A Moment With Sophie

Sophie Cottrell

Hey Sophie! Tell us about yourself – who is Sophie Cottrell? 

Born and raised in the paradise that is Perth. My dad is first generation Australian, so I have a lot of English blood in me. I was home-schooled most of my school life, then Bible College which I completed and then went on to become a Corporate Travel Consultant. I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do and had a lot of different passions, so, I decided to try a bit of everything. I saved up my pennies working my corporate job and then quit and went and lived in America. That ended up becoming a little bit of a rhythm for me and I did it 3 separate times. Worked, saved, went and lived there, came home and started from the beginning. I wouldn’t change it for the world, getting the best of America and Australia in my late teens and early twenties. Travel really taught me about who I was, what I loved and who Jesus is. When everything you are familiar with is stripped away, you get the opportunity to define what you love, who you love and how you want to spend your time. 

What are you passionate about?

This is a hard question to answer. I feel very passionate about a lot of things and this was a bit of an issue for me in my late teens because I couldn’t figure out where to put my energy. I am a creative through and through, though I cannot draw to save my life, so that squashes that box right there. More so in the way of music, photography, design and abstract art. I am also very passionate about people and maybe that is the best way to sum me up. I am passionate about making people feel seen and known, providing space for them to see their dreams come to life, providing support in hard times, and most of all I am a sucker for kids, like I melt.

How did the idea of Sceen’ry come about?

This is a super fun story. To sum it up, I came home after I was living in San Francisco Bay Area about 8 years ago and I met my now best friend, we were comparing our trips to San Francisco and they were vastly different. The reason? I knew locals, she did not. That then sat in the recesses of my brain. Fast forward to two years later, she and I were in a local Perth boutique where we came across these stunning print magazines and I looked at her and said “oh my gosh, imagine if we started a magazine together!?” and something was lit up in me. While driving home, I started day-dreaming the idea and probably ignored everything she said to me (sorry girl). By the time I got back to my house I had the name of the magazine, the mission statement and the entire idea mapped out. 

So, you’ve had this crazy, big idea. What was the process in bringing your dream to fruition? 

Well, the idea then got book-shelfed because I had absolutely zero idea how to do it. I wasn’t a designer, writer, photographer or editor, and had zero qualifications. I had never been to Uni and all I knew how to do was basic business and booking people’s flights. I told the idea to my parents and then that was that. However, I couldn’t really get it out of my head. So, when I moved back to the Bay Area 6 months later, I took the idea with me and secretly (literally the people I lived with had no clue I was working on it) worked away on the idea, prayed, googled “how do you start a magazine”, prayed, watched every YouTube interview and design tutorial I could and prayed. By the end of the 6 months I had decided I was going to do it, I had no idea how, but I was. When I got home to Perth, I opened the newspaper the first morning I was home and there was an advertisement for the Perth Writers Festival, the theme was “print magazines”. Coincidence, I think not. It literally felt like this idea came straight from the Holy Spirit and I was just given the opportunity to bring it to life. A year later Sceen’ry was birthed.

What/who are your creative inspirations for Sceen’ry?

There are so many, it is so hard to know where to start. I will forever be inspired by Daniel & Justine Flynn. The way that they are changing human lives because they looked adversity and challenges in the face and just kept going, their reward in heaven will be one to see. 

Another amazing human is Tess Guinery. She thinks so wildly out of the box and has been obedient to the voice of Jesus even if it looked impractical or terrible timing. She creates, writes, designs and paints some of the most beautiful creations while also placing value on people.

Darling Magazine for sure is my print industry inspiration. They have an amazing team and their mission is bold.

From then on, I have met some of the world’s most bold and creative humans who continually inspire me. Each volume is filled with totally different photographers, totally different businesses and a whole new set of wildly inspiring stories. They are the ones that keep the inspiration flowing.

What/who are your inspirations in your own personal life?

My parents, hands down. They have owned multiple businesses over my life and their steady hearts and faithfulness to what they are doing is totally inspiring. They have never been ones to give up and they are wildly generous, even in their lack. 

I also have an amazing network of extremely supportive and inspiring friends, whether they are small business owners, parents or creatives, I am constantly inspired to keep going because of them.

What is a book or resource that has impacted your life, both personally and in business?

‘Chapter One’ by Thankyou. Every single creative and small business owner needs to read this book. It is practical, challenging and so very relevant.

‘The Artisan Soul’ by Erwin McManus is also a no brainer. A must read for every human, whether they consider themselves “artistic” or not.

What has been your biggest challenge (business wise) so far?

That’s hard to boil down because having a business has been the biggest challenge of all time. Though, trust and having a steady heart in the midst of all the massive highs and deep lows is probably the hardest part. Trusting the voice of the Holy Spirit and not being dictated by numbers, statistics or comparing myself to other businesses. It is so easy to get sucked into any of those points instead of resting, listening, staying steady, being consistent and taking one day at a time.

What was a highlight moment in your career with Sceen’ry?

The first time I opened the box of Sceen’ry magazines I couldn’t contain myself. I couldn’t believe that we had done what felt like the impossible. And the launch party that followed felt like the biggest celebration of love. But always and still to this day, seeing total strangers in far away countries post a photo on Instagram saying that they found it in their local store and fell in love with it, that right there is the biggest highlight. I have no idea how they got it or where they found it, but it ended up in their lap and I couldn’t be more grateful.

 You’ve travelled far and wide to gather content for each of your magazines. What has been your favourite place that you’ve been to, and why?

Well, let’s just clear something up. Perth is the most beautiful place in the world. There is no where else that is as beautiful, as quiet, as relaxed and as liveable as Perth. Dunsborough is actually my favourite place in the world, which may sound silly, yet total truth. Get up super early and watch the sunrise next time you are there. Otherwise, Barcelona is culturally rich and incredibly delicious. Santorini has the most breathtaking sunsets. But I would probably say Colorado or Tasmania. I love love love the mountains and getting outdoors.

If you could tell young female entrepreneurs/start-ups anything, what advice would you pass on?

Research, ask questions, make industry friends, research and spend a load of time with the Holy Spirit. At the end of the day, we are here to love Him well. We were created by Him and for Him, that is our purpose. So, if you can’t cultivate your relationship with him in the early stages of your business, how much harder it will be when things are bigger, harder and busier. He is the one who has the most creative answers, knows the perfect people for you to meet at the right time and has the best business strategy that may be off the grid, completely wild and sound silly, but changes the game. Listen well. 

Where do you see Sceen’ry in the next five years? 

I see Sceen’ry becoming a multi-faceted company that becomes a home for creatives across the globe. It was created to be a platform for photographers and writers and the plan is to increase our reach and projects, so that we can better promote the hidden treasures of the world and the incredible people who bring them to life.

Where can we find your products? 

All of our stockists are on sceenry.com as well as our full range of products. Follow us on Instagram on @sceenrymag for all updates, announcements and travel tips.

Interview with Sophie Cottrell
Sophie is the Editor in Chief of Sceen’ry magazine.