We were lucky to catch up with Sophia Hobley recently and have shared our conversation below.
Sophia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later?
While there are moments when I find myself wishing I could have launched my business at an earlier age, but I believe I embarked on this entrepreneurial journey at the right moment. The experiences I accumulated and the confidence I gained during the years leading up to my business’s inception provided me with the ideal foundation to take the plunge.
Originally, I pursued an education in Graphic Communications, leading to my initial career with the United States Army back in 2010. For about six years, I lived and worked at Fort Riley, Kansas. During my time there, I largely self-taught myself various aspects of graphic design, marketing, and business development. I mastered tools such as Adobe Suite products, web page coding, content creation, social media management, presentation skills, negotiation, business strategy, and financial management. Additionally, I had the invaluable opportunity to immerse myself in the planning and execution of large-scale events, as well as sponsorship coordination. This immersion exposed me to the entire spectrum of business operations, from behind-the-scenes intricacies to the final, tangible results. This experience was instrumental in shaping my understanding of the core principles essential for running a business. It taught me the art of communication, the significance of taking calculated risks, the importance of following through methodically, and the creative genius needed to generate ideas that stand out.
Having reached a point where I felt that my civilian career with the Army had come to a conclusion, I made the decision to embark on a new journey. I relocated to Phoenix, Arizona, with the aspiration of forging a profession in interior design. I realized that the world of office work and computer-based tasks did not align with my innate desire to work directly with people and immerse myself in hands-on projects. I returned to college with the aim of specializing in interior design for the hospitality and commercial sector and began actively seeking a marketing job in commercial real estate to gain entry into the industry. It was during my first real estate job, in 2017, where I met an extraordinary boss who recognized my potential and encouraged and supported my entrepreneurial aspirations. It felt like the next natural step for me and that I was doing what I knew in my heart I was great at. So, in 2018, I finally took that momentous step and launched my very own business.
My background in marketing was a pivotal benefit in the successful launch of my business. Equipped with a deep understanding of marketing principles, I had all the necessary tools and insights to craft a distinctive brand identity for my business, setting it apart from others. Additionally, my experience in event coordination and sponsorship prepared me for effective communication and gave me the fearless drive to attend networking events and small business mixers, spreading the word about my business.
Reflecting on this journey, I know that initiating my business at an earlier stage in my life would likely have left me feeling somewhat clueless and potentially might have caused me to lose my determination to persevere through the inevitable challenges. Without the wealth of knowledge and experience I gained over time; my overall experience would probably have been more chaotic and uncertain. I might have been scattered in my ideas and struggled to translate my vision for a uniquely tailored business into a tangible reality.
So looking back, I’m convinced that starting when I did was the perfect timing for building a business that I’m proud of, and ultimately proved to be successful in my own unique way.
Sophia, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
For folks who may not have read about you before, can you please tell our readers about yourself. I am originally from a very small town in Indiana called Farmland. I take great pride being from the Mid-West. Although I miss it at times, I’ve been a resident of Phoenix, Arizona, for over seven years now. I have 2 wonderful children (my two English Bulldogs), and I enjoy exploring all the outdoor activities Arizona has to offer. In my free time, I devote myself to my creative business.
My ultimate aspiration is to blend my passions for hospitality design and commercial real estate, transitioning into a full-time career as a commercial designer.
How you got into your industry / business / discipline / craft etc
I have worked in the commercial real estate industry for a total of 6 years as a marketing expert. I of course favor the retail sector. Simultaneously pursuing a college education in interior design while actively working in the marketing division of commercial real estate greatly bolstered my confidence to pursue a career bridging both real estate, marketing, and commercial design.
What type of products/services/creative works you provide
I provide design services catering to the needs of small business owners and individuals seeking interior design expertise. My work with small businesses encompasses a wide array of services, including logo design, branding, marketing advertisements, and webpage development. Additionally, I extend my services to interior design, which includes tasks such as space planning, interior styling, material selection, and/or merchandising.
What problems you solve for your clients and/or what you think sets you apart from others.
I assist clients in transforming their business vision into a reality by focusing on branding, marketing, and development. Moreover, I specialize in crafting distinctive interior styles that distinguish them from conventional housing designs, run-of-the-mill tenant improvements, or mirror the heart of what they aim for their business or space to represent.
What are you most proud of and what are the main things you want potential clients/followers/fans to know about you/your brand/your work/ etc.
My greatest source of pride lies in my perseverance. My journey was far from easy. I came from a very poverty-stricken background with no mentors to guide me through the concept of higher education or the meaning of career success. Everything I’ve achieved and built was the result of my personal efforts, self-education, and an unyielding drive.
Like many, the year 2020 had a big impact on my small business, and it continues to be a work in progress to restore it to its pre-pandemic scale. In 2021, I experienced a rollover UTV accident that left me with several traumas, including facial paralysis and hearing complications. However, through intensive physical therapy and time, I managed to regain full function of my facial nerves, although I ultimately lost hearing in one ear. Nevertheless, neither my past nor my origins have deterred me from pursuing my true passion.
The moment I embark on a project, all those challenges and setbacks fade into the background, and I become immersed in the realm of design. This unwavering passion reaffirms my belief that I’ve chosen the right path, and I am convinced that following one’s passion is worth every obstacle encountered along the way.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
I believe what helped me build my reputation within my market was my avid thirst for knowledge and my commitment to continuous self-education. I firmly believe in the concept of being a lifelong learner, remaining receptive to any knowledge or skills that can enhance my career and expertise in my field.
Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?
My guidance on team management and sustaining a positive atmosphere involves a fundamental principle: taking the time to listen and learn about each individual’s motivators, career goals, and even their challenges. It’s about offering mentorship and guidance as they progress in their journey. In a team, recognizing that it’s a collective effort, with each member contributing their unique skills to the overall project’s success, is key.
I firmly believe that knowledge is a powerful asset, and sharing knowledge amplifies that power even more. We are all human, each with our own life experiences, and there’s always something to be gained from one another through shared learning.
Contact Info:
- Website: sophiarachelledesigns.com
- Instagram: sophiarachelledesigns
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sophiarachelledesigns/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiarachelledesigns/
- Twitter: @sophiarachelle