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What was the inspiration behind Sophie Allport?
My parents encouraged me to work hard at what I love, and I’ve always loved to draw and paint. I was so lucky to have supportive parents that allowed me to follow my passion. After University, I worked in London as a freelance illustrator for many years. My brother and I had always wanted to run our own business, and in 2007 we joined forces where Sophie Allport Limited was born. I just wanted to make things that made people smile, allowing people to fill their lives and homes with the things we all love. A lot of my design inspiration comes from the countryside and British wildlife, although we have just launched our most recent Giraffe design in collaboration with ZSL.

What has been your most pivotal career moment?

Opening our first shop on Stamford High Street in 2017 was a huge moment for us as a business, and we have also opened an outlet shop at our Head Office in Bourne too. Although we have many stockists all over the UK and internationally, we are so proud to have our shops in Lincolnshire.

What would you tell your younger self now?

To keep going, keep smiling and enjoy every single moment!

How do you balance your work and life? Is this important?

Maintaining a good work-life balance is hard, but it’s important to not feel guilty about it either. Running a business, being a wife and also being a Mother to three boys has been challenging. You can’t get to every rugby match and assembly, and equally, you can’t get to every meeting and event. It’s hard setting up your own business, and you can never be in two places at the same time!

What would you like your legacy to be?

This is such a difficult one! I do feel that the most important thing in life is to be happy! Therefore, I’m hoping my unique designs will always make our customers smile.

Quickfire questions

Key to success: Hard work and believe in yourself

Secret work weapon: Coffee

Impulsive or premeditated: Impulsive

Favourite book: I love a thriller

Favourite quote: This is what my father always used to say; all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy

Zoom background accessories: One of my fine bone china jugs filled with flowers from the garden

Your personal mantra: Work hard and play hard

Three qualities you look for in people you work with: Smiley, good sense of humour, a good work ethic!

Three qualities you look for in friends: Smiley, good sense of humour, likes a glass of wine!

Read Santa's Q&A with Sophie Allport >>

Win a £200 Sophie Allport voucher and signed copy of Santa Montefiore's Here and Now here >>