Behind every business on Sophia’s Diary, there is a hard working person or team that loves what they do and provides the best service possible to the community. Nearly 12,000 people voted for the winners for our Awards Night, it is time for our users to read their story
Ebru Misirli – JTT Events
What did you win? – 2018 Best Event award for our N21 Summer Fair
What did it mean to you to win? – We work hard to ensure all our events are at a high standard and enjoyable by all. To be acknowledged by our attendees and Sophia Diary members means the world and goes to show the hard work we have put in has been honestly recognised and appreciated. We are thankful and will continue to maintain the high standard previously provided.
How did you feel when you found out you won the award(s)? – In shock, it is overwhelming, and we could not be more thankful. I had to read the Winner off the screen just to make sure I heard it right!
Is there anyone you would like to thank? – To all the individuals who voted for us, our fantastic team, and all the Vendors, performers and participants involved in the N21 Summer Fair, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. JTT would not be what it is without your constant support
Anything else you would like to say: – Thank you to Sophia’s Diary and Andrea. You continue to support us in all we do and always offer help where possible. Your platform is extraordinary, Andrea, you are terrific! We have a great event for all this Xmas so check out our website www.jtteventsltd.com and social media pages @jtteventsltd and of course on Sophia’s Diary https://www.sophias-diary.com/listing/jtt-events/ Thank you!
Hannah Broady – Train 2 First Aid
I’m Hannah from Train 2 First Aid and I’m a first aid trainer and assessor. We run accredited first aid courses for most work places. We also run first aid courses for parents and carers, mini medics and team building courses.
Train 2 First aid won best education provider, best health practitioner, best wellness practitioner and best care provider.
It meant so much for us to win. It’s been an amazing journey and we’ve met so many fantastic people over the last 2 years since we started. It gives us great pride every time we teach a course and knowing how happy our students are knowing their new skills can potentially save a life.
I felt so shock when Train 2 First Aid’s name got called out the first time. I didn’t expect for us to win 1 award let alone 4.
Thank you so much to everyone that voted for us. My family and friends have been so supportive and I couldn’t have done it without them.
Pana Neocleous – Jam Jam Parties
Introduce yourself and tell us what you do?
My name is Pana and I am the founder and director of Jam Jam Parties.
I am the mother of 3 small boys, 2 of which are yet to go to school and as such, I have had to come out of the 9 to 5 working day, working with reputable corporate companies to become a stay at home mummy.
This is where Jam Jam Parties was born, at the latter part of 2016.
Jam Jam Parties is a soft play and bouncy castle hire business which brings the toys, the entire equipment to the customer at a location of their choice, be it their house, a hired hall, a banqueting suite, their garden or pretty much anywhere of their choice. We set up our equipment according to the space we have to work with and then we return to collect and pack away once the party is over. With every package, we provide FREE local delivery within a 10 mile radius, a FREE supersize helium number balloon and one set fee, regardless of the hours required for the booking.
We pride ourselves in first class customer service, clean and colourful equipment and a friendly an honest approach. Our customer is at the heart of every booking.
What did you win?
Best Children’s Party Planner
What did it mean to you to win?
The award has meant the world to both myself and my family. We are all so very proud of what Jam Jam Parties has achieved in such a short amount of time and so very pleased that we are recognised for our hard work and high level of customer service, which is at the foremost of all that we set out to do. Our customer is our No.1 and so to be the winner of this award really confirms to us that we are on the right path with Jam Jam Parties. The future is now very exciting for us.
How did you feel when you found out you won the award(s)?
I was completely gobsmacked. I could not believe my ears.
I’m not a negative person but in my heart of hearts, I did not think I had a chance to win. I was in a category with such worthy winners who have been running successful and fantastic businesses far longer than I have. For me, being a nominee in the category was already such an honour.
I’m not sure I slept much that night as I had far too much excitement. If only I had a slight incline that we had any chance to actually win, I may have gone and got my hair done for the awards ceremony (hehe)
Is there anyone you would like to thank?
I would first and foremostly like to thank everyone that took the time out to vote for Jam Jam Parties.
To Andrea and all at Sophia’s Diary who have given me the opportunity to communicate who Jam Jam Parties are and what they do, who have helped to promote my business to the community and embraced Jam Jam Parties from it’s early existence.
To my family and friends for all their ongoing support and belief in me.
And ultimately to my husband and 3 boys, who have had the belief in me when Jam Jam Parties was just a scribbled idea on a piece of paper, who are with me on every single booking, who are my one driving force and without whose support I could not do this.
Anything else you would like to say:
“If you have a party, make sure it’s a Jam Jam Party.”
