My name is Sophie and I created Sophski almost ten years ago to support my skiing endeavors. I traveled throughout New England ski racing and selling Sophski neckies to other racers, cold parents and spectators. While attending school at Montana State University, I moved my productions from Cape Elizabeth, Maine to Bozeman, Montana. At this point, I was focused on sewing neck gators that were more for deep powder days than for race courses. From 2014-2019, Sophski reached over 5,000 people through social media and online sales. On estimate, this small business has produced around 1,000 products that lie in the hands of local skiers and outdoors people across the country. More recently, orders have been coming in from Canada, France and New Zealand! I never thought I'd see the day where I'm filling out customs slips on a Tuesday at the post office!
After closing my shop for several years while finishing my degree, student teaching and landing my first job in the classroom, Sopski supporters and friends eventually started inquiring about fleece beanies. Moments later, I was back on the machine, creating patterns and producing more hats than I could imagine. With that, came the King & Queen hats and Two Way Hats in winter 2021. There have been several other styles I have designed in the past three winters and may even retire the King & Queen Hat this winter.
Traditionally, I have acceptted custom orders for large groups; ski teams, girl squads, and fundraisers. I am happy to discuss doing custom orders given I have the time available because Sophski is my side hustle!
Besides sewing and consistently keeping my website stocked, you can find me skiing! I work full time as a patroller at Bridger Bowl! My passion for skiing tends to be where I put my hat profit. Each winter I dedicate profits from selling fleece hats towards avalanche education and rescue courses, as well as the necessary gear I need to feel equipped to preform at my highest level as a patroller. This aspect of my brand is exactly what differentiates me from the overly diluted market of makers. I'm often discouraged and fearful of the uncertainty of building backstock of fleece, sewing supplies and final product because I am not sure when people will stop showing up. Everyday another fleece hat company appears on social media and it's hard to find the courage to keep going, but after ten years of sewing winter accessories and a lifetime of sewing, I owe it to myself and to my loyal supporters to keep truckin'. In the end, I am eternally greatful to everyone who has supported this small business in any form and I hope everyone knows that it's being invested back into the community at our local ski hill.
Besides sewing and consistently keeping my website stocked, you can find me skiing! I work full time as a patroller at Bridger Bowl! My passion for skiing tends to be where I put my hat profit. Each winter I dedicate profits from selling fleece hats towards avalanche education and rescue courses, as well as the necessary gear I need to feel equipped to preform at my highest level as a patroller. This aspect of my brand is exactly what differentiates me from the overly diluted market of makers. I'm often discouraged and fearful of the uncertainty of building backstock of fleece, sewing supplies and final product because I am not sure when people will stop showing up. Everyday another fleece hat company appears on social media and it's hard to find the courage to keep going, but after ten years of sewing winter accessories and a lifetime of sewing, I owe it to myself and to my loyal supporters to keep truckin'. In the end, I am eternally greatful to everyone who has supported this small business in any form and I hope everyone knows that it's being invested back into the community at our local ski hill.
If you're a Bridger skier or just popping through & see me at the mountain in a red coat, say hi! It makes my day every time.
