Navigating Family and Entrepreneurship
In the world of entrepreneurship, especially for women balancing family, business, and leadership, Sondra Noble stands out as a powerful example. As the co-founder and CEO of Hip Hues, Sondra isn’t just an entrepreneur but a creator of memorable experiences through customized, interactive swag bars at events. With her sister and co-founder, Tracy, they have built Hip Hues into a unique business that combines quality branding, artistry, and an unforgettable customer experience.
Building a Business with Family
Entrepreneurship often comes with risks, challenges, and the unexpected—factors that multiply when you add family into the mix. For Sondra, working with her sister has been a journey of growth, learning, and support. Though they started as young women with different personalities and interests, their combined skills became a powerful synergy. Tracy's meticulous operations expertise and Sondra's creative marketing vision brought Hip Hues to life, proving that even close family members with contrasting styles can create something remarkable.
Working with family comes with unique challenges, too, especially when blending business and personal life. The Noble sisters often have to remind themselves to turn off "business mode" and connect as siblings and friends. But this partnership's success speaks volumes about their shared dedication, mutual respect, and willingness to overcome hurdles together.
Female Leadership and the Entrepreneurial Journey
The statistics for female entrepreneurs reaching major business milestones are daunting. But Sondra’s story defies the odds. She has grown her company to new heights in an industry that combines products and services—a rare feat. Yet, for Sondra, her journey isn’t about mere revenue figures; it’s about creating an experience that resonates and endures.
As a woman navigating the entrepreneurial landscape, Sondra is familiar with the additional barriers women often face, from pricing their services to securing capital. She acknowledges these challenges and, importantly, emphasizes mentorship and coaching as essential tools for women in business. Whether it's pricing strategy or managing operational complexities, Sondra shares her knowledge and experience, helping other women entrepreneurs rise.
Navigating Parenthood and Business Ownership
For many women, balancing motherhood and business can feel like an impossible balancing act. Sondra is candid about the sacrifices involved. She didn’t take maternity leave, answering emails and calls even in the hospital. While she's proud of her business journey, she hopes to set a different example for her co-founder and others, encouraging time for family and rest as part of a balanced approach.
This understanding of balance extends beyond her personal life into her business philosophy. Sondra’s advice to young entrepreneurs is to prioritize self-care, slow down, and enjoy the ride. It’s a lesson learned through years of building her business and understanding that not every moment has to be a sprint.
Empowering Experiences and Community Impact
At the core of Hip Hues is a mission to create memorable experiences. Sondra describes her business as “selling joy” through interactive, high-quality branded apparel that attendees at events help create. For her, the ultimate reward is knowing that Hip Hues products evoke lasting memories and joy for her clients, turning corporate events into something more personal and memorable.
Sondra’s commitment to community shines through Hip Hues’ core values, which include spreading the love of creativity and art. They often offer free or reduced services to underprivileged schools, introducing children to the hands-on art of screen printing—a rarity in today’s digital world.
Looking Ahead: Growth, Challenges, and Mentorship
As Hip Hues continues to grow, Sondra is focused on scaling sustainably, hiring strategically, and finding ways to make an even bigger impact. She's already working on expanding to new locations, building out sales teams, and formalizing coaching and mentorship, both within her company and in the wider business community.
In sharing her story, Sondra Noble offers valuable insights for anyone on the entrepreneurial path. From navigating business with family to overcoming gender barriers in leadership, her journey is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the joy of building something meaningful. For aspiring entrepreneurs, her message is simple: embrace mentorship, prioritize your well-being, and make time to enjoy the ride.
