The Bottom Line The Decisions That Made Me: Sophie Mirman
Nov 27, 2025
Sophie Mirman, the entrepreneurial force behind Sock Shop and Trotters, shares her remarkable journey from a traumatic childhood experience to business success. She reflects on her early days at Marks & Spencer and how that shaped her drive. Sophie recounts the thrill and chaos of taking Sock Shop public, navigating the pressure for rapid growth. She candidly discusses the pitfalls of U.S. expansion and the lessons learned, leading her to create Trotters, a brand focused on a measured, enjoyable retail experience.
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Early Trauma That Shaped Drive
- At 13 Sophie Mirman witnessed a horrific car crash that badly injured both her parents and forced her into adult responsibility early.
- That trauma shaped her determination and sense of urgency to support the family financially.
From Typing Pool To Shop Floors
- Sophie started at Marks & Spencer in the typing pool, then became a junior secretary in the chairman's office and used that chance to learn how the business worked.
- She moved into store management because Lord Seif encouraged her to learn the business rather than stay in the typing pool.
Thrown Into Retail With Tie Rack
- At 24 Sophie joined a startup called Tie Rack with no relevant experience and was thrown into opening three shops before Christmas, learning manufacturing and retail operations on the job.
- She became managing director and met her future husband, Richard, who was the finance director.