Sophie #mixedmonday
This week's #mixedmonday is the fabulous Sophie @drsophiesterling.
I’m Sophie, mama of 3, wife to a king and Intuitive Psychologist and Coach to Black and Brown women in business. I now live in Kent, UK, but grew up in a financially-deprived yet culturally very rich part of Bristol - and know without a doubt that my childhood experiences gave me the drive I’ve since had to understand the mind, body and spirit.
I’ve spent most of my career so far in the mental health sector, gaining my first job supporting people in the community in Bristol at only 17 years old (I had to wait until my 18th birthday to start!). I went on to become a Clinical Psychologist, before falling in love with entrepreneurship and recognising how powerful (and in many cases needed!) my work in this area could be – especially for those of us overcoming trauma and historical marginalisation.
How do you describe your ethnicity?
I describe my ethnicity as mixed heritage – my Mum is from Jamaica and my Dad is English with Irish heritage.
Has your mixed-ness influenced your career in any way?
My “mixed-ness” has definitely influenced my career, along with other types of “being in two camps” - such as being the scholarship girl at a private school and then going home and having to avoid used needles as we played in the street as kids! I’ve learned that at our core we are all the same and entirely different at the same time. That there is so much that connects us all as human beings, yet we are all so uniquely made that we can easily forget that. I’ve also seen and experienced first-hand (including racism within my own family) just how much historical and systemic oppression and abuse have affected Black and Brown people. Throughout my career, I also know that I have experienced white privilege due to colourism and having an English-sounding name. Being mixed has opened doors and closed them, has often connected me to clients andAnd I am grateful because of who I get to serve due to all of these experiences!
If you could describe your mixed identity in one word, what would it be?
I would describe my mixed identity as kaleidoscopic!
What is the best thing about being mixed heritage?
The thing I love most about being mixed heritage is being able to bruck it down at carnival AND join in the local pub singalong of Sweeeeeeeeet Caroliiiiiineeee!!!
