 Sara is a 32 year old mom of 2 (5 year old daughter and 18 month old son). She loves to create items for babies, children, and the young at heart. Her company, Soph and Jake, makes the sweetest plush dolls!  How did you get your start? "I actually started while also working full time as a preschool teacher. My husband and I were newly married and making small salaries. So to have a little extra pocket money for the upcoming holidays I started my little business. The idea of owning my small business was a fantasy for a long time although I didn’t know exactly what I wanted it to be all those years ago."  Sara is the sole owner, designer, creator, packager, etc. for her company. "I usually start by drawing a small sketch of my idea and tweaking it a few times. The I'll make a pattern, try to settle on fabric and materials, and start the creating process." Sara explains that it is a constant process to strive to always create something better.  What are some of the biggest hurdles growing your business? "I think the social media aspect that goes along with running a business is one of my biggest hurdles. It’s hard to stay motivated when things that are out of your control keep changing and you’re not able to connect as well with the people that love your product." We all have days that we want to throw in the towel, and Sara is no different. "I think this is a problem with any business owner or even just someone in day to day life. When the kids are sick and you have business matters that need your attention, the days can get very overwhelming."  Where Sara finds her inspiration: "I gain a lot of inspiration from my mom to start. When I was very young my Dad was laid off from work, to help make ends meet my mom and her friend started a business making children's clothes and women's shirts. I look back and think, that’s the kind of person I want to be: doing what needs to be done to support her family." Sara also adds, "Trusting yourself enough to take the risk in starting your own business is a quality that not many people have and I admire everyone that tries!"  Having a support team is so important "Right now I am mostly a one woman show, but my husband is definitely my biggest support (he is pretty much my tech guy when the printer is acting up and he even helps me package!) and I love bouncing ideas off of my sister when it comes to products and branding. My sister even designed my logo!" Advice on the social media game: "I think the main thing is to be authentic and try to connect with people. I fall in love with a brand when I know the people behind it are genuine."  How do you organize your time and schedule? "I definitely have to be flexible with my scheduling. Working out of my home with two young kids keeps me on my toes. Nap time is when I get most of my work done so I make sure to be as productive as I can. I also have quite a few late nights after my kids go to sleep." What are some goals and aspirations of your business? "I would love to continue to see steady growth this upcoming year. I live for the photos my customers send me of their babies with my products. It makes everything so worthwhile!"  What advice can you give to the entrepreneur just starting out?
Sara suggests being organized and not rushing yourself. "It’s better to have a plan you’re confident in than having a lot of regrets later." FOLLOW SOPH AND JAKE @SOPHANDJAKE SHOP SOPH AND JAKE HERE |
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