KATE STEPHENS
We sat down with Kate Stephens, the CEO and force behind Smart Works to discuss her role, dressing for success, and the anniversary collection.
Photographer: Nic Ford
kate Stephens
We sat down with Kate Stephens, the CEO and force behind Smart Works to discuss her role, dressing for success, and the anniversary collection.
Photographer: Nic Ford
Q&A
How was Hackney Hooker born?
I was first taught how to make a granny square at a seniors coffee morning I volunteered at years ago, that’s the actual origin I suppose. But it was only in the last couple of years that I started making stuff for more than just immediate family and friends. TikTok coming along and making crochet popular again deffo played a part, and then it naturally evolved from there with people reaching out for bits I’d been sharing first on my personal insta and then on the Hackney Hooker one.
Where did the name come from?
It was a joke, I had a craft club at my flat every Monday night - everyone brought their own thing, painting, crochet, knitting, sewing, very East London - and one of the girls was laughing at the concept of stitch and bitch because she’d never heard it before. Then I threw out the idea of being called The Hackney Hooker, and it just stuck, there was no other name I could use after that, it still makes me laugh.
What do you take into consideration when
selecting your yarns?
Ultimately, it’s about what the product is being used for, how breathable it needs to be, how sturdy, how malleable etc, and that largely dictates my choices.
Like most things handmade, it’s tough when you try to be more mindful of the materials you use, as this often comes at a cost, and when people can buy a crochet dress on ASOS for £15 or less... it’s hard convincing people to spend that on raw materials alone.
What’s next in the pipeline?
Project wise? So many things! I’m getting married in a couple of months which has absolutely inspired me to put together some playful bridal pieces.
I’m working to get stocked in a local shop which is mad and fab in equal measure.
In terms of dreaming big, I’d love to collaborate with some of my favourite brands or host some fun event in one of the many wine bars around this way.
Tell us about the ALIGNE pieces you’re wearing and how you’ve styled them?
I like clothing items that are fuss free, so I chose pieces that I feel are chic, are easy, are versatile. Then I can inject some more playfulness with the accessories if I want.
There are some days I love getting ready, and others where I just need to thrown on a uniform without thinking. Incorporating pieces like these into my wardrobe means no matter how I wake up feeling, I’m able to feign a bit of effort.
Where do you go for outfit inspiration?
People on the street, social media also plays a part, consciously or unconsciously.
What's your approach to curating a wardrobe?
Slow and steady. I used to be way more impulsive, but I feel like it’s only now I’m in my late 20s that I actually get what I like in a way that lasts beyond a season.
I also love second hand/consignment shopping, so living East means I’m spoiled for choice.
How was Hackney Hooker born?
I was first taught how to make a granny square at a seniors coffee morning I volunteered at years ago, that’s the actual origin I suppose. But it was only in the last couple of years that I started making stuff for more than just immediate family and friends. TikTok coming along and making crochet popular again deffo played a part, and then it naturally evolved from there with people reaching out for bits I’d been sharing first on my personal insta and then on the Hackney Hooker one.
Where did the name come from?
It was a joke, I had a craft club at my flat every Monday night - everyone brought their own thing, painting, crochet, knitting, sewing, very East London - and one of the girls was laughing at the concept of stitch and bitch because she’d never heard it before. Then I threw out the idea of being called The Hackney Hooker, and it just stuck, there was no other name I could use after that, it still makes me laugh.
What do you take into consideration when
selecting your yarns?
Ultimately, it’s about what the product is being used for, how breathable it needs to be, how sturdy, how malleable etc, and that largely dictates my choices.
Like most things handmade, it’s tough when you try to be more mindful of the materials you use, as this often comes at a cost, and when people can buy a crochet dress on ASOS for £15 or less... it’s hard convincing people to spend that on raw materials alone.
What’s next in the pipeline?
Project wise? So many things! I’m getting married in a couple of months which has absolutely inspired me to put together some playful bridal pieces.
I’m working to get stocked in a local shop which is mad and fab in equal measure.
In terms of dreaming big, I’d love to collaborate with some of my favourite brands or host some fun event in one of the many wine bars around this way.
Tell us about the ALIGNE pieces you’re wearing and how you’ve styled them?
I like clothing items that are fuss free, so I chose pieces that I feel are chic, are easy, are versatile. Then I can inject some more playfulness with the accessories if I want.
There are some days I love getting ready, and others where I just need to thrown on a uniform without thinking. Incorporating pieces like these into my wardrobe means no matter how I wake up feeling, I’m able to feign a bit of effort.
Where do you go for outfit inspiration?
People on the street, social media also plays a part, consciously or unconsciously.
What's your approach to curating a wardrobe?
