Gosport woman with autism overcomes the odds to start her own business
AFTER not being able to read and write properly until 19, a businesswoman has launched her very own business.
Sophie Rolls, from Gosport, was diagnosed with autism at 21, having left school at 16 with zero qualifications.
But determined not to give up, she went to Fareham College and graduated with a level two and three qualification in business administration, as well as the equivalent of A-C grades in GCSE English, maths and ICT.
Now, Sophie has set up Sophie Rolls Payroll Services, which specialises in helping businesses with their accounts, bookkeeping and tax returns.
She has also developed a cloud-based software for businesses to use for their payroll services, which holds HR documents, such as payslips, replacing physical documents and acts as a portal for employees.
This allows them to view their payslips, book holidays and more.
Sophie said: ‘I remember in year nine my teacher made me read out loud in front of the class and I couldn’t do it and the whole class laughed at me.
‘I started to learn to read at 17 and by 19 I was reading simple things.
‘Now I’m not letting my autism hold me back – I’m good with numbers and am skilled in what I do so it’s amazing for me that I can run my own business doing what I’m good at and what I love.’
Now 27, Sophie has worked hard and is delighted to see that finally pay off.
It took her five attempts to qualify from college, having struggled to get accepted onto thecourse in the first place.
But she ended up leaving with an A grade in money management as well as an advanced level qualification in the business sector.