We had the good fortune of connecting with Sophia Nathalie and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sophia, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?

Hi! Yes of course, like most little girls do when growing up, I dreamt about being a fashion designer. For the love and passion I have for fashion, I wanted to make a career out of it. So my dreams were already set at a young age. I started doing my internships in LA, and that’s where I really became passionate about swimwear. It was at that moment that I decided to launch my own swimwear brand. As most of us have a connection to the ocean or the planet, I felt like it was necessary to educate myself on ways to recycle materials that later turn into fabrics. So of course as one does, I flew to one of the fashion capitals of the world, Paris. And that’s where I found the sustainable material that we use today in our swimwear, thats when the idea of creating a sustainable swimwear company really began. A brand that it not only fashionable with our designs, but a brand that represents, a fabric lifecycle, quality, a lifestyle, inclusivity and sustainability.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

At a very young age I started working in the restaurant industry. I dabbled in just about everything, I was a waitress, a chef, and I did the dishes. However when I got accepted into Fashion School and got my internships in Los Angeles, I quit my job and shifted my focus into school and creating my own brand. Social media for me the past couple of years has been a great source of income and it gave me the freedom that I needed for school and to essentially start SOPHiA.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

I mean, what’s not to do when you’re in Miami! Visit the beautiful beaches, experience the Miami nightlife. Book a table at the Versace mansion or House of Food Porn, the experiences that you can do is unreal. Let’s not forget about the waterspouts, such as parasailing or jet skiing. I would also suggest seeing the Wynwood Walls, the graffiti art is amazing.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

Oh gosh, there’s so many people that I would like to thank and recognize, so I will narrow it down. Firstly, Wendy Jung CEO of French Mauve, I interned for her during my first internship in LA. Wendy has been one of the best supports I could ever dream of and she has taught me so much in this industry.  Next, Lucia Gomez CEO of Sinipesa Swim, she helped me with tips for starting a sustainable swimwear brand. And of course, I cannot forget about my sister and mom for always supporting and helping me. Website: www.sophiathebrand.com

Website: www.sophiathebrand.com

Instagram: sophia_swimwear

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sophia-thebrand

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SophiaSwimwear

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sophiathebrand

Image Credits
Per Dueholm, Photographer

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