David Taylor – In Sue’s Name
Hi Andrea I am David Alan Taylor of In Sue;s Name a charity raising funds for Brain Tumour Research We won the award for Best Charity I was a great experience to win the award, the first we have ever won I think the publicity gained from meeting so many new people was very important to the charity. I would like to thank you so much for Andrea for putting on the Awards and for your wonderful support for In Sue’s Name
Akile Alexander – GET WITH THE KIDS VIBE
Winners Interview
Introduce yourself and tell us what you do?
GET WITH THE KIDS VIBE IS AN EXTENSION OF THE LONG ESTABLISHED FITNESS VIBE. SITUATED IN THE SAFE AND SECURE VICINITY OF HIGHLANDS VILLAGE, WINCHMORE HILL; WE PROVIDE AN AFTER-SCHOOL CLUB FOR ALL CHILDREN AND WORKING FAMILIES.
IN ADDITION TO THIS WE HOST AN OUTSTANDING CREATIVE CONFIDENCE CAMP DURING ALL OF THE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
WE ARE OFSTED REGISTERED
OUR STAFF ARE DBS CHECKED AND PAEDIATRIC FIRST AID QUALIFIED
AND CAN ACCEPT CHILDCARE VOUCHERS
WE PRIDE OURSELVES IN BEING AN EXTENSION OF THE FAMILY HOME AND TAKE THE TEUST PLACED IN US VERY SERIOUSLY
What did you win?
BEST SCHOOL HOLIDAY CAMP
What did it mean to you to win?
FOR US IT MEANT MORE THAN ANYONE CAN IMAGINE.
OUR FOCUS HAS ALWAYS BEEN ON WHAT WE DO SO IT WAS AN AMAZING SURPRISE TO BE NOMINATED.
THE CATEGORY HAD A LONG LIST OF ESTABLISHED AND WELL RECOGNISED CLUBS; SO TO WIN SUCH A TOUGH CATEGORY WAS THRILLING. IT WAS RECOGNITION THAT OUR DEVOTED AND DEDICATED CLUB LEADERS DESERVED
How did you feel when you found out you won the award(s)?
THOUGH WE DID OUR LEVEL BEST TO REMAIN POSITIVE WE IN NO WAY THOUGHT IT WAS IN THE BAG. THE SHREEK FROM OUR CORNER OF THE ROOM PROBLEM SAYS IT ALL. WHAT WAS WONDERFUL THOUGH WAS THE SUPPORT AND APPLAUSE FROM ALL THE GUESTS. IT PROVED TO US THAT WE HAD SO MANY PEOPLE BEHIND US AND THEY TOO FELT WE WERE WORTHY WINNERS
Is there anyone you would like to thank?
FIRST AND FOREMOST A BIG THANK YOU GOES TO OUR CAMP LEADERS Jackie, Pedro, Katie, Gemma, Nicole and Ele. THESE INDIVIDUALS ARE THE ONES THAT CREATE THE MAGIC, BRINGING THEIR PASSION AND DEDICATION DAY IN AND DAY OUT, CREATING WONDERFUL MEMORIES WITH THE CHILDREN
A SPECIAL MENTION GOES OUT TO JULIE KENAN OF HIGHLANDS VILLAGE HALL WHO HAS ALWAYS BEEN 100% BEHIND ALL OUR INITIATIVES.
A HUGE THANK YOU HOWEVER GOES TO SID BRADSHAW (SKIDS MEDIA) WHO WORKS RELENTLESSLY BEHIND THE SCENES TO BRING ALL OUR IDEAS TO LIFE THROUGH MARKETING AND WEBSITE MANAGEMENT.
LAST BUT BY NO MEANS LEAST, OUR HEARTFELT LOVE AND THANKS GO OUT TO ALL MEMBERS OF OUR FITNESS VIBE FAMILY AND ALL OUR PARENTS WHO TOOK THE TIME TO VOTE. WITHOUT YOU ALL, WE WOULD NOT BE CELEBRATING THIS GREAT WIN. THANK YOU
Anything else you would like to say:
WE JUST WANT TO CONTINUE GROWING FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH, BUILDING STRONG RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE COMMUNITY.
WE ARE SUPER EXCITED ABOUT THE FUTURE OF GET WITH THE KIDS VIBE
Roy and Nina Hart – Platinum Performing Arts
We are Platinum Performing Arts resident school at The Millfield Theatre we offer vocational training for young people aged between 3-21. We pride ourselves in the exceptional standard of our teaching and productions, and the personalisation of our training tailored to the needs of our students training the next generational industry professionals. Giving them the tools to progress to full time industry colleges .
