Pro Q&A: Sophie

Why Sophie is a Pro

We chose Ziggy & Hannah, Sophie & Melanie, and Simon for Becoming a Pro because each of their stories captures what it truly means to build something of your own. All three have spent years learning their craft under others before taking the bold step to go out on their own — creating businesses defined by pride, skill, and independence. Their journeys show the real human stories behind professionalism: resilience, ambition, and the determination to make a living doing what they love.

How did you get started in the trade?

Sophie: I did an apprenticeship with my mum (Melanie) a couple of years before I fell pregnant. But when the kids were little I went back into hairdressing and ran a business, but it never really felt like my passion. Since starting my own decorating business, I’ve loved every part of it, the creativity, the flexibility, and being able to work around life with two kids.

What was it like working with your mum?

Sophie: Apprenticeships are all about mastering the basics. Mum is a perfectionist and drilled the importance of prep work into me. Without it, jobs don’t last and clients don’t return. Those early lessons have given me a strong reputation and a loyal client base.

What are the advantages of running your own business?

Sophie: I have two young children, so being able to set flexible hours works really well 
around them. But it’s not just about work, it’s nice to have a life outside of it and do my own things. Running my own business gives me a really good balance, while still doing a job I genuinely enjoy.

What does it take to be a pro in the trade?

Sophie: For me, being a pro is all about knowledge, especially knowing your products inside out. A lot of DIYers are brilliant at technique, but they come to me for my expertise. I think that’s what sets a professional apart.

When did you feel you shifted over to be able to call yourself a true professional?

Sophie: I’d say I really felt I crossed over in the last year. I’ve been so busy with recommendations, and suddenly my clientele shifted. I’m now working on bigger, high-spec renovations in beautiful homes. It’s exciting and a real marker that I’ve stepped into a professional space.

Some would say the Pros have vans. You don’t, why is that?

Sophie: I’m still growing the business, and I’m really grateful for how successful it’s been. I want to keep putting everything back into it, which will include getting a van one day. At the moment, as a single mum with two kids and a dog, I make it work by folding down the back seats to carry everything I need. Then, when I’m with the kids, the seats go back up, and I’m on full mum duty.

What types of jobs do you most like to work on?

Sophie: I like to vary my work as much as possible, so I don’t tend to say no to a job. I love tackling huge, high-spec renovations, but I also enjoy helping someone with a kitchen down the road. Having that variation is great, it keeps the work interesting and widens my skill set.

How do you use social media to your advantage?

Sophie: There’s definitely more I could do with social media. Putting yourself out there online brings exposure and helps you connect with other trades. Tagging and sharing the products we use also builds trust with clients and encourages recommendations.

How have you built such strong relationships with clients?

Sophie: It’s really important to me to make clients feel comfortable, especially since I’m going into their homes. I’m upfront about pricing, and approachable if anything doesn’t feel right. Being open builds trust, and that often leads to future work and repeat business.

I also make sure to deep clean before and after a job. Some people might think it’s unnecessary, but it provides the best preparation and finish, whether it’s cleaning windows, removing old paint from sockets, or just making the space ready for painting.

The better the relationship you build, the more recommendations you get, and the more likely clients are to come back.

How does Zinsser make your job easier?

Sophie: I know it’s going to help me do my best work because I can rely on the product. It makes the application easy, that’s just how good it is.

Do you have a favourite Zinsser product?

Sophie: BIN Aqua is just so versatile, it’s a brilliant product. You can use it from the ceiling all the way down to the skirting boards, so it really covers all areas. It also saves my clients money because it’s an all-in-one solution.