let’s meet our
our teachers
Sophie Bayliss
Sophie is a seasoned florist with over 20 years of experience, having successfully run her own business in London before relocating to Switzerland. Known for her popular wreath-making classes, Sophie brings a unique blend of creativity and sustainability to her work. Sophie has also shared her interest in sustainability through writing a blog, hosting talks on eco-friendly living and by organizing local, seasonal eco markets. Her approach combines creativity, a commitment to sustainable practices and a love of bringing people together.
Rachel Wise
With a strong commitment to sustainable living, Rachel founded Eco Workshop to promote eco-friendly practices and the Community Compost Association to encourage composting in Terre Sainte. Drawing from her love of gardening, Rachel uses plants she grows to craft handmade soaps and other natural products. Known for her down-to-earth style, Rachel creates a warm, welcoming space where people of all ages can experience the joy of sustainable crafting and simple, mindful living.
At The Homestead, she brings this dedication to sustainability, creativity, and community, fostering a place where learning and connection flourish naturally.
Lottie
Lotte is a dedicated candle maker and founder of LANXEL Candles. She is passionate about creating beautiful and natural candles from sustainable rapeseed oil scented without synthetic additives or harmful chemicals. Her expertise in blending essential oils and plant-based ingredients ensures each candle exudes unique, toxin-free aromas that promote well-being and relaxation. Committed to sustainability and transparency, Lotte inspires participants to embrace natural craftsmanship and enhance their spaces with clean candlelight based on Danish hygge.
Wiebke Meurer
Wiebke Meurer is an acclaimed jewelry and metalwork artist whose creations have been exhibited internationally and honored with numerous awards. With a Master of Fine Arts from the Sandberg Instituut in Amsterdam, she has worked as a freelance designer, crafting unique silver objects and jewellery collections since 2002.
Since 2007, Wiebke has taught at prestigious institutions across Europe such as including CEPV in Vevey, HEAD in Geneva, and Konstfack University of Arts, Crafts, and Design in Stockholm. In 2021, she began teaching at the University of Design, Film and Arts in Lucerne. Now she also shares her expertise in goldsmithing from her own studio in Nyon. Passionate about design and craftsmanship, she inspires creativity in every piece she makes and every class she leads.
Laraba Friedman
Laraba is a Wellness Coach and Body Therapist based in Geneva, Switzerland, with a focus in women’s health. She combines coaching, talk therapy, and hands-on therapeutic touch to help women release physical and emotional pain. With an integrative approach, Laraba empowers her clients to achieve greater balance, resilience, and freedom in their bodies and minds. Her sessions are designed to address both immediate discomfort and long-term wellbeing, creating a safe space for women to heal and thrive.
Victoria Datnow
Victoria is the face behind Victoria Datnow Styles, a personal styling consultancy based in Nyon, Switzerland. She is passionate about helping both women and men discover their unique style and curate a wardrobe filled with pieces they love to wear. With a background from the London College of Fashion, Victoria brings professional expertise and a personalised approach to styling, focused on making clients feel confident and authentic. Victoria will be running workshops on personal style and how to make the most of your wardrobe.