Slow and steady. I used to be way more impulsive, but I feel like it’s only now I’m in my late 20s that I actually get what I like in a way that lasts beyond a season.
I also love second hand/consignment shopping, so living East means I’m spoiled for choice.
How did you become CEO of Smart Works?
I came to the charity sector a little later – I began my career in political consultancy, and then in my 30s, became a trustee of a childcare charity, a cause very close to my heart. I fell in love with the dynamic, entrepreneurial nature of small charities and decided I wanted to make this my day job. At the same time, I met our Founder, Juliet Hughes-Hallett, who had just launched this incredible London charity with a mission to use the power of clothes and coaching to help women succeed across the UK. Like all powerful moments in life, it felt like it was meant to be.
Proudest moment of your career?
There have been some special moments over the years, but this year has been one to remember. We are celebrating our tenth anniversary at Smart Works, and have now helped over 32,000 women across the UK – an unfathomable number ten years ago. We are incredibly proud of how far we have come as a small charity, but there is of course much more to do.
What does a typical day at work look like?
Truly, no day is the same – as cliché as that sounds. From meetings with partners, to our Fashion Club events; job centre visits to Smart Works fashion sales, every day is different. The one constant is the incredible women who walk into our centre. Every day, our clients walk past my office door, looking nervous about what may lay ahead. Two hours later, they leave with their head held high, shoulders down, and a spring in their step – a process I feel incredibly lucky to witness.
What is Smart Works mission?
Our mission is to help unemployed women fulfil their potential, get the job, and transform their lives. We do this through using the power of high quality clothing and one-to-one coaching; a deceptively simple but highly effective service. Our ultimate goal is that any woman in need of our help will be able to find her way to a Smart Works centre, with plans to reach 10,000 women each year by 2025.
Tell us about the 'Capsule Collection' with Isabel Spearman in celebration of your 10-year anniversary?
The Smart Works Capsule Collection is Fashion as a Force for Good at its finest. It brings together 11 female-led British brands to raise vital funds and awareness in support of our mission. Every brand involved has made a generous commitment to donate proceeds from pieces sold to Smart Works, which will be incredibly valuable in supporting us in our mission - we are so grateful to everyone involved.
How was Hackney Hooker born?
I was first taught how to make a granny square at a seniors coffee morning I volunteered at years ago, that’s the actual origin I suppose. But it was only in the last couple of years that I started making stuff for more than just immediate family and friends. TikTok coming along and making crochet popular again deffo played a part, and then it naturally evolved from there with people reaching out for bits I’d been sharing first on my personal insta and then on the Hackney Hooker one.
Where did the name come from?
It was a joke, I had a craft club at my flat every Monday night - everyone brought their own thing, painting, crochet, knitting, sewing, very East London - and one of the girls was laughing at the concept of stitch and bitch because she’d never heard it before. Then I threw out the idea of being called The Hackney Hooker, and it just stuck, there was no other name I could use after that, it still makes me laugh.
What do you take into consideration when
selecting your yarns?
Ultimately, it’s about what the product is being used for, how breathable it needs to be, how sturdy, how malleable etc, and that largely dictates my choices.
Like most things handmade, it’s tough when you try to be more mindful of the materials you use, as this often comes at a cost, and when people can buy a crochet dress on ASOS for £15 or less... it’s hard convincing people to spend that on raw materials alone.
What’s next in the pipeline?
Project wise? So many things! I’m getting married in a couple of months which has absolutely inspired me to put together some playful bridal pieces.
I’m working to get stocked in a local shop which is mad and fab in equal measure.
In terms of dreaming big, I’d love to collaborate with some of my favourite brands or host some fun event in one of the many wine bars around this way.
Tell us about the ALIGNE pieces you’re wearing and how you’ve styled them?
I like clothing items that are fuss free, so I chose pieces that I feel are chic, are easy, are versatile. Then I can inject some more playfulness with the accessories if I want.
There are some days I love getting ready, and others where I just need to thrown on a uniform without thinking. Incorporating pieces like these into my wardrobe means no matter how I wake up feeling, I’m able to feign a bit of effort.
Where do you go for outfit inspiration?
People on the street, social media also plays a part, consciously or unconsciously.
What's your approach to curating a wardrobe?
Slow and steady. I used to be way more impulsive, but I feel like it’s only now I’m in my late 20s that I actually get what I like in a way that lasts beyond a season.
I also love second hand/consignment shopping, so living East means I’m spoiled for choice.
How did you become CEO of Smart Works?
