The School of Sass This month we spoke to Sophia Noreen, who is the founder of the product-based business, Also Sophia, and platform Boss It Club. Sophia is also a registered Physiotherapist & Clinic Program Manager! We caught up with Sophia to find out how she manages her businesses, working as a physiotherapist, and being a mom!
What inspired you to set up your product-based business, Also Sophia, AND platform/ podcast Boss It Club?
Both Also Sophia and Boss It Club were motivated by different factors. I started Also Sophia to help fill a large gap in the retail market for minority festival products, such as Eid, Diwali, and Ramadan, just to name a few. As a Muslim mother, I was struggling to find season festive decor for Eid and Ramadan and I was “done” with the DIYing everything!
Boss It Club grow out of motivation to help other business owners start and grow their businesses. It’s difficult to start and keep going especially when there are so many uncertainties and perhaps a lack of support. Since I’ve been able to navigate this wide road of scaling a business into a large retailer such as Walmart, I want to give back and lift other bosses up so they can start and scale too, if that is what they desire.
You are doing loads! How do you manage your time between being a physiotherapist, creating content, recording your podcast, and managing your various businesses, whilst being a mom AND mentor for women entrepreneurs? Whilst of course ensuring you don’t get burnt out?
Great question! There are many days that I’m going between many tasks! And while I don’t suggest task switching, sometimes it’s required when you’re wearing many hats! I ensure I protect time with family and self-care, such as my yoga time. I also delegate a lot to team members and my family. I no longer take care of the kitchen duties alone for example. I will also be very conscious of how I spend my team each day. For example, I know exactly the items that need to be completed each day so I don’t fall terribly behind.
What has been key to growing your businesses?
To be completely honest, good timing and consistency. I knew there was a gap in the market and I started showing up. The larger retail buyers took notice and since I knew what my customer wanted; it was easy for the buyers to take a chance on our small company. We also invested in influencer campaigns for each selling season. This helped with socializing our products and helping with the sell-through.
What top tips would you give to readers looking to set up their own business?
Just start. I know it’s scary and you may not always know what the next step will be, but if you have a strong vision for the end goal, start by taking the first step. Break down your big goal into smaller ones and complete one smaller goal at a time! Before you know it, you will have attained that crazy business vision!
How do you stay motivated to keep doing what you do?
I remember that I am not completing my goals only for myself, but for the community. This is the first time in history where a BIPOC female could launch and scale a business in Walmart during a pandemic!
Finally, what is your sassy life saying?
Make a plan and take action! Don’t hold back!
ABOUT
Sophia Noreen is the proud founder of Also Sophia LTD & Boss It Club. Noreen is also a Podcaster, Strategic Interventional Life Coach, Registered Physiotherapist, Clinic Program Manager, and a Mom to beautiful and clever girls and kitty cat.
Also Sophia LTD supplies ethnic holiday celebration goods for consumers and wholesale. They also supply eco-friendly kitchen and home products for consumers and wholesale. The mission is to break down barriers. The company was formed in 2018 and is stocked in Walmart Canada across the nation.
You can contact Sophia on hello@bossitclub.com
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