Foss & Bjørn, a jewellery company founded by NBCC-member Sissel Heiberg, has reached the finals of the Startup Awards UK for London region. If successful later this month, the company will reach the UK finals. NBCC’s William Coles spoke with Sissel about her start-up journey.
Originally from Sarpsborg in Østfold, Sissel Heiberg moved to the UK to study before embarking on a career in the City. Reluctant to return to spreadsheets and PowerPoint presentations following maternity leave, what started as a hobby designing jewellery has become a successful start-up.
Foss & Bjørn’s bracelets and necklaces are inspired by the colours of Scandinavian landscapes, and each piece of jewellery takes its name from the place that inspired it. These range from the vibrant colours inspired by an icecream parlour in Skjeberg, to more calming icey tones inspired by the Jotunheimen glacier. Just like Norway’s diverse landscape, there is something for everyone.
But Foss & Bjørn is more than just a jewellery company. Inspired by her work as part of the award-winning Neurodiversity Steering Group at Deutsche Bank, and in leading the Mental Health First Aider Group for the Bank’s UK operations, Sissel produces sensory jewellery. This type of jewellery offers significant benefits for both neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals by helping to increase focus, maintain calm, and reduce sensory overload. It can also act as a replacement to reduce unwanted repetitive behaviours.
Sissel noticed a gap in the market for adult stimming and fidgeting tools that were also beautiful and fashionable – jewellery for those wanting to feel beautiful as well as calm, and have their fidgeting tools easily accessible and never get lost. As she emphasises, “just because you have autism, ADHD, any other sensory sensitivity, doesn’t mean you can’t stay beautiful and fashionable.”
If you have a particular place you would like Foss & Bjørn to use as inspiration for their next collection, you can send them a message HERE and your location might just become part of their latest designs.
To celebrate reaching the London final of Startup Awards UK, Foss & Bjørn is offering all NBCC members a 25% discount throughout June. NBCC members can access this offer HERE.
