Get to Know Sophie Preen: Fashion Boss, Mum of Two, and DediKate Member
If you've shopped at Preen or follow them online, chances are you’ve seen the stylish and down-to-earth Sophie Preen in action. As the third generation to work in her family’s fashion business, Sophie is all about empowering women through clothing. We caught up with her to chat about life in business, motherhood, and how she finds time to move her body and prioritise herself.
A Family Legacy in Fashion
“My grandad started Miss Timaru back in 1960,” Sophie explains. “Then my dad took over in the ‘80s, created another store called Preen, and expanded into Oamaru.” After a successful design career away from home, Sophie returned to Timaru over a decade ago to grow the online side of the business and hasn’t looked back.
“Now, we’ve got around 40 staff, five stores, and our online store Preen.co.nz is our biggest earner,” she says. “I love business and improving things, so growth and kicking goals really get my wheels spinning. But the best part? Seeing our customers wearing our clothes and watching their confidence grow when they feel good in what they’re wearing.”
The DediKate Difference
With such a full plate, Sophie still finds time to move her body, thanks to DediKate.
“I love that there are so many options in the programme,” she says. “Right now, I’m doing the Thrive Challenge, it’s all about strength, which I really need.” She schedules workouts first thing in the morning and often does them with a neighbour to keep each other accountable. “If I’m really short on time, I’ll just do a Core Finisher and call that my main event. The short sessions are so handy!”
Juggling It All
Sophie is mum to a 5-year-old and a 3-year-old, and life is, in her words, “a little chaotic.”
“I’m lucky to have flexibility with my job and great support from my family and husband,” she says. A “typical” day? There’s no such thing, but here’s how yesterday went:
"“7am DediKate, school and kindy drop-off, 9am online team meeting, sorted two orders for next season, did some marketing planning and emails… then got the school call - my daughter had fallen at the playground. Took her along to help with pre-fashion show tasks (buying booze and extra chairs), then to the doctor and x-ray, no broken bones, thank goodness! Just made it in time for our LIVE try-on on Facebook at 4pm. Nanny picked her up from there, and I squeezed in a beauty appointment. Then I ran a charity fashion show and got home around 9:30pm.”"
Sophie
Talk about making it all happen!
A Shift in Priorities
Since becoming a mum, Sophie says her approach to fitness and wellbeing has definitely changed.
“I found it hard to prioritise myself, especially working long hours. Mum guilt is real,” she shares. “But now I’ve set dedicated times just for me, which helps. At the end of the day, I’m a better person when I’ve moved my body, so I need to make it happen. Better me = Better Mum & Better Wife.”
A Little Something You Might Not Know…
Sophie has a few hidden talents up her sleeve. “I love tennis,” she says. “And I can roll my tongue into three. Not overly useful, but it’s a party trick for the kids!”
Follow Sophie and the Preen team on Instagram for fashion inspo, behind-the-scenes chaos, and the occasional Core Finisher shout-out!
Ready to Join the Fun?
It’s Preen x DediKate Week and we’re celebrating in style! 🎉
We’ve teamed up to give you the chance to WIN a $500 Preen voucher AND a 1 year free DediKate membership!
Here’s how to enter: Click here and enter your details… It's that simple!
PLUS: Keep an eye out for hilarious behind-the-scenes content, styling tips, workouts, giveaways and more on @preen_online and @kateiveyfitness.
Whether you’re here for the fashion, the fitness, or the chaos of juggling both, this is the week to get involved 💥
