Sophie Bolton

Marketing Manager

• Can you give me a short history of how you got to where you are now, including how you became interested in organic food and farming?
  I grew up in the country and my father was a chef, so food and where it comes from has always been important to me. I started my career in the environmental sector working for a national conservation charity, while studying environmental science in the evenings. I found out about the Soil Association's work through my involvement in a local community organic growing project. In 2002 I started working for Soil Association Certification supporting businesses in going organic and further supported my communications focussed role by studying to qualify as a marketer in 2007. In 2009 I moved to the charity as Marketing Manager where I continue to use my experience with the industry to help organic businesses promote the benefits of organic food and farming.         
   
• Can you describe a typical day in your life?
  Working in marketing in both challenging and varied. I like change so thankfully there is no typical day.
   
• What made you decide to work for us?
  After working in the environmental sector for a short while, I realised that the Soil Association's values were much aligned with my own. My interest in business and marketing drew me specifically to communications focussed roles within the Soil Association.
   
• What does the Soil Association mean to you?
  Working for the Soil Association allows me to pursue my interest and passion for a better environment. I also have the pleasure of working with some fantastic people, in an environment that allows you to be yourself.
   
• What do you enjoy most about your job?
  The opportunity to make change, for the business, the organisation and for the organic movement.
   
• What do you find most challenging about your job?
  When good ideas need big budgets.
   
• If you had to start all over again would you do anything differently?
  No, I don't believe in regrets.
   
• What would be your 'Desert Island' luxury?
  Music or red wine - I can't decide.