Not On The High Street was founded by Sophie Cornish, alongside friend and former colleague Holly Tucker. Despite going on to become a multimillion-pound business, it had humble beginnings: being created on Sophie and Holly’s kitchen table.

Recognising the lack of choice on the high street and the absence of quality, original products, Sophie and Holly set about addressing this, creating a platform to connect the small businesses making quality products with the consumers who wanted something more artisan and unique.

Since 2017 Sophie Cornish has been involved with fashion retail brand Busby and Fox, an independent women’s clothing brand, first taking on the role as Director and Managing Partner before becoming the Chairman in 2022.

In the first chapters of her career, Sophie worked as a beauty writer and editor on women’s magazines, including Cosmopolitan and Good Housekeeping.

Building on her fashion and beauty experience, Sophie then expanded into marketing and advertising with creative brand development for Boots No 7 and 17 cosmetics and management of advertising campaigns for brands such as Monsoon and L’Oreal. She was also involved in early dotcom startups, including World Gallery, an online art and poster store.

Sophie Cornish MBE Books and Media

Sophie has two bestselling, co-authored books, first publishing Build A Business From Your Kitchen Table (2012) which went to number one in the Sunday Times bestseller list. Their second book Shape Up Your Business (2014) provides insight and tried-and-tested lessons  on achieving business goals and success, while keeping a work-life balance.

Sophie has been interviewed and appeared on a number of podcasts, most recently on Sound Advice: Entrepreneurs Unfiltered, where she was in conversation with the CEO of Sage on how to build a successful life plan.

Supporting others starting up and succeeding in business is something Sophie is passionate about. In 2021 she was chair of the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ judging panel,  where she was looking for leaders who demonstrate a strong sense of purpose and vision, and a sense of sheer love and joy for what they do.

Awards and Recognition

In addition to receiving an MBE, Sophie has received many industry awards, including Sunday Times Maserati 100, Evening Standard Progress 1000 Business Brains and Investor Allstars Entrepreneur of the Year.

Why book Sophie Cornish MBE?

Sophie’s has expert knowledge on creating and scaling businesses, branding and advertising. She can provide insight on how business owners can achieve their goals, succeed and stand out, as well as how to cope when things don’t go to plan.

Call +44 1753 439 289 or email Great British Speakers now to book Female Business Entrepreneur Sophie Cornish for your next event.  Contact us.