Inspiring Makers: Sofia Nordgren, The Nordic Kitchen

It’s with an emphasis on slow, seasonal living, that Sofia Nordgren, founder of The Nordic Kitchen, photographs, writes and creates recipes. We hope her way of capturing these sweet moments in life inspires and helps you reconnect with the small things.

You’re a photographer, food stylist and author! When did you start on your creative journey, and how did you get to where you are now?

I think I’ve always been very creative. I loved crafting things as a child. My dad was very much into photography and I found it very interesting so I got my first camera at the age of 6. I think I was around 12 when I started to really love photography and began to appreciate is a an art form, rather than just a way to document things as memories. Until I was about 20 years old I mostly photographed beautiful scenery, flowers and things like that. It was when I started studying nutrition I discovered food photography and when Instagram became a thing and I could inspire others with my food photos it really turned into a passion. It was also during this time that I found my passion for creating recipes.

Still, I love to photograph nature and the concept of slow living in different ways. A long journey indeed, and it for sure hasn’t come to an end yet.

Like us, you’re a big advocate of slow and seasonal living. What’s your favourite season and why?

Oh yes! I think every season has its pros and cons, but I try to always focus on the positive things. I love that you can change activities depending on the season. During spring and summer I basically live outdoors and during fall and winter I like to cuddle up inside with books, board games and candles. The fact that you don’t do the same thing all the time is something that I truly love about the changing seasons. But if I had to pick one I think I’d say spring. Or fall. I love both seasons so much!

What are your favourite things to cook and eat this season?

I tend to cook more comforting food, like stews, mashed potatoes and warming pasta dishes. I also bake a lot more bread this season.

What does your morning look like?

With two small kids everything is about them these days. It’s a messy chaos when everyone’s supposed to get ready and out the door on time, but I love it. We always eat breakfast together and play together before kindergarten. When I come back home after leaving my oldest at kindergarten, I love to sit down with a cup of coffee or tea, take a few deep breaths and fill out my gratitude journal or read a few pages in a book before my youngest wakes up from his nap (I’m on maternity leave). I try to avoid screens and social media for as long as I can and really be present in the mornings.

What fuels your creativity?

Nature, for sure. Being outdoors always give me some idea for something and fills me with so much inspiration. And my kids, my oldest son is so creative I’m getting more creative just being next to him. Being alone with my own thoughts also makes me more creative, even if it’s just 30 minutes. It’s like I get a lot of ideas during the day but I can’t really see them until I get to be alone for a while. If that makes sense? Painting also fuels my creativity. It’s almost like meditation, just me and the pencil and that does wonders for both my wellbeing and my creativity.

What is the best creative advice that you’ve received?

That’s a tricky one, but I must say ”Trust the process and go with the flow”. It relates so much and I always think of it when I’m struggling and not getting the results I want. I just keep creating and almost always I’m happy with what I’ve done in the end.

And finally, who or what inspires you and why?

I have to say nature again. I always find it inspiring to take what’s in season at the moment and create new recipes from those ingredients. Nature is probably my biggest source of inspiration. I also get a lot of inspiration from Pinterest. Looking at beautiful pictures and creations from others always gives me inspiration and new ideas.