, and quality checking. It’s meditative in its own way.
Every necklace is made to be not just worn, but used. They’re designed to soothe busy fingers, ease tension, and offer a quiet outlet for nervous energy. It’s where function meets fashion in the most personal of ways, both for the end user but also
for the maker.
Evening: Reflect and Recharge
As the workday winds down, it’s time to step away briefly. As a family with a small child we aim to have dinner together at least 4 days per week, which we usually manage unless there’s a business networking event in the evening, or an awards ceremony to attend (we recently became a finalist for the London region in the UK StartUp Awards!).
Being a UK-based brand means we’re part of a vibrant handmade community and we take pride in supporting local suppliers wherever possible and love connecting with other small businesses who share our values of thoughtful, inclusive design.
The evenings where we get together to support each other are invaluable for recharging and also for finding new inspiration. But just like my jewellery designs helps others pause and find calm, I try to do the same for myself – the flexibility of owning my own business was one of the reasons I left financial services in the first place, so whether it’s a walk, a bit of sketching, or planning for the next collection, I’m always trying to stay present while thinking a little ahead.
At Foss and Bjørn we believe sensory tools can be beautiful, subtle, and empowering. What we make is more than just jewellery — it’s about creating space for calm, clarity, and confidence, and to support individuals to be fully themselves in spaces
that become increasingly inclusive. Thank you for being part of our journey.
With love from our studio to you.