In our How She Does It column, we speak to inspirational mothers about work-life balance, their favourite travel destinations, travelling with children, and how they really do it all.
This month, we sat down with mother-of-two Sophie Lis, founder of the eponymous brand Sophie Lis Jewellery whose beautiful creations have made her a go-to for stylish everyday pieces. Here she tells us about the creative process, how she manages her career around her daughters and why mothers need to be less judgmental of each other.
Tell us a bit about yourself:
I’m Sophie Lis, founder and director of Sophie Lis Jewellery. I live in Notting Hill with my husband and my two girls; Octavia five, Lupita, two. We also have a puppy called Magic.
Tell us about your work?
At the moment work-life looks different everyday, the most important thing to me is to be flexible. I decided to have my office at home while the girls are young, enabling me to be more present in both worlds – and so I don’t lose time commuting. However distracting it can be, I feel it stops me from missing out on precious moments. It also means I can easily pick up work at any time of day or night which is invaluable. I constantly feel I am always a little bit too busy, like a professional juggler. There are so many balls in the air, no second of the day goes unused. I run mainly on caffeine and adrenaline, that’s how I function best. I love what I do, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
What inspires you in your career?
I love making jewellery which holds personal significance for other people, jewellery which is cherished for life. Whether it be a piece given as a present by a loved one or bought by someone for themselves, jewellery is a meaningful investment and will last a lifetime. Perhaps more importantly, I love setting an example for my girls. I am so proud to be able to show them that they can follow their dreams, love what they do and support themselves while doing it. If they work hard, they can achieve whatever they set their minds to. I also love that I can help others through the company: I have created long-standing partnerships with charities through direct sales and bespoke events. This year I joined the committee for Great Ormond Street which, especially as a parent, is close to my heart. I am truly honoured to help raise money for all these wonderful causes.
Which three items help you juggle everything?
Exercise: it is the one thing which helps me keep my sanity, gives me mental clarity and gives me extra energy to take on the day. My husband and my nanny are both crucial parts of the operation too, they are responsible for the other part of my sanity. It is truly a team effort. Lastly, my mobile phone – recently my cellular data broke down and life just wasn’t possible for someone who runs around as much as I do.
If you could give your past self one piece of advice about being a working mother what would it be?
Make your own rules and do what works best for you. There is no right or wrong way to organise your work-life balance and no medals for sitting at a desk all day every day. I find that the best ideas or breakthrough moments happen when I am on the move.
Have your career goals and aspirations altered since becoming a working mum?
My ambition has not changed and I still have the same aspirations and goals. However, I don’t feel like a failure if I’m not achieving all my goals as quickly as before. It’s ok if things take a little longer to grow in the right way, I will get where I want to go.
If you had the power to change one thing for working mothers, what would you change?
Zero judgement. That goes for mothers as a whole. I feel like there is a toxic energy in the ‘mom world’, which can be the cause of so much anxiety and depression. Discerning looks from strangers, whispering at the school gates, lack of patience – we’ve all seen it. I would love to wave a magic wand and take it all away.
Tell us about the best holiday you’ve taken with your children:
Such a tricky question. I have loved 99% of our family holidays. The absolute favourite must be going to stay with some of our great friends in Greece, the memories are still all ‘pinch me’ moments. Everything about the holiday was just perfect, the place, the people, the food…. Heaven.
Do you think travel benefits your children?
Our London life can be so hectic and over the top so I love the way travel changes our routine; we generally end up slowing down and having much more quality time together. It’s funny how when you remove all the bells and whistles, the simple things are the most important. Spending time together in nature expands all our imaginations and gives our family the most happiness.
Favourite hotel – with or without children?
San Domenico Palace in Taormina is a fantastic place for a grown-up holiday. A deeply historic and romantic location right on a cliff top with lots of edges – better to leave the kids at home. For a family trip The Six Senses Kaplankaya is perfect. We had an amazing time there, the facilities were exceptional and included an entire bay dedicated to children, where they could play.
Travel essentials with kids?
A fully charged iPad with pre-downloaded programs and movies. Simple, home-made travel food such as sandwiches, plain pasta, fruit and veggies. My children are so fussy and would never eat otherwise. A fully loaded snack bag is also a must. Colouring and sticker books are life savers. I’m also always grateful for packing them a change of clothes – and wet wipes!
Your own travel essentials?
A passport and absolutely nothing else – travelling light is the biggest treat.
If you have a day to yourself, what do you do?
My dream day off would be to wake up any time after 8AM, have a coffee and do some exercise. I would meet a great girlfriend for lunch, then have some sort of pampering treatment before dressing up and heading ‘out out’ with my husband and friends for dinner and dancing. This is the dream.
Heading ‘out out’ – where is your favourite spot?
At the moment I’m obsessed with the new Belvedere in Holland Park. I love how the whole park is closed at night apart from this beautiful historic building, which houses a secret life. Surrounded by stunning gardens, fountains and even peacocks it is a truly magical spot.
The best advice you would give to other mothers?
Listen to your gut and do it your way. Don’t worry about what everyone else is doing, do what works for you.
How do you do it?
One day at a time. Always.
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Any Questions or Tips to add?