Daily Inspiration: Meet Sophia Newman

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sophia Newman.

Hi Sophia, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I knew I wanted to become a Fashion Designer since the age of 13. My Gramita (grandmother) would sew outfits and take me to the fabric store with her. I always liked being trendy or wearing “weird” outfits, but my mom wouldn’t let me half of the time, lol. In 2010 I started making and selling swimwear, lingerie, entertainer outfits and started my brand “SOPHII MICHII”. I designed a website the following year and filed legal paperwork to make sure everything was on the right path.

Over the years, I participated in 11 fashion shows in Los Angeles, Hollywood and Pomona, CA and a few pop-up shops. I was able to place my line in a couple of stores, but one ended up closing, and the other one was not a good fit due to the store being a vintage one.

I knew that I needed to have an actual storefront and various locations, but I didn’t know when that dream would take place.

I struggled staying consistent and let life’s obstacles get in the way. But fast forward to today, I am so joyful to announce my first location opening up soon in Glendora, CA. It will be inside of the tanning salon: “Advanced Tanning”. I will also carry a few men’s pieces as well.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
The main struggle was within myself. Being unfocused or putting others before my dreams was hard to overcome. Not loving myself and not knowing that I didn’t love myself made a huge impact on how I handled situations. If I would have fixed this problem back then, my business would have developed much further along than where it is now. But I thank God for allowing me to identify the issue. (which healing is a never ending process). The second struggle was lack of financial backing. It was hard getting any help or loans from banks or companies. But that didn’t stop me. With years of hustling, working jobs where I didn’t want to be at (I dislike working for any company that isn’t mine), I was able to make it where I am today….which is still dealing with the challenges of life. HAHAHA!