What are your full names? Whom are you named after?
Sophia Alicia Jane Warner - ‘Alicia’ is my mother’s name
What was the house you grew up in like? Who lived with you? What was your neighbourhood like?
We grew up in the countryside in England in a house with a big garden, where we spent most of our time playing outside, climbing trees and riding bicycles. I lived with my parents and brother and sister, and my granny lived next door and was a strong influence on my life. We had dogs, cats, a rabbit, chickens, two donkeys and a goat.
What languages were spoken in your home?
Only English
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I used to line my toys up and pretend to be a teacher….. I ended up as a teacher!
What did you do for fun as a teenager? As a young adult?
As a teenager, we hung out in the local coffee shop to admire the boys from the local grammar school. From the age of 13, I worked during every school holiday in my father’s hotel and restaurant in Cornwall, cleaning hotel rooms, serving breakfasts, lunches, cream teas and dinners. We used to work up to 11 hours days.
What has been important to you as a daughter? A sister? A mother? A grandmother? As a member of a community?
Communication is the most important thing I have realised, in all my relationships. To give my time without distraction and to try and really ‘be present’ when I am with my mother and my daughter. My sister is my best friend.
Who have been your female role models? What about them do you admire?
My grandmother was widowed young and was a passionate traveller, heading off all over Europe with her unmarried sister, my adored great-aunt – they inspired me to travel. My mother worked so hard all of her life, often doing two jobs in order to pay for our school fees and to give us what we wanted, I admire her for that. Strong women in business roles also inspire me, I can learn so much from them about leadership.
What do you think will be the biggest challenge for the generation of women behind you?
The rising tide of violence against women worries me, I think the next generation of women will have this to challenge them.
What world and national events have significantly influenced your life if any?
Mandela’s death was significant for me as my children were old enough to understand what it meant for him to no longer be with us.
What does being part of Pebbles Project mean to you?
Pebbles is my life, my baby and my passion. It has sometimes been hard to create a good work/life balance, but I’m working on it.
What in your life has brought or given you the greatest satisfaction or fulfilment? Looking back, what would you have done differently or what would you do again
Adopting 2 children is the most fulfilling thing I have ever, or will ever, do.