Two friends who turned shared curiosity into a way of life. Originally from Gudbrandsdalen - a scenic valley region in the heart of Norway - Hedda (23) and Elise (27) are now based in Lisbon, where they’ve built a creative universe around secondhand treasures, community, and conscious living. 

Together, they run Sorry We Took So Long, a vintage and secondhand store born from instinct, intention, and a love for clothes with a story. What started as casual flea market strolls during their student days in Oslo has grown into a full-on passion - and a beautiful reflection of who they are.

From thoughtful details to calm ambition, they’re doing things their own way - and that’s exactly what makes it work.

Sorry we took so long

Lisbon, Portugal marked an important milestone: their very first pop-up with a collection of secondhand pieces they had gathered over several years. It was their very first venture into sharing their love for pre-loved fashion, and the beginning of building something uniquely theirs. 

Describing themselves as curious, creative, and great at making things happen, they balance their ambition with an appreciation for taking breaks and recharging. They like to think of themselves as ”calm doers” with a talent for unusual details, vintage jackets, and thought-provoking conversations. Hedda and Elise are often described as easy to be around, yet a bit unconventional - in the best possible way. They’ll be the first to say they don’t have it all figured out - but they lead with their heart and honest intentions, and so far, that approach has taken them exactly where they need to be.

Let's talk passion

Hedda and Elise have a shared passion for discovering, cherishing, and sharing secondhand clothing - and the stories woven into the people who wear them. What started as casual weekend trips to flea markets during their communication studies quickly grew into something more. Over time, their wardrobes - and their love for vintage - expanded. When they eventually moved into the same apartment in Lisbon, it felt natural to open up this world to others. The moment it started to feel like more than just a hobby? Probably when friends began saying, “We’d buy everything in your closet.” That was the spark that made them think maybe they weren’t the only ones who saw something special in old garments. And just like that, Sorry We Took So Long - their own secondhand store - was born.

For them, vintage clothing isn’t just about style - it’s about stories. There’s a quiet kind of beauty in knowing a piece of clothing has lived a life before and is about to start a new one. The process brings them everything from creative freedom to a deep sense of purpose. There’s no set formula in what they do, and that’s exactly why it works for them. And the best part? Watching someone light up when they find a piece that just feels right.

Your unexpected side

Something they both say about themselves is that they’re actually much better at getting things done than people might expect. From the outside, things might seem laid-back and spontaneous - but behind the soft visuals and easygoing vibe is a pair with clear ideas, strong instincts, and a determination to make things feel just right.

People are often surprised because the two come across as “go with the flow,” but the truth is they’re organized to the core - and a bit stubborn. They’ve even joked about creating a guide on how to fit two weeks’ worth of outfits into a single carry-on. Niche? Definitely! But also on-brand for the duo, and very Sorry We Took So Long.

Someone who truly inspires you

Hedda and Elise draw inspiration from people who do things their own way - especially women who build something real at their own pace, far from any one-size-fits-all formula. In the world of secondhand fashion, Jenny Skavlan is a standout. For them, she’s a classic: someone who has shown that reuse can be fun, creative, and conscious all at once. “We’ve been fans since we were little,” they say. “She’s always kind of been in the back of our minds, but as we started caring more about clothing and sustainability, we really began to see the value in what she does.”

They’re especially drawn to the way Skavlan mixes humor with redesign in a way that feels approachable and inspiring. And while there’s no single quote or moment that defines her impact, her presence has been a guiding one in their own journey. “If we ever met her,” they add, “we’d ask her to run a sewing course so we could finally learn how to make the perfect pair of jeans. It’s something we’ve always wanted to learn - and let’s be honest, finding a great pair of jeans, whether secondhand or brand new, is much harder than you’d think.”

Just for fun

If there’s one job Hedda and Elise know they would be terrible at, it’s working as chefs at a fancy restaurant. It’s not that they don’t like to cook - they do - but following exact recipes and keeping up with the fast pace of a busy kitchen just isn’t their thing. They prefer doing it their own way, changing things as they go, and not worrying too much about measurements.

When they host dinners, the plan usually changes along the way. Sometimes friends end up cooking while they handle the dishes. But the food is tasty, everyone’s full, and that’s what counts. If they ever do something with food in the future, it would have to be in a more relaxed setting - maybe a little café in the back of their shop. They’ve got the coffee part down, and the rest? They’ll figure it out with some good people by their side.