Sophia Jackson of Soulful Colour
Sophia is an interdisciplinary creative entrepreneur and business owner who uses all the tools in her tool kit to connect, engage and support Women, Men and Young people, toward living their BEST LIFE which is also connected to Financial Wellbeing. Born to Caribbean parents in Ottawa, Sophia has always been singing, performing or doing something creative. This creativity is how she approaches everything that she does and why she combines different modalities.
LEARN MORE ABOUT SOULFUL COLOUR
The Mission Behind Sophia’s Work
Sophia is an author, speaker, singer, songwriter, and a child & youth counsellor who is a licensed financial advisor. At first glance one may say that these things are not related. The common thread is Sophia. She is able to go into spaces, schools, corporate or not for profit environments and tailor a talk, program or workshop for the audience, from kindergarten students to adults. Overall, Sophia delivers in the areas of mental wellness and self-care and that is achieved through promoting colouring and financial awareness as a self-care practice. She also utilizes her lived experience as points of reference for what positive things are possible when you create.
Sophia’s Insights to Entrepreneurship
Was there a time in your life you knew you were capable of more, or destined for more?
This is a tricky question to answer. I have always done things that others have said are not the norm. Singing and performing at a young age, recording an album, being an author, earning my financial advisors license, running to be a Trustee in the recent Municipal elections. I feel like I have always known I was capable of more, it seems to be my default. I think my idea of more is different than most and I am destined to ensure I make that happen. I hope I recognize I have achieved more when I do. I don’t really take time to sit back and process my accomplishments. It’s just on to the next.
What challenges have you overcome in your life, and what did you learn about yourself in the process?
My most recent challenge was campaigning and running in the last Municipal Election for Peel District School Board Trustee. I was encouraged to run by two friends, and at first I was not too keen on the idea, but I leaped right in. My decision to run was grounded in supporting racialized young people and replacing the 19 year incumbent. I had no idea of the rollercoaster ride I was in for. What was revealed very quickly is that I am not a politician (there are such negative connotations associated with that word), most people do not know the role of a Trustee, voter apathy is an epidemic and people make interesting and surprising decisions while campaigning.
What I learned about myself is that I am a risk taker, because I jumped first and figured it out as I went. I am resilient, I experienced some very unacceptable behaviour from people around me at the time and although it was quite disturbing and disheartening, I walked away having learned some very valuable lessons about setting and sticking to my boundaries, unapologetically. I also learned that I cannot worry about being liked, another part of boundary setting. Mind you these are all things that I was aware of before, but man did campaigning really throw these things up in my face, from the day I submitted my candidacy right up to election day. Lastly I learned that I have to make very intentional decisions to practice all that I have learned daily, to make sure I don’t falter, which in itself is challenging.
What is your why? How do you ensure you are living your life “on purpose” as much as possible?
My ‘why’ is to be able to live life to the fullest, on my terms, and to help as many people as possible do the same, whatever that means for them. I also work on being the best me I can be spiritually, physically, mentally etc. Self mastery is a constant driving factor. This lets me know I am living out loud and on purpose for myself and to find my purpose partner a.k.a. future husband. I am putting this out there because I strongly believe that you have to focus on the things you want in life and share and talk about it. You never know he could be reading this right now!
Where do you see yourself and/or your life in the next year? What do you hope to see in the world and/or hope to accomplish?
Life right now is very centered around building the Soulful Colour brand. I see the third colouring book complete, our own line of multicultural coloured pencils and I will be hired as a speaker for empowerment events. I hope the world does not implode and empathy, understanding, trust and love are held in a higher regard, because I feel like it’s lacking right now even though it seems to be what is “trending” on social media. Emotional intellect is a thing to talk about, but not practiced as much or in ways that it should.
What advice can you give to other women around life, family, work, and self-care?
- Don’t wait for something to happen or go wrong before you make the changes or do the things you have always wanted to do. Proactive is better than Reactive.
- Don’t worry about haters; they eventually turn into fans. Do you, be you consistently.
- Put that little extra ‘sauce’ on everything that you do. That will set you apart from the rest. Most people do the bare minimum. That little extra can have a huge impact and rewards.
- Don’t allow other people’s bad behaviour toward you to dim your light or change your heart.
- Your boundaries are a happy place, don’t feel bad or guilty about them. They are promises you make to yourself and they not only benefit and protect you, they benefit family, friends, colleagues and strangers too. These are the Rules of Engagement with [enter your name here]. If you are going to change the rules of engagement make sure it’s for good reason.
Hey RevHer community, I want to share a little more. I am a creative soul. I show gratitude to the creator everyday. I wish my hot flashes would stop flashing and I question if I am doing enough to leave my “I was here” stamp on the world, daily. I think that’s why I have done so many different things. I am leaving crumbs all over the place. When you have a chance check out our colouring books and listen to my music. The album is called ‘SoJay – It’s Time We Officially Meet’. Those are ways you’ll learn more about me if you’re cool with that.
Take Care of U,
Sophia
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