Member Article

24-year-old Essex entrepreneur defies the odds to launch new business with husband.

Living with three chronic illnesses, Sophie Finn was told that she wouldn’t be able to hold down a ‘normal’ job or build a career for herself. Determined not to let that stop her from being financially independent and successful she set out to prove that her illnesses were not going to get in the way of achieving that and she has just launched her second highly successful business.

First, she started Marketing with Soph, an independent marketing agency which helps businesses build their brand profile and engage with their target customers. In July 2023, Sophie then launched Never Ending Chain, a permanent jewellery studio with her husband, Taylor. Permanent jewellery is a new trend coming over from the US and Never Ending Chain was the first studio to open in Essex, and one of the first studios to open in the UK.

Sophie suffers from a degenerative disc disease and fibromyalgia. She also suffers from familial hemiplegic migraines which affects just 0.01% of the population. These conditions made it difficult for Sophie to commit to what she calls, a ‘proper’ job. As an employee, she would often have to call in sick and her health was really holding her back. Sophie realised that if she was going to achieve financial independence and have a career, then the best solution would be to work for herself.

Sophie and husband Taylor met at 16 and after falling in love over their shared interest in music and the great outdoors they had been looking for the opportunity to work together for some time. In 2022, along with the chronic health conditions she already manages, Sophie was also diagnosed with panic disorder. Already running his own business, Taylor, had to adapt his own working schedule to ensure he was around more for Sophie as he became her carer. This is where their search for something they could do together began. Something that would utilise their combined skill set but also a business that reflects who they are as a couple.

Never Ending Chain was set up following a personal story involving the couple’s dog, Snoopy, who suffered a critical heart failure in 2022. Faced with the prospect of losing their beloved pooch, they searched for something sentimental that they could wear and keep close, something that would acknowledge the special bond they had with their dog. After not being able to find anything suitable, the couple started to think about how they could create something special that others could enjoy as well. From here, Never Ending Chain was born. Part of their range includes permanent bespoke jewellery charms which customers can have personalised as a memory of their pets.

The pair are keen to keep the studio a place of sentiment and have injected much of their own love story into the business. The chains are named after songs that were played at their wedding. Sophie and Taylor have also kept scrapbooks since the beginning of their relationship and now ask customers to take a Polaroid and leave a message in a scrapbook in the studio to celebrate their new jewellery piece.

Of course, it’s not just pets. Permanent jewellery is a trend that was started in the US and has now made its way to the UK. It works by welding the jewellery piece together so it’s permanently attached, rather than having a traditional clasp. The range includes rings, bracelets, anklets, belly chains, necklaces and more. It has become a huge hit with couples, siblings, family members, and friends wanting something permanent and sentimental to have on them and keep close every day.

Sophie and Taylor are enjoying phenomenal success with their businesses. At such a young age, Sophie is already enjoying her dream of being financially independent, without having to worry about borrowing money anymore, growing successful businesses without letting her illnesses hold her back.

Sophie wants to inspire others and share her story to show that just because you have a chronic condition, doesn’t mean you can’t be successful. It all starts with believing in yourself and letting your challenges drive you.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Lucy Hood .