I came to the charity sector a little later – I began my career in political consultancy, and then in my 30s, became a trustee of a childcare charity, a cause very close to my heart. I fell in love with the dynamic, entrepreneurial nature of small charities and decided I wanted to make this my day job. At the same time, I met our Founder, Juliet Hughes-Hallett, who had just launched this incredible London charity with a mission to use the power of clothes and coaching to help women succeed across the UK. Like all powerful moments in life, it felt like it was meant to be.
Proudest moment of your career?
There have been some special moments over the years, but this year has been one to remember. We are celebrating our tenth anniversary at Smart Works, and have now helped over 32,000 women across the UK – an unfathomable number ten years ago. We are incredibly proud of how far we have come as a small charity, but there is of course much more to do.
What does a typical day at work look like?
Truly, no day is the same – as cliché as that sounds. From meetings with partners, to our Fashion Club events; job centre visits to Smart Works fashion sales, every day is different. The one constant is the incredible women who walk into our centre. Every day, our clients walk past my office door, looking nervous about what may lay ahead. Two hours later, they leave with their head held high, shoulders down, and a spring in their step – a process I feel incredibly lucky to witness.
What is Smart Works mission?
Our mission is to help unemployed women fulfil their potential, get the job, and transform their lives. We do this through using the power of high quality clothing and one-to-one coaching; a deceptively simple but highly effective service. Our ultimate goal is that any woman in need of our help will be able to find her way to a Smart Works centre, with plans to reach 10,000 women each year by 2025.
Tell us about the 'Capsule Collection' with Isabel Spearman in celebration of your 10-year anniversary?
The Smart Works Capsule Collection is Fashion as a Force for Good at its finest. It brings together 11 female-led British brands to raise vital funds and awareness in support of our mission. Every brand involved has made a generous commitment to donate proceeds from pieces sold to Smart Works, which will be incredibly valuable in supporting us in our mission - we are so grateful to everyone involved.
Why are clothes so powerful in the interview process?
Clothes have such a powerful impact on how we feel about ourselves – there’s a line in the Smart Works manifesto, ‘We know that when a woman looks and feels great about who she is, she can change her life.’ When you feel comfortable in your clothes, in yourself, it transforms the energy you put out in the world and how the world sees you – and we see this in our clients every day. To walk into an interview and not have to think about what you’re wearing, how you look, if a label is itchy or a waistband a touch too tight, means you can focus entirely on that interview and putting your best foot forward.
What's your approach to curating a workwear wardrobe?
The main thing is confidence. Items that make me feel my best are essential, especially when it comes to workwear. That way, I don’t need to worry at all about what I put on in the morning; I could pick out a dress with my eyes closed and still walk out of my front door feeling comfortable and ready to face the day.
Wardrobe staple?
Dresses - since I started wearing dresses, I haven’t looked back. Simple, easy to accessorize, and can easily take me from my workday, to a board meeting, to parent’s evening.
Tell us about the ALIGNE pieces you’re selected and how you’ve styled them?
I am in my favourite ALIGNE suit, which is one of the beautiful pieces in the Smart Works Capsule Collection. Paired with the Katie Cashmere Roll Neck, it makes for the perfect autumn outfit. I would normally opt for a dress, but feel so empowered when I put this outfit on – especially knowing that 25% of the proceeds from each sale will go to Smart Works, helping unemployed women get the job and transform their lives.
Why are clothes so powerful in the interview process?
Clothes have such a powerful impact on how we feel about ourselves – there’s a line in the Smart Works manifesto, ‘We know that when a woman looks and feels great about who she is, she can change her life.’ When you feel comfortable in your clothes, in yourself, it transforms the energy you put out in the world and how the world sees you – and we see this in our clients every day. To walk into an interview and not have to think about what you’re wearing, how you look, if a label is itchy or a waistband a touch too tight, means you can focus entirely on that interview and putting your best foot forward.
What's your approach to curating a workwear wardrobe?
The main thing is confidence. Items that make me feel my best are essential, especially when it comes to workwear. That way, I don’t need to worry at all about what I put on in the morning; I could pick out a dress with my eyes closed and still walk out of my front door feeling comfortable and ready to face the day.
Wardrobe staple?
Dresses - since I started wearing dresses, I haven’t looked back. Simple, easy to accessorize, and can easily take me from my workday, to a board meeting, to parent’s evening.
Tell us about the ALIGNE pieces you’re selected and how you’ve styled them?
I am in my favourite ALIGNE suit, which is one of the beautiful pieces in the Smart Works Capsule Collection. Paired with the Katie Cashmere Roll Neck, it makes for the perfect autumn outfit. I would normally opt for a dress, but feel so empowered when I put this outfit on – especially knowing that 25% of the proceeds from each sale will go to Smart Works, helping unemployed women get the job and transform their lives.