Conversations with Sofia Outerino

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sofia Outerino.

Hi Sofia, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
From a young age, I knew the traditional career path wasn’t for me, which i honestyl alwasy saws that as a blessing and a curse. I craved flexibility, spontaneity, and the freedom to carve my own way, and honestly, graduating from college terrified me because I thought I might have to give all of that up. People around me said it was impossible to find a job straight out of school that would check every box, but I refused to settle. I walked away from the few offers I got at some incredible companies because deep down, I knew they weren’t right for me. I wouldn’t have been happy.
Then, one day in New York, I randomly came across an Instagram ad on my phone. I loved the brand — it was Marby, a design-forward activewear company based in New York — and something just clicked. With only two days left in the city, I tracked down the founder’s email and reached out asking if she’d grab coffee with me. She responded, we met the very next day, and I left that coffee shop with a job as Head of Partnerships and Events at 22 years old. It felt like everything I had been holding out for.
Around the same time, I stepped into the role of Marketing Manager at ASI Holdings Limited, a real estate brokerage my family and I are building from the ground up in Florida. Real estate is something I genuinely grew up in — it was always around me, and it’s a space I’ve always loved. The discipline, hard work, and perseverance it takes were engraved in me from an early age, and for that, I have my mom to thank. I have absolutely everything to thank her for — I would not be anywhere close to the person I am today without her example.
What’s funny is I never set out to work in fashion or in partnerships and events, but the moment I got into it, I realized it was exactly where I was meant to be. The way I tell this story now probably makes it sound seamless — like there were no worries, no hard days, just a perfect path unfolding. But the truth is, when I graduated, there were days I wouldn’t leave my room. I was applying to so many jobs I couldn’t keep track, all while knowing deep down I probably wouldn’t even want them. I had panic attacks. I felt lost, like I was never going to figure it out. I know so many people go through this, and I know you’ve heard it before — but I promise you, that “yes” will come, and every single “no” is there for a reason.
Both of these roles allow me to live out my dreams and pursue both of my passions every single day, and I couldn’t be more grateful. I’m now 23, growing in both roles, and I’m just getting started.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The way I tell this story now probably makes it sound seamless — like there were no worries, no hard days, just a perfect path unfolding. But the truth is, when I graduated, there were days I wouldn’t leave my room. I was applying to so many jobs I couldn’t keep track, all while knowing deep down I probably wouldn’t even want them. I had panic attacks. I felt lost, like I was never going to figure it out. Finding your passion isn’t easy if you weren’t born knowing what it is, and that uncertainty fills you with so much worry and anxiety. But trust me — it ends up finding you when you least expect it.
Starting a new job after college is not easy. You have to learn so much on the fly and honestly just figure it out as you go. Of course, it hasn’t been perfect, and there are always things I’m working to get better at — but that trial and error is exactly what has shown me how much I love this industry. There are so many moving pieces in partnerships and events, so many details, and no two days ever look the same. That is exactly what I have always wanted.
I know so many people go through this uncertainty, and I know you’ve heard it before — but I promise you, that “yes” will come, and every single “no” is there for a reason. The road is never going to be perfectly smooth, and life will always throw things at you. What I’ve learned is that it’s not about avoiding those moments — it’s about knowing how to handle them when they come.
When I host events, people always tell me they can genuinely feel that this is my passion. When I meet someone in person for the first time after months of emails, they’re always shocked to learn my age. Being young in any industry comes with its challenges — but don’t ever doubt yourself just because you’re the youngest in the room. That means you’re doing something right.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I wear two hats professionally, and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m the Partnerships and Events Manager at Marby, a design-forward activewear brand based in New York, and the Marketing Manager at ASI Holdings Limited, a real estate company based in Florida. Both roles keep me on my toes in the best way possible.
At Marby, my day-to-day looks different every single day — which is exactly how I like it. I’m constantly brainstorming events and collaborations that feel organic and true to the brand, managing influencer gifting, overseeing photo shoots, traveling to and hosting events, and building relationships with new people every day. There are so many moving pieces, so many emails and meetings and details — and I thrive in that environment.
What I’m most proud of is simply that I got here. That I didn’t just say yes to the first offer that came my way because the unknown felt too scary. My family immigrated to America from Venezuela when I was three years old. The concept of a resume or a job search, that was all so foreign to them. So the fact that I’m sitting here today, having built something I’m genuinely passionate about, means everything to me. Beyond that, what fills me with the most pride is watching the events and partnerships I build come to life. Working on something from the very first idea all the way through to the final product — there is truly no better feeling.
What sets me apart? I’m a yes person. If I don’t know how to do something, I figure it out. I don’t wait until I feel fully ready, because I’ve learned that sometimes you have to just jump in and trust yourself. That willingness to try, to adapt, and to keep going no matter what has taken me further than I ever could have planned.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I’m someone who is constantly looking for ways to grow and stay in the right headspace — because I truly believe mindset is everything.
The book that has stuck with me the most is The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins. The idea that you have five seconds to act before your brain talks you out of something — I think about that constantly, whether I’m walking into a big event, reaching out to a new partner, or making a bold decision. I used to be such an overthinker, so nervous about everything. But I’ve finally learned that life is never that deep. The people who meet me now describe me as outgoing, someone who can talk to a wall — which genuinely blows my mind, because anyone who knew me growing up would describe me as shy and anxious. So let this be a reminder that you are absolutely allowed to grow and change. You are not who you were, and that’s a beautiful thing.
I also want to be real — not everything I consume has to be groundbreaking. I love to laugh. Sometimes I’ll put on something funny on YouTube just to take a real moment in my day to breathe and not take everything so seriously. I think that’s just as important as any podcast or self-help book.
Working out has genuinely changed my life. Health and wellness are huge priorities for me — it sets the tone for everything else. When I’m consistent with my fitness, I show up better in every area of my life. Travelling is also another outlet for me to feel creative. Travelling is my favourite thing to do, and I think it’s so important to change your environment every once in awhile. Beyond that, I swear by my Google Calendar and Notes app for staying organized. Nothing glamorous, but showing up consistently and staying on top of the details is what separates people. I also use Instagram very intentionally — following people and brands that inspire me creatively keeps me sharp in my partnerships and events work.
But more than anything, the greatest resource in my life is my people — my family, my boyfriend, my friends. I am deeply intentional about who I let into my circle, because I truly believe the people around you shape everything about who you become more than a book you read.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sofiaouterino/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sofiaouterino/