We won
Best class for 5-10 years olds
Best dance school
Best performing arts school
Best family show – superheroes and the lost fairytale
It meant that absolute world to Platinum to win! It feels like the hard work of our staff and students is being recognised by our local community. This year we won national dance school of the year which was amazing but wining a local award means the world as this is what it’s about our community
We have students from near and far Being award community winners helps our company to evolve and bring more talented local people into our platinum family.
We would like to thank all of the students, staff members, our supporters for coming to watch our shows year after year, our patrons and ambassadors, they make it possible for us to reach more youths in our community.
And a massive thank you Sophia’s Diary for entering us in their competition!!
Maria Elias – PartyLite
I Sell beautiful Candles and Accessories
I won 4 awards, did not expect to win 4.
I joined partylite 22 years ago, it fitted around my daughters growing up, now it fits around the grandkids!
That’s why I love my job so much!
I Provide adults a bit of luxury in their life!!
So proud to be nominated, a very big thank you to my customers, friends, colleagues.
Thank you Sophia Diary for putting an amazing Event !!
Maria Elias
Regional Leader
Theoni Mortimer – Theoni’s Hair
Introduce yourself and tell us what you do? My name is Theoni of theoni’s hair, I’m a hairdresser working from home
What did you win? Best hair & beauty provider
What did it mean to you to win? So much.. Iv actually never won anything before so it’s so lovely knowing so many people support me and my business
How did you feel when you found out you won the award(s)? Shocked but extremely happy
Is there anyone you would like to thank? My family definitely! My husband for pushing me to make the move and start my own business.. my son who motivates me in so many ways.. my friends and my beautiful clients and of course Sophia’s diary xx
Anything else you would like to say: just thank u again for being nominated, for the votes and for the continuous support from everyone
Eleni Kyriacou – Elianna Event Decor
I’m Eleni, owner of Elianna Event Decor, a company that specialises in event decoration for those special events in your life, weddings, christenings, baby showers, birthdays and many many more. We are able to supply our clients with flowers, balloons, candy buffets, favours, tableware, sweet treats and much more. We are also there for those sad times in life by providing sympathy flowers when they are needed. With over 10 years experience in this industry, I absolutely love what I do and having a supportive team around me and some wonderful loyal clients has meant the business has gone from strength to strength.
I was so pleased to have won the awards for Best Event Event Supplier and Best Shopping provider for children. Winning these awards and the recognition of everything we put into our events has made all the hard work worth while. We were up against some great companies so I did not expect to win at all. Thanks would have to go to the team I have working with me and to my parents, my husband and children who are always so understanding of the fact that I am always working. Looking forward to the next 10 years of events and more.
Marios Constantas – Marios Independent Travel Expert
My name is Marios and I am an independent travel expert
I can help with all aspects of travel from flights, package holidays, cruises etc..I am also a Disney specialist
What did you win?
Best travel agent
What did it mean to you to win?
Amazing to win this awards voted my fellow members of Sophias diary, who I’ve had the great pleasure of booking theirs or their friends holidays and more
How did you feel when you found out you won the award(s)?
Very happy that I had won this award
Is there anyone you would like to thank?
Andrea for her continued support and recommendations which has helped grow my business
Anything else you would like to say:
I have been with Sophias diary since the beginning and have seen an idea grow into an amazing platform, driven by someone who is passionate about what she does and would not be a success without her and will always continue to support Andrea and thank her for the opportunity to be part of it.
Eleni Georgiou- Asterakia
My name is Eleni and I am the founder of Asterakia. Asterakia is a fun way of learning Greek through Music, Movement and Drama. The class is suitable for under 5 years old.
What did you win?
I won the best language class.
How did you feel when you found out you won the award(s)?
I was very happy as this award shows how much parents and children love Astreakia!
Is there anyone you would like to thank?
I would like to take this opportunity and Thank everyone who took the time to vote for ASTERAKIA!!!! I can’t believe that 2 and a half years ago during my maternity leave I started to put everything on paper and I created the structure, the first topic and my first song! Although I was very passionate and enthusiastic about the whole idea I can’t deny that I wasn’t sure about Asterakia success. The fact that I didn’t have a family in London, no connections with the Greek community, no Facebook, and a very limited budget was challenging! After 2 years and a half due to your continuous support Asterakia has grown and the Asterakia Family is getting bigger and bigger! Thank you Sophia’s Diary for organizing an amazing award ceremony.
Ali Mustafa – Pro Elite Football Academy
Introduce yourself and tell us what you do? – Ali Mustafa from Pro Elite Football Academy, we run football sessions for boys & girls aged 18 months to 7 years old, whilst also delivering lunch-time clubs, after school sessions & PPA in schools.
