A conversation with Daisy Sophia

Our essence is inspired by all that is tropical. Perhaps because we spent decades in the Far East immersed in this energy, we are in many ways defined by and constantly drawn to the tropics. Imagine our delight when we came across Castaway - a digital community and online boutique that is steeped in exotic vibes drawn from its founder’s extensive travels across far-flung lands and islands. It immediately felt like home.

Launched by Daisy Sophia, the platform is a space that speaks of her journeys across a decade to little-known corners of the world, from Costa Rica to Sri Lanka through to Indonesia and Australia. Originally from the Netherlands, Daisy inherited her love of travel from her ancestors, who would traverse the oceans to explore hidden tropical islands and who lived for years on the island of Curaçao. Having graduated in Fashion and Branding from the Amsterdam Fashion Institute, she subsequently specialised in shaping the branding and visuals of slow-living lifestyle and boutique hotel brands across the world. It was the springboard into her continuing explorations, weaving a further thread into her travel tapestry.

Daisy Sophia

Castaway not only reflects Daisy’s nomadic spirit - it is also a mirror of her love for all things crafted, which speak of the people and land from which they emerge from. Offering a tightly curated selection of lifestyle and skincare products suited to island life (and not only), each has been sourced from skilled artisans from Hawai’i to Morocco, and includes a limited edition range of Castaway-branded items crafted exclusively for the online boutique. Polynesian sea urchin necklaces by Coqui Coqui, plum face oil by Voyanics and Castaway’s very own Honolulu sunglasses all find their space within this palm-leaf fringed digital space.

What spirit underpins Castaway and flows through Daisy? “Castaway is an island inspired community and boutique for the curious and conscious expeditionist. We believe that travelling should be a reflection of your curious inner expeditionist. Chase that ocean swell, climb in palm trees, cut those coconuts or burn that self-made campfire on the beach of an undiscovered island.”

Currently based on the coast of Morocco, a stone’s throw away from the ocean, Daisy and her partner Jaouad embody all that Castaway represents - a free-spiritedness contoured by an island-life way of seeing our world, rooted in honest, pure authenticity and an appreciation for design that is meant to last. In our evolving existence, where the collective is embracing with evermore determinedness the desire to live in ways that are connected and true, Daisy’s story and the emergence of Castaway is a fascinating and relevant one. We asked her ten questions drawn from the Proust Questionnaire - a questionnaire that has its origins in a parlour game that had been popularised by French essayist Marcel Proust, designed to reveal the player’s true nature.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Waking up in a hammock on a deserted island surrounded by palm trees, cutting some fresh coconuts (yes myself), walking barefoot in the sand while listening to the sound of the ocean every day.

What is your current state of mind?

I'm currently designing new items here in Morocco for our new home here. We're moving from up the mountain hill to an apartment directly on the beach. Such a dream!

If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, who or what would she/he/it be and why?

I always say I would love to come back as a manta ray as I find their movements so majestic. The feeling of being in the ocean and explorer its beauty permanently would be a dream as I currently can't dive due to a problem I have with my ear-pressure.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

Presently, that would be my daily routine. I became so lazy due to the current timeframe, and I need to regain my power and strength mentally and physically. I can't wait to move closer to the ocean and start off my day with an early morning surf and swim!

What is your greatest regret?

Not living in Indonesia for a year when I had the chance. This country stole my heart, and I will definitely return the minute they open up the country again.

What is your most treasured possession?

That would be definitely my collection of souvenirs that I've collected from all my trips the past 10 years. From silver cutlery found at a market in Paris and a handmade palm bag from the islands of Polynesia, to custom made ceramics from Bali, they all have their own magical story to tell.

What is the quality you most like in a man?

Integrity.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?

Self-confidence.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Finding the man I love. Being a creative person with an open-minded spirit and a dose of self-confidence is not always easy to handle for a man. After some hard experiences, I almost lost my faith in love. I feel so blessed I met Jaouad and that he fully appreciates my craziness, creativity and stubborn mind from time to time.

What is your motto?

Explore the world with your eyes wide open, be wild, be curious and fully experience all that is given around you.

Daisy has now launched The Barefoot Traveller online journal, where she chronicles a conscious approach to luxury travel.