Sophie’s journey through funding futures.
Background
Sophie grew up learning to survive. She had her innocence taken away from her at a very young age. Her childhood was marred by abuse, leaving her with deep emotional wounds and a diminished sense of self-worth. In her own words, she became a “chronic people pleaser”, believing that if she was kind and loving enough, she could avoid being hurt. Unfortunately, this belief led to further abusive relationships and eventually, to become a single mother. Juggling motherhood, trauma and her mental health challenges, Sophie hit breaking point. She was really suffering and ultimately, sank into a deep depression. This led her to get in touch with Endeavor in Bolton, a charity for victims and survivors of abuse who supported her. In an effort to distract herself, she began ordering beauty products and started to self-teach at home. It gave her a sense of purpose and something to focus on. At this point, Endeavor reconnected and told her about Funding Futures’ Empower Her programme that was due to start in the next coming weeks. Desperate for change, Sophie filled out our nomination form online. She wanted more than anything to heal, feel safe and provide financial stability for herself and for her son. She was finally ready to take control of her future and take that next step.
Summary
Sophie’s journey from surviving deep trauma and adversity to becoming a confident educator and mentor at Funding Futures is nothing short of inspirational. A single mum with a history of abuse and mental health struggles. Sophie joined our Empower Her programme desperate for change, for herself and for her son. Today, she not only stands tall in her own healing but helps other women to rise too. Her story is a powerful reminder of what can happen when opportunity, self-belief and support come together.
Journey
Sophie joined our Empower Her (hyperlink to course) programme and later went on to complete Elevate Her (hyperlink to course). Despite her initial fears, that she wouldn’t fit in or belong as she regarded herself as “not your usual beauty type girl”, her experience of Day 1 was transformative. “Within minutes, I felt welcomed, accepted and comfortable. From the morning to leaving that day, there was a massive shift in my mindset, and I couldn’t wait to go back.”
For the first time in her life, Sophie felt that she was in a space where she felt seen. She realised that she didn’t need to fit a particular mould; being herself was more than enough. This lit a fire within her and for the first time in her life, she began to imagine a new path; one of confidence, opportunity and healing. Through the courses she learned practical beauty skills such as facials, nails and brow bar services, but more importantly, she rediscovered herself. She developed communication and social skills which helped to boost her confidence, and she even began offering beauty treatments to friends and family. This helped her reconnect with loved ones, something that she has struggled with in the past, in an authentic way.
On Elevate Her, Sophie naturally entered into a supportive role, helping others write their CVs and offering guidance. She was unknowingly stepping into leadership. At the end of the course, Funding Futures founder Hayley offered Sophie a job. “I was in complete shock. I remember asking Hayley, ‘Are you sure?’, it was like she saw something in me which really took me back”. On her first day, Sophie was greeted with instant trust and respect. She was brought into meetings, given a voice and was treated like she had always been a part of the team.
“There’s a mutual respect that flows through the organisation. I’ve never had a day where I have not wanted to come into work”.
Now working as an educator and a mentor, Sophie is thriving; both professionally and personally. She is currently studying for a teaching qualification and in her spare time she combines beauty treatments with hypnotherapy to support others’ healing. The ripple effects extend to her son too. Sophie now has the financial stability to create lasting memories with him and most importantly, she feels proud to be the role model he deserves, “I now have a better relationship with him as I feel better in myself, our bond is stronger than ever. I’m not just surviving anymore, I am no longer defined by my past. For the first time, I feel like I’ve left it behind” ,
“Sophie’s story is a shining example of what we believe at Funding Futures; that with the right support, every woman can rewrite their story. Sophie once felt stuck in a cycle of pain and survival. Today she’s a leader, an educator and a beacon of hope for others walking a similar path.” – Hayley, Funding Futures Founder