What did you win? – We won the best toddler class in Enfield award, & the best Sports Class award.
What did it mean to you to win? – It is our first award as a business. We have only been operating for 2 years, so to win 2 prestigious awards is great as it allows our coaches to celebrate the work that they do.
How did you feel when you found out you won the award(s)? –The initial overwhelming feeling was pride. We started our academy with one venue and 2 children – & now we have 5 venues (and growing), and over 300 children, so it was great to reflect on how far we have come.
Is there anyone you would like to thank? – Our amazing team – all of our coaches are special and make a huge impact on the children’s lives, week in, week out.
Amy Thatcher – Monkey Music (Barnet)
Hi, I’m Amy and I run Monkey Music classes in Barnet, Mill Hill & North Finchley Whetstone. Monkey music offer ‘age specific’ music classes for babies from 3 months to young children of 4 years.
We won 3 awards.
Best Baby class Barnet
Best Toddler class Barnet
Best preschool class or workshop
We were thrilled to be nominated let alone win all three categories. After the first award win I was so happy I didn’t quite realise I had won the other. It means so much as these awards were voted for by our customers and Sophia’s Diary users. It’s Monkeys 25th birthday this year so it really was the icing on the cake to win all three awards.
I would like to thank Andrea for all the amazing work she does with Sophia’s Diary, she has raised the profile of so many local businesses, thank you. I also have two teachers that work with me Ruth and Nikki and I would like to thank them for all their hard work and support. Finally I would like to thank my dad and husband who support me daily.
If you haven’t tried Monkey Music and would like to come for a complimentary class you can book online at www.monkeymusic.co.uk
Tonya Babb – Monkey Music (Enfield)
I’m Tonya and I run Monkey Music classes in Winchmore Hill and Southgate. Monkey Music provides music classes for babies and children. They are weekly classes lasting 30 minutes and are interactive and fun. The classes are designed to 4 specific age groups from 3 months to 4 years.
What did you win?
Best Baby class Enfield and Best Pre School class Enfield
What did it mean to you to win?
I’m still smiling a week later. I love what I do and this was the icing on the cake to be recognised as delivering award winning music classes. I have been running Monkey Music for the last 12 years and am passionate about the standard and delivery of my classes. My goal is not just to make Monkey Music the highlight of the child’s week but the highlight for parents, grandparents and carers too.
How did you feel when you found out you won the award(s)?
It felt amazing to win two awards and I felt very grateful to have such wonderful customers that took the time to vote for Monkey Music.
Is there anyone you would like to thank?
I’d like to thank my fantastic teacher Ruth and all my wonderful customers that voted for us.
Anything else you would like to say:
If you haven’t tried Monkey Music yet please come and see for yourself what makes Monkey Music the highlight of the week for so many people. Your first class is free and you can book online at www.monkeymusic.co.uk/area/southgate-winchmore-hill-east-barnet
Please add your listing here so readers can get in touch:
We have classes Monday-Friday and have 27 classes running each week. The timetable can be found at www.monkeymusic.co.uk/area/southgate-winchmore-hill-east-barnet
Regan O’Mahony – Young Notes Pop Choir
Hi, I am Regan O’Mahony, the founder and director of Young Notes Pop Choir and YTA performing arts school at The Dugdale Centre, Enfield.
Young Notes is an inclusive children’s pop and British Sign Language Choir. We first opened our doors in January 2017. Our first class started in Enfield with roughly 5 members; we now have nearer 90 and counting!
I come from a teaching background and worked in education for 16 years previously as a school teacher and an assistant head. I have always enjoyed working with children and have a great passion for the arts. My father was an actor and I have always loved the creativity of performing and directing.
As a teacher, my passion for the arts led me to lead school singing assemblies, teach the choir and produce large school productions. I found that this was where my passion lay; I love to help young people discover the joy of performing, enabling them to realise their talent and watching them grow in confidence.
This was where the idea for Young Notes first came about. I knew young people loved to sing and that they idolised their favourite pop stars, so I set up Young Notes. The idea being that this would be a unique, cool and inclusive choir with a difference!
I was raised single handedly by my mother who is deaf and I have taught many deaf children in a main stream setting too. I am passionate about inclusion and I knew that this had to be reflected in any business I ran. I decided that Young Notes would be inclusive and open to all. I also made a decision to use British Sign Language in some of our songs so that our performances could be enjoyed by deaf and hearing people.
