Meet Sophie and Naomi

How have you found Café Boost?

Naomi: I’ve got better people skills.

Sophie: I’ve learnt skills as to how to run my own business, insight really, into how to do stock taking, it’s taught me about employment.

How do you think you will use these skills for your future?

Sophie: It helps me to know what to expect really. And it’s given me confidence and skills for whatever comes up in my future. It’s also improved my maths, I hope I’ve done better in my maths exams this time.

Naomi: I don’t know about you but it’s definitely increased my confidence. Before when I saw something I wouldn’t have thought I would be able to do it, but now I think, “yeah, I’ll give it a go”.

Sophie: Yes before we were both terrified about trying out something new but now it doesn’t seem that bad.

What is the part you’ve enjoyed most so far?

Naomi: Working with you guys, and being able to help each other.

Sophie: I’ve found out the importance of teamwork, that’s a key point. It’s crucial to have good teamwork.

What are your plans for the café in the future?

Sophie: To carry it on and see it improve. Even though I’m going to college further away next year I will still do it and come straight here. I’m so determined to come even if I get here a little bit late.

Naomi: I’m definitely keen to continue, I’m not planning on going anywhere.

Has anything else Rise:61 has done with you helped?

Sophie: The Bristol trip, that was amazing! Showed me what we can actually do if we kept this going, how great it could be. Gives me ideas about how to improve the café.

What would you like to do in the future?

Sophie: A café or a restaurant is a possibility. Ideally I’d like to work with animals, but if that doesn’t work out, I would like to do something with food.

Anything else you would like to say?

Sophie: I think it’s good that we’ve been doing it since we were younger, about 14. It keeps you out of trouble, keeps you from getting cold outside, it’s good to get your mind off things. At the end of the day gives you skills for the future.

Naomi: I’ve calmed down. I was such a tearaway when I was younger, looking back at a younger me- oh wow. I would like to get some more people that age to do things like this.

Sophie: Would be great to get other people involved. I feel like I’ve matured and grown.