In our Mini Interview series, we sit down with inspiring founders in the children’s space to talk about the journey behind their brands, their experiences as parents, and what keeps them motivated. Today, we chat with Sophie Mirman, the visionary behind Trotters, to discuss everything from childhood inspirations to her top tips for balancing work and family life.
Tell us what inspired Trotters?
I was inspired to start Trotters from an unpleasant experience taking my son William, who was 18 months old, to get his hair cut. Having spent the first year and half of his life warning him not to touch any sharp objects, a perfect stranger approaching him at close quarters was just a step too far! I then took my 3-year-old daughter, Natasha, to buy a pair of shoes and again, this was not a pleasant shopping experience. I wanted to create a space for children that felt safe, fun and sunny, that would make childhood memories.
How has becoming a parent influenced your approach to business?
Becoming a parent puts life into perspective and one’s values change.
What do you think sets Trotters apart?
Trotters is a safe place for children, offering a classic and stylish range of clothing, shoes, toys and books, as well as a hairdressing department. All our clothing is designed in our London studio and manufactured by small family-led factories in Spain and Portugal. The stores are designed to be fun for children, taking the stress away from parents when they come shopping with their little ones.
How do you manage the balance between work and family life?
It is always a difficult balancing act between work and family life, particularly as my partner Richard and I both founded and work in the business. Dinner table conversations inevitably tend to include some discussion about business. Our children are now grown up and are a brilliant source of feedback and advice.
What is your proudest moment since launching Trotters?
Trotters will be celebrating its 35th birthday next year, and this gives me great pleasure and pride. I have a fiercely loyal team working alongside me, as well as very loyal customers. All of this makes me proud.
What trends do you see emerging in the children’s market?
At Trotters, we are always looking for ways we can improve and are always being innovative, whilst maintaining the Trotters handwriting, which we are known for. Inspiration comes from many different sources – it could be from walking around a garden or visiting a museum or art gallery.
Favourite product or collection that you’ve launched with Trotters?
That’s like asking me if I have a favourite child! I’m a perfectionist, as is my design team, so we work very hard at creating each and every item in a collection. If we don’t love something, it simply doesn’t get included in the range.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received in your entrepreneurial journey?
To be resilient. Being an entrepreneur means getting up one more time than you fall over and having the ability to pick yourself up, learn from your mistakes, brush yourself down and move forward.
Finally, how do you unwind after a busy day of running a business and being a parent?
I am a cold water swimmer and regularly swim in the Serpentine in Hyde Park, as well as in the sea. I also love cycling, not so much in London but in the countryside. I love cooking and find this very relaxing after a busy day at work.
