Sophie Tea Art - My Mission to Raise Awareness of Charities

Sophie Tea Art is a talented artist who is using her creative skills and huge social media following (1.1m followers on Tiktok and 725k followers on Instagram) to put the spotlight on charity shops across the country.  

We were thrilled when Sophie visited our Hornchurch superstore on 11th October as part of her Charity Friday series. Sophie also took time out to answer some of our questions about why she’s on a mission to raise awareness of the incredible work charities do to help their communities. Not only is she incredibly kind and generous, she’s very humble too! 

There is a strong sense of female empowerment in your art. Where do you get your artistic style and inspiration from?

Women inspire so much of my work. I love witnessing the growth and evolution of women over time. Whether it’s my nudes (obviously) or my abstract work, every brushstroke is inspired by the women in our amazing community. I think I just want people to know, whoever you are, you can achieve whatever you want even if it's unconventional.  

Could you tell us about the charity shop items you have chosen to paint? What made them stand out?

I never know what I’m going to paint, I love finding pieces that are a little quirky or have a vintage feel—something that has lived a life before it found its way to me. It’s often the imperfections that draw me in because I feel like they add to the piece’s personality. I couldn’t say no to a Barbie dream car could I! 

What inspired you to use your art skills and talent to help charities?

For me, art has always been a way to express my emotions and connect with others, so it felt natural to use it to help causes that matter to me. The idea that something I create can raise awareness or funds for those in need is incredibly powerful. I believe art can bring people together, and if it can inspire someone to donate or support a charity, then it becomes something bigger than just paint on a canvas. I love the idea of being someone’s first interaction with art, even if it’s in my little way!  

What makes charity shops so special?

Charity shops are like treasure troves—you never know what you’re going to find, and that’s the beauty of it. It’s not just about good value, although that’s a huge bonus; it’s about the uniqueness of each item and the story behind it. Plus, shopping in charity shops supports incredible causes. I love the challenge of heading out to a good charity shop & not knowing what I can find then reworking something unique!  

You have an incredible following on social media, what difference do you hope to make?

With my social media presence, I want to make a difference by raising awareness about the places I visit and inspire others to get involved. I also really want to just meet as many people as possible, Sophie Tea Art wouldn’t exist without social media, I’ve taken the abnormal route but everyone supporting online is who has made it possible for me to live out this dream and I really want everyone to know it's possible!  

What do you love most about giving your time to help charities in this way?

What I love most is the sense of community and connection. Knowing that I can use my creativity to support a cause and inspire others to do the same is incredibly rewarding. It’s not just about creating art or raising money—it’s about being part of something bigger, something that brings people together for a shared purpose. That sense of giving back, of making even a small difference, is what drives me to keep doing this. 

Have you learned much from the experience or has it changed your views on charity or charity shops in any way? Absolutely. Working closely with charities has opened my eyes to how much these organisations do with limited resources and how important every contribution is. It’s made me realise that even small actions—like donating an item or volunteering—can have a huge impact. These people are the kindest & most hardworking people I’ve encountered, it’s incredible how much they do and often on a voluntary basis! 

You give up your time and skills to help charities, what would you say to someone considering volunteering in a charity shop?

I’d say go for it! Volunteering at a charity shop is such a rewarding experience. Not only do you get to meet amazing people and discover unique items, but you’re also contributing to something much bigger than yourself. It’s a great way to give back, learn new skills, and support causes that really need it. Plus, knowing that your time is making a difference is a feeling you can’t put a price on.