What gave you the idea for starting your business and can you share a little more about your story?
My passion for crystals, yoga and all things wellbeing came about when I was going through treatment for cervical cancer. Being only 22 when diagnosed, I struggled a lot, especially with my mental health. At this time, I was invited to a cancer support centre where I was introduced to yoga, mindfulness, meditation and crystals. I felt instantly connected and enormously uplifted by these holistic practices and felt they had a great impact on my mental and emotional recovery. Crystals fascinated me so much that I started experimenting making jewellery with them. This was both calming and therapeutic and gave me something positive to focus on during this life changing time in my life.
Over the years, yoga and meditation become a core part of my life and in 2017 I began my yoga teacher training journey. My desire to improve my own mental health and wellbeing was the inspiration behind my practice and teaching of these ancient tools and traditions. I am deeply passionate about spreading their benefits and the positive impact they have given me, and I hope others can receive the same benefits too.
What is the most important thing you have learned on your business journey so far?
Realising that I cant do it all. I got to a point in my business where I could either stay small and do it all myself, or expand by delegating work to others. I had to identify my own strengths and weaknesses, outsourcing the jobs that I struggled with and taking on a small team of employees.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
It has to be opening my very own crystal shop. This is something I had dreamed about for years and was a huge leap for me at the time. My beautiful shop, High Vibe Crystal Cabin, is situated in the tranquil setting of Grangewood Garden Centre, Tamworth, Staffordshire. Here I’m able to welcome my lovely customers with a friendly chat and crystal advise. The popularity of The Crystal Cabin grew so much over the years that I took another big leap by extending my shop creating over double the original space for even more crystal goodies!
What was your dream job when you were younger?
I have always been creative and loved making my own clothes. After studying fashion design and garment technology at college and university my dream job was to be a fashion designer. I was fortunate enough to work in the fashion industry after university as a baby and toddler clothing designer for a well-known High Street clothing company. After taking nearly a year off work whilst undergoing my cancer treatment, I discovered my new passion for wellbeing, yoga, meditation and crystals.
What do you love most about your job and why?
Well, what I love most is that it never feels like work. I love what I do and feel grateful that I get to do this every day. I am surrounded by wonderful crystals at The Crystal Cabin and I have such lovely customers, clients and yoga students. The beautiful setting of my cabin in the garden centre means I get to enjoy the flowers and plants of the changing seasons so it is a joy to be there.
Creating space for others and seeing them benefit from my business is a feeling like no other. Supporting my yoga students to find a sense of peace, happiness and wellbeing is another reason I love my job.
(Sophie wears our Peace Vest in Magenta)
How important is creativity to your job and why?
Creativity is so important to my job as I design and hand make the crystal jewellery in my shop. Getting creative with crystals is something I love to do, especially when designing bespoke pieces for my customers. It is also relevant to plan interesting yoga classes with different class themes and creative ways to flow from pose to pose to keep my teaching fresh and to see the joy this brings to my students.
How did you get involved with the Prince’s Trust. Can you tell us a little bit
more about your story?
I got involved with the Princes Trust after someone pointed me in their direction. I applied to the Princes Trust Enterprise Programme which helps young people start up businesses. After taking part in one of their courses and creating a business plan, I was accepted onto the Enterprise Programme. I then received a business loan and mentor which was a real help for me. At the time, I didn't know anyone who had their own business so the support the Trust gave me was absolutely invaluable.
What does being a Prince's Trust Young Ambassador mean to you?
I take great pride in being a Princes Trust Young Ambassador. After all the support The Princes Trust has given me since starting my business, being a Young Ambassador allows me to spread awareness about the Trust by sharing my story and letting young people know about the help and support that is available to them.
(Sophie wears our Balance Bra in Navy and our Palazzo Pants in Navy)
What was the most valuable thing you learnt from The Princes Trust?
Having support from my mentor proved to be extremely valuable for me. My mentor gave me such great advice about business structure, profit margin and accounting (the side of the business I felt very clueless about) and we were a great team together. The one on one guidance, accountability and a chance to ask specific questions is so unique to the Princes Trust and their Enterprise Programme.
What would you say to the younger generation of women who look up to you and want to follow in your footsteps?
