Hello Sophie, tell us a bit about yourself.
I'm Sophie, a reflexologist, Bounce fitness instructor and Co-Founder of Reset Days. Reset Days is a company creating wellness days. My good friend Louise Summerfield and I launched this in 2019 born out of a need for somewhere for people to re energise and practice self care. Our days are based around three main objectives to Nourish, Rest and Move so think fitness classes, mind and body practices, workshops/talks/Q&As, healthy food and just time out! I absolutely love working with Lou!
I’ve been a reflexologist for almost ten years now and love it! I do foot and facial reflexology as well as Zone Face Lift treatments. I work from a treatment room at home. Reflexology is my absolute favourite treatment to receive. It’s so powerful!
My love of Bounce (mini trampoline fitness) inspired me to be an instructor so I trained and qualified at the beginning of 2020. Nothing better than the energy of teaching a live, energetic, sweaty, fun, fierce class!
Leo is 11 and Scarlett is almost 7 so they are at school when I work unless I have a weekend Reset day so my husband does the running around. I’m REALLY fortunate as I have so much flexibility in my work meaning I can do school drop offs. (Actually, come to think of it…not always a joy when they never clean their teeth, get their shoes on or know where their school stuff is! Carnage)
1. ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE HOW BEING A WOMO MAKES YOU FEEL?
So many words…but ‘motivated’ stands out.
2. WHAT’S THE FUNNIEST EXPERIENCE YOU HAVE HAD JUGGLING KIDS AND WORK?
It was during lockdown having a virtual zoom meeting. It was the first time I had met the lady and the kids came crashing in arguing at full volume, so I muted myself and lost my shit with them through gritted teeth whilst trying to smile my way through it for the camera.
3. WHAT IS THE ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU COULD OFFER ANOTHER WOMO?
Look after yourself first - it sounds odd and selfish but what good are we to anyone if we're not feeling 100% or at our best due to neglecting ourselves. The busier you are doesn’t mean the more successful you are. Take time out to just be even if it's just 10 minutes to go for a walk round the block or half a day doing nothing! Then start again feeling refreshed. This applies to parenting and working I think!
4. WHAT’S THE LEAST AMOUNT OF SLEEP YOU’VE GONE TO WORK ON, AND HOW DID YOU COPE?
About 3 hours. I can't remember how I coped - it's all a blur.
5. WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT YOURSELF AS A WOMO?
I'm pretty determined and when I set myself something I like to see it through. I may not do it quickly enough (which is something I am working on) but I will work away at it if it's an important goal.
I’m also only really just beginning to realise that what I do actually adds value to people's lives. In a world where wellness is quite a buzz word, to be able to offer even one small bit of advice or new experience to help someone's life for the better then we (Reset) are happy.
6. IF YOU HAD A WORKING MOTHER’S ANTHEM OR MANTRA, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Do your best.
7. WHAT IS YOUR GUILTY PLEASURE TO COMBAT WOMO GUILT THE BEST?
I do always love a long lunch with friends and with that comes the excitement of looking forward to it!
8. WOULD YOU PREFER TO BE DEALING WITH A TANTRUM OR PRESENTING IN A BOARD MEETING?
Neither. But if I had to pick one....obviously presenting in a board meeting!
9. IF YOU ASKED YOUR CHILDREN WHAT YOUR JOB IS, WHAT WOULD THEY SAY?
My 6 yr old daughter said - ‘make people have some good food and massage people's feet’
My 11 yr old said - ‘You're a reflexologist a Bounce instructor as well as running Reset - doing fun days’
10. WHAT’S THE ONE THING YOU WISH YOU’D KNOWN BEFORE YOU BECAME A WOMO?
Always stick to YOUR core values and goals. It’s easy to get overwhelmed and sidetracked with lots of other things that are potentially not necessary to running your business. Keep it simple.
11. TO DATE, WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BEST WOMO ACHIEVEMENT?
When my son was a year old, I completely re-trained (as a reflexologist) and worked really hard to set up my own practice. It takes time! But I’m happy that I still have clients from the early days! I am also very proud of the feedback we get from our Reset Days and to have survived through lockdown by tweaking our offering.
12. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO TEACH YOUR KIDS ABOUT WORKING MOTHERS?
Exactly the same as I would about people who choose not to work or stay at home parents (although I hate that term). That it’s a personal choice and everyone does what’s right for them and their family.
IG
@resetdorset
@sophiespoors_reflexology