From education setbacks to business success at just 16, Sophie Bagchus celebrates a major award win
Sophie Baghus named Young Person of the Year at the Northern Ireland Social Enterprise Awards 2026
Friday 30 October 2026
A young entrepreneur who overcame mental health challenges and disruption to her education to start her own business at just 16 has been recognised with a major Northern Ireland award.
Sophie Bagchus, who runs Sophie Bagchus Marketing and works with Carrickfergus Enterprise, has been named Young Person of the Year at the Northern Ireland Social Enterprise Awards 2026.
The award recognises her determination, creativity and growing contribution to helping local businesses and social enterprises reach new audiences. It also marks a remarkable turnaround for someone who, just two years ago, was still finding the confidence to consider her future.
From rebuilding confidence to building a business
Sophie's entrepreneurial journey began in 2024 when she joined Carrickfergus Enterprise's Tourism Academy, following mental health challenges that had disrupted her education.
The programme, funded by the Labour Market Partnership, offered her an opportunity to rebuild her confidence while developing practical skills in customer service, digital technology and Canva.
Her creativity and potential caught the attention of Christine Watson, of Watson Marketing, who became a mentor and helped Sophie secure an opportunity to provide marketing support to Carrickfergus Enterprise in September 2024.
What began as an opportunity to learn and gain experience has since developed into a growing marketing business, with Sophie using her skills to promote local entrepreneurs, business support programmes and community initiatives.
An award that means more than recognition
Sophie received the Young Person of the Year award at a ceremony held at the Crowne Plaza Belfast on Friday 23 October. The category was sponsored by Construction Futures, represented by its Head of Strategic Development, Fionnuala McKenna.
Reflecting on her achievement, Sophie said: “Winning this award means so much to me. When I joined the Tourism Academy, I was building my confidence and working out what my future could look like. I could never have imagined that it would lead to running my own business and receiving recognition like this.
“Having people believe in me, encourage my ideas and give me the chance to learn through real work has made such a difference. I’m grateful to Christine and everyone at Carrickfergus Enterprise for their support.
“I love using my creativity to help others tell their stories. This award has given me even more encouragement to keep learning and growing my business.”
Turning creativity into measurable results
Sophie's contribution to Carrickfergus Enterprise has extended beyond creating social media content, with her work helping the organisation reach more people and encourage participation in its support programmes.
During the first seven months of 2026, the organisation's Facebook reach increased to 250,600, surpassing the 189,800 recorded throughout the whole of 2025.
Drawing on her own experience of the Tourism Academy, Sophie also proposed a campaign featuring photographs of former participants and personal stories about confidence, opportunity and growth.
The campaign helped generate almost 30 enquiries, demonstrating how sharing genuine experiences can encourage others to explore opportunities they might otherwise overlook.
Sophie has continued developing her photography, videography and editing skills, while also sharing her knowledge through an equipment training session for local trainers working with social enterprises.
Investing in the next stage of her business
Earlier this year, Sophie completed the New Opportunities programme delivered by LEDCOM, receiving additional mentoring and a grant to purchase DJI camera equipment.
The investment has allowed her to expand her creative capabilities and develop the services offered through Sophie Bagchus Marketing.
Her progress highlights the value of accessible training, mentoring and practical business support, particularly for young people whose circumstances may have made traditional routes into education or employment more difficult.
Carrickfergus Enterprise praises young entrepreneur
David McIlhagger, Vice Chair of Carrickfergus Enterprise, said Sophie's achievements reflected both her individual determination and the importance of recognising potential in young people.
He said: “We are incredibly proud of Sophie. She brings creativity, care and a willingness to learn to everything she does, and her work has made a measurable difference to how we connect with businesses and our wider community.
“Sophie understands that behind every post or campaign is an opportunity to help someone discover support, develop an idea or take their next step. Having benefited from that encouragement herself, she is now helping us extend it to others.
“Her achievement shows why creating accessible opportunities and recognising individual potential matters. With the right support and space to develop, young people can make an outstanding contribution. Sophie thoroughly deserves this recognition.”
A milestone during a special anniversary year
Sophie's award comes as Carrickfergus Enterprise celebrates its 45th anniversary, recognising more than four decades of supporting entrepreneurship, employment and local economic development.
For the organisation, her success offers a tangible example of how its programmes can help people develop skills, access opportunities and build independent careers.
For Sophie, the recognition represents another step towards growing Sophie Bagchus Marketing and supporting more businesses, charities and social enterprises with their photography, digital content and marketing.
Having once joined a training programme uncertain about what her future might hold, she is now helping other people discover opportunities of their own — a fitting achievement for a young entrepreneur whose career began with someone recognising her potential.