Young Notes is not a choir in the traditional sense which is why we have adopted the hashtag #notyouraveragechoir. We believe music is for everyone and sessions are lively and fun. However, our members are still taught vocal and performance techniques.
The children who attend our sessions, grow in confidence very quickly. We have a child who initially came to us as a selective mute and was very shy and unsure at first. She is now chatting away to us, singing solos and performing on large stages! This is why we love what we do so much.
What did you win?
We won the category for ‘Best Singing Class’, which we are very proud of! It is such an honour to be receiving recognition for our work; there are so many great performing arts opportunities and activities for children in our borough which is amazing! There is a huge amount of talent in our borough and the positive impact that involvement in the arts can have on young people, is fantastic and should be celebrated.
What did it mean to you to win?
It’s an honour to have even been nominated for a Sophia’s Diary Award and we would like to thank Andrea for all the hard work she has put in to providing local businesses with support and also in connecting us to the local community.
There are so many fantastic children’s classes in our borough and to be acknowledged for our hard work is amazing!
Above all, receiving this award pays homage to all of the children and families that we work so closely with. They are the reason we love doing what we do!
How did you feel when you found out you won the award?
Absolutely blown away and elated! What an achievement! Over the moon and lost for words! We are so proud of what we have achieved in a short space of time and so pleased for all our members and our local community.
Is there anyone you would like to thank?
We would like to thank everyone who voted for us and we would again like to acknowledge Sophia’s Diary for providing local businesses with such a high level of support in the local community.
We would also like to thank all the children who attend our classes – you are the reason we keep smiling! Also, a big thanks has to go out to our Young Notes parents who tirelessly act as a personal taxi service to their children, along with the Enfield and Essex communities for supporting us always.
We would like to thank the amazing team of staff we have at Young Notes and YTA; they work so hard and go above and beyond to ensure that all of our members receive the best service and are committed to providing our children with high quality, fun and engaging lessons every week without fail!
Anything else you would like to say?
Young Notes is truly unique and has grown in popularity very quickly. We provide singing lessons (with a twist) for children aged 4 – 18 years and are very proud to announce the recent opening of our inclusive performing arts school YTA (Young Talent Academy) at The Dugdale Centre.
The arts are so beneficial to young people; building self-confidence; developing imagination; installing empathy; teaching cooperation, concentration and communication skills and also providing children with fun as well as an emotional outlet.
Singing is known to have so many benefits and in particular, group singing. Studies have shown that it strengthens the immune system; improves posture; aids sleep; acts as a natural anti depressant -releasing endorphins and lowering stress levels. In addition to all this, singing improves academic ability and mental alertness and also has the ability to widen social circles and strengthen a community! Thank you Sophia’s Diary for our award!
Jackie Lee – Jackie’s Yoga North London
My name is Jackie Lee and I have for the last 20 years been a yoga teacher and specialize in antenatal yoga/post natal yoga.
I won ‘Best Pregnancy Support Provider’
So pleased that I have been a part of such an important part of mums to be lives, and for these mums to vote for me. it means the world to me
when I found out I had won I felt chuffed to bits
I would like to thank every single person that voted for me,
I feel very privileged to teach these classes, having three children of my own I feel a strong connection with everyone and have seen and made many friendships made during the classes.
Hale Osman & Colin Boyce – Fun Junction Soft play
Introduce yourself and tell us what you do?
Hale Osman and Colin Boyce, owners of Fun Junction Soft play in Cheshunt
What did you win?
Best indoor place to go for children
What did it mean to you to win?
For us it meant so much. We have both worked so hard over the last 3 years and put so much passion into making it exactly what our customers would like from a Soft Play Centre. there were many days we would get in at 7am and still be Cleaning, scrubbing and decorating till midnight. I think when Fun Junction got named as the winner it all made it seem worth it.
How did you feel when you found out you won the award(s)?
We was completely overwhelmed and felt extremely proud or our achievements
Is there anyone you would like to thank?
There are so many people that helped us on our journey our friends and family who came every evening to help decorate and work as we had hardly any staff at the beginning. and of course our marvellous team who keep us going and support us with our progress and of course our lovely loyal customers who we are so grateful to and always listen to there views and opinions.
Anything else you would like to say:
We would like to say a special thank you to Sophia’s diary for supporting and recommending small local businesses like us, IT REALLY DOES MATTER.
The Sophia’s diary award has given us and our staff an extra boost in confidence and makes us strive to achieve even greater things.
it also meant so much to us to be handed the award by Chris Mouskoundi who has been such a valued customer and seen the progress we have made over the years, it made it more personal.
Thank you to everyone that votes and supporting all of our local businesses. Andrea x