At the age of 21, Sophee McPhee was at a crossroad in her life. Having battled with anorexia for nearly five years and being on the brink of long-term inpatient treatment, Sophee chose to put herself on a path towards recovery. Combining her entrepreneurial spirit with her university studies (business, media & communications), personal experiences and passion for cultural evolution (as it relates to media), Sophee founded UP! Magazine.
What is your elevator pitch?
UP! Magazine is the only women’s interest publication with a ‘no celebrity gossip, weight loss content, or anti-ageing content’ promise. Unlike other women’s magazines, it leaves readers feeling empowered and good about themselves (‘UP!’), rather than like they are not good enough.
What kind of family environment did you grow up in?
I grew up as an only child with a single parent: my mum!
What were the early days like trying to break into the industry?
Easy on the editorial front, incredibly difficult on the advertising front. Everyone wants publicity, no one wants to help pay for the channel that’s getting their stories out there.
What kept you going when times were tough financially?
People telling my I couldn’t make my goal happen…there’s always a way. But, persistence and passion are king.
What ‘normal’ jobs have you done?
As a kid, I always worked in the food industry, from a fish and chip shop, to various Indian restaurants, to the Cheesecake Shop – the latter was my favourite! From the age of 13, I also volunteered with a different non-profit organisation each year. It’s a great way to learn skills and make contacts from an early age.
Were you ever tempted to get a ‘real job’?
My mind has yearned for the routine and security, but my heart and spirit continue to say, “no!”.
Do you see your life as a balance between ‘life’ and ‘work’, or are they well blended?
I’ve never been able to achieve a ‘normal’ or even healthy work-life balance. I love to work and I do so 16-18 hours a day, 7 days a week. I won’t be able to function this way forever, but I will continue to spend a decent chunk of my time learning, creating, and collaborating…however, this will probably be less achievement-driven and more pleasure-driven as time goes on.
How do you balance ‘life’ with ‘work’ from a time point of view? What routines do you have?
They say routine sets your free, but it bores the crud out of me! If I stuck to a routine, what would I learn? How would I grow? A person’s ideas are the totality of their experiences and influences…so, ditch the routine and get exposed to as many different things, people, and walks of life as possible!
What do you see as the essentials for a happy existence?
Learning and love, both given and received.
What are some of the challenges you’ve faced in growing your business?
Big businesses not wanting to give the ‘little guys’ a go and preferring to stick with their old procedures and long-time suppliers…and who can blame them?
What would you be doing if you weren’t doing magazine publishing?
I’d be a nomad – forever travelling, learning about, and experiencing the world.
What qualities do you respect and value in people you work with?
Initiative and results.
What do you do in your spare time?
Work, watch, listen and explore. I’ve always been passionate about all forms of media and their individual/combined potential. As such, I love watching TV, reading books, running with music, seeing films, surfing the internet, watching live theatre, having conversations with people…I enjoy coming into contact with anything that conveys a message and shares ideas, connects with people and then influences them (their minds, hearts and lives). Media makes the world go round – not money.
Name your three favorite websites – the ones you visit regularly?
oDesk for people
Wikipedia for ideas,
and Flickr for images and inspiration.
Do you Twitter? Do you Blog?
Twitter. I’ve met some brilliant people in the ‘real world’, who originally got in touch with me via Twitter…it’s a fantastic business tool for forming genuinely mutually-beneficial partnerships. Though, it is a bit intense at times and rather difficult to cut through the waffle and ‘noise’.
If you were able to invite any person to dinner, who would they be and why?
Kevin Roberts, Worldwide CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi: his energy, ideas, and stories are endless…his blog is bloody brilliant, too! Every time I read it I feel as though I’ve just had dinner with the man.
Do you have a favorite saying? If so, what is it?
“Nothing is impossible.”
What is the biggest challenge to young people today?
In developed nations – the feeling of being utterly disconnected, because we are so connected. With so many points of contact and people to be in contact with, it’s encouraged us to have shallow relationships with many and makes it difficult to have meaningful, fulfilling, reliable relationships.
What has your biggest achievement?
Finishing my double degree with distinction (business advertising / media & communications) made me feel pretty fantastic. Being the only female finalist for the Suncorp Young Queenslander of the Year Award also meant a lot because it made my mum proud – who says a single mum (who’s a crazy, emotional artist by the way - love ya mum!) can’t raise a good kid? Personally speaking, overcoming a five year battle with anorexia wasn’t easy and is something I’m proud of. I’m glad I was able to kick ‘ana’ in the butt, because it’s given me back my life.
What is the best advice you have ever received? The worst?
Best: “Nothing is impossible” (mum); Worst: “give up” (a few narrow-minded sods).
What would you spend your very last $10 on?
A 6-pack of fresh, hot, cinnamon doughnuts & a movie ticket. Hopefully the combination of the two would present me with a bright idea on ‘how to make a million from scratch’.
With one week to live, what would you do?
Eat, pray, love.
What makes you laugh?
Pugs, John Cleese, and great memories.
What advice would you give your 16-year-old self?
Be able to ask for help & advice – it’ll make things easier and more enjoyable.
What are your pet hates?
Lack of vision and initiative.
Leah Gibbs is the Founder and Business Manager of Lifestyle Careers.
Lifestyle Careers is an online recruitment job board. Our niche and specific focus is the advertising of flexible employment and work at home positions. It is designed for professionals wanting to balance their work and personal life.
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