Whatever you love to do, do more of it! If you want to turn your passion into a business you absolutely can with dedication, hard work and support. I would highly recommend connecting with The Princes Trust to help you on your business journey.
What does ‘yoga’ mean to you?
Yoga to me is my safe space. An opportunity to stop "doing", focus on myself and become more present. A tool I use to go inward, connecting to my body and breath. My yoga practice has become an integral part of my life which I am so grateful for.
(Sophie wears our Peace Vest in Magenta and our Palazzo Pants in Pebble)
Can you tell us a little bit more about your yoga journey? When did you start practicing and why?
I was introduced to yoga in 2014 at a cancer support centre whilst recovering from my cancer treatment. Along with mindfulness and meditation these practices really resonated with me and after a taster session of yoga, I knew this was something I needed in my life. Once fully recovered, I researched for yoga classes near me and still remember the feeling that I got from my first ever yoga class with my amazing teacher Denise Walters. I left feeling great! Inspired, uplifted and happy. With every class I noticed more and more the positive benefit yoga was having on my life.
What advice would you give anyone thinking about doing their yoga teacher training?
I'd definitely advise to do a yoga foundation course before the teacher training course. This is where you will learn more deeply about yoga for yourself first before even thinking about teaching anyone else. Go to classes regularly, try different teachers and styles of yoga, create a regular home practice too. Lead small yoga sessions for friends and family to get a taster of what it would be like to teach and if you enjoy it.
(Sophie wears our Peace Bra in Indigo and our Move It Leggings in Indigo)
Favourite yoga pose and why?
Ah, so many that I love! But I would probably say Paschimottanasana, seated, forward bend. I love the feeling of my leg muscles lengthening and how over time as you hold the asana your body almost sinks into it. I enjoy practicing this pose holding a block at the soles of my feet to make it more intense, but also making it more restorative by placing a bolster under my knees. This is a posture that I like to do towards the end of my physical yoga practice as I feel it encourages my mind to settle and quieten ready for meditation.
Mindfulness or Meditation?
Mindfulness, because it is more accessible to all. I believe mindfulness can be practiced at any time, by anyone. Being aware of what is going on around us in our surroundings or maybe being aware of what is happening within us, our thoughts, feelings or emotions. A state of effortless alertness that grounds us into the present moment. When teaching Mindfulness, I like to use the senses to help people embody a state of mindfulness. Asking people to note the things they can see, hear, taste, smell and feel on their body. I especially enjoy going out into nature and noticing the sounds I can hear and the colours that I can see.
What do you do in your downtime?
I love to get out in nature especially when the sun is shining. There is nothing like the feeling of the warm sun on your skin. In the colder months I like to snuggle with my dog Charlie or take him on a walk. I love listening to music especially old school RnB and disco/funk and can always be seen having a dance around my kitchen.
(Sophie wears our Peace Bra in Indigo and our Move It Leggings in Indigo)
Where do you go to ground yourself?
Anywhere outside, bear foot on the grass in my garden, out for a nice, long walk with the dog or a quick stroll around the garden centre when at my shop. Getting out in nature changes my perspective and helps me to feel more grounded centred.
Who is your ‘Wow Woman’?
My "Wow Woman" is my wonderful yoga teacher, Denise Walters. I always leave her yoga classes feeling inspired and in awe of her knowledge and wisdom. She has had great influence in my life and has supported and encouraged me to become the yoga teacher I am today.
If you could only live in one item of Asquith clothing, what would it be and why?
It would for sure be the Palazzo Pants - They are so beautiful! One of the side effects from my cancer treatment is a chronic condition called Lymphedema. This causes a permanent swelling and discomfort in my lower limbs so I really struggle finding trousers that my legs can fit into. I find the Palazzo Pants so soft and comfortable. They are perfect for teaching my yoga classes in, as well as for a work day at the Crystal Cabin. The design and fit of them is spot on - I'm obsessed!
(Sophie wears our Balance Bra in Navy and our Palazzo Pants in Navy)
You can find out more about Sophie's holistic business, High Vibe Alignment here.
Follow High Vibe Alignment on social media here.
This season 5% of sales from each purchase of our Core Collection will go directly to the Prince's Trust. You can find out more about our partnership with The Prince's Trust here.
Shop our sustainable activewear here.