Womenspire ~ Shared Inspiration

Sophie Hughes
Co-founder of Mazuma UK Ltd.

‘My car inspires me ~ it’s the best thinking space’

“Making money inspires me, as it means I can pay my mortgage off and enjoy more disposable income.
I’ve always wanted to run my own business.

I chose to go into accountancy because I had an aptitude for numbers and am a logical thinker. When my co-founder Lucy Cohen and I set up Mazuma, we had to overcome stereotypes from other accountants assuming that because we were young and female, we couldn’t possibly be competent.

In some ways, being perceived as young has helped us to promote Mazuma as a friendly, innovative and customer-focused brand. My work-life balance is very much work heavy at the moment but I am happy with that. My car is a space that inspires me as it’s where I have a chance to think and come up with ideas.

I feel proud that the company has expanded so quickly but it does involve a lot of time and hard work.

I try and keep weekends’ free though to enjoy hobbies like horse riding, socialising with my friends and I’m currently training for my first half marathon in October, which is a great goal to work towards.

My proudest moment to date was winning the Shell Live-Wire Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2007. It was a fantastic feeling to have our family there to share in our achievement.”