Sophie + Max Co. // Mother, Creative Designer + DIY Guru!
Hey there! We are so excited to introduce Paola Hernandez. She is kind, poised, and wickedly talented! We met at a pop up in Fullerton and immediately clicked. Read on to learn about her story!
Hi Paola! I’m so glad you are taking time to share your business with us.
Let’s get right into it!
What is your Business Name + IG Handle so our readers can find you?
Sophie + Max co. + @sophieandmaxco
Website:
http://www.sophieandmaxco.com
We love your aesthetic! How did you come up with your shop name?
I came up with my shops name one night while laying on my bed. I thought that my kids nicknames sounded super cute together and it just felt right.
That is so sweet! What made you start your business?
My children inspired me to start this business. One night I was having a conversation with my daughter about following her dreams. I kind of just stood there and thought to myself, “wait a minute, I never really followed mine.” So ultimately I did it for myself: to challenge my abilities and my fears.
Wow, you are a true living tale of setting an example for our future! What is a fear you are challenging or conquering with your business?
I’m still conquering my fear for the camera lol. I’m such a social person yet when that camera starts rolling I completely freak out!! I will say since I’ve started my business I feel more confident about myself and my abilities. Maybe not 100% but it’s getting there little by little so that’s a win win.
Camera work is its own animal for a small business. That is definitely a win and a huge step to being the face of your business! What does your creative process look like? Do you work all at once? Set aside time? Or work on your business at random times?
You know what this is such a great question Lol, I haven’t conquered a set creative process. I don’t think my creative mind allows it. My mind has a life of its own. When it feels like creating and making things We go for it full throttle. I do work on my business daily, but when my mind is on a creative roller coaster it’s such a fun ride.
What music are you currently listening to or show that you watch while creating?
I’m a total jukebox lol. I can be listening to some of my moms old school jams like Amanda Miguel, to Pancho Barraza craving a michelada, or remembering my old school days of 112 and Missy Elliot. Let’s not forget the days I turn into a total raver lol. It just varies on the day and how I’m feeling while I’m creating. I love all music really.
How do you refresh your creativity when you feel stuck or in a rut?
The best way to refresh my creativity has to be going outside and taking in some fresh air. But I will say this, sitting down with my 2 year old son, having a full on gibberish conversation can help spark some creativity!
What was one of your favorite products you have released and why?
Our “BE KIND” t-shirts would have to be my favorite item we carry. Those t-shirts were inspired by my daughter Sophia and have a huge meaning behind them for us. Unfortunately Sophia suffered from bullying in school and it was a very tough time for her. But she always remained kind, positive and so loving towards everyone. I love her for that. She is a very special girl that will make a difference in this world.
What is something about your business that brings you joy?
That my daughter gets to see people loving items that were inspired by her. She gets so happy and excited. I love it.
We know help is always appreciated! Is there someone that helps you with your business?
Although I’’m a one women show. The love and support from my loved ones doesn’t go unnoticed. They give me that push that I need when I’m feeling overwhelmed, stressed or just in a funk. Each person in my family has a special role in my life and when I’m feeling a certain way I know who to text, call or hug. It’s amazing I love my family tremendously.
The support for small business can go a LONG way! What is a business goal you currently have for yourself?
The ultimate goal for our business is to bring awareness against bullying. We want to help set a platform for building awareness against bullying because it is real, it is raw and there are a lot of kids and adults that suffer from it daily. I don’t think it’s talked about enough.
How can we support you as a community?
Letting us small business owners know of upcoming pop-up markets, liking and sharing our page. Giving suggestions and tips on techniques that work for your small business that may help other business owners. I’m always ready to listen and learn.
Yes! Our weekly Marketing Master Webinars and Tutorial Library will be so helpful to ensure you grow! Is there anything about your business that you would love for people to know and haven't had a chance to tell that story online yet?
That all of our inspired wording items that we carry will always have a special meaning behind them. We truly create things with thought and reason. We can only hope that our customers feel that their item was made with love. We will always plant our seed of kindness and love in anything we provide.
When was the last time you felt encouraged at a pop up and what happened?
Being surrounded by other small business owners in itself is encouraging. Once you start talking to them and listening to how they got started it inspires you. It gives you this heartfelt feeling towards them and you just connect and relate to them. Like I’ve said before if all these amazing vendors could sell you a big smile they would. It’s amazing how much positive energy you feel in one room.
Thank you for taking the time to chat Paola, we LOVE to hear the mission statements and drive behind our favorite small businesses! Is there any final thought you’d love to leave our readers with?
Please remember to always be kind to one another and to yourself!! Spread love!
Till Next Time,
xoxo Pressed Wilde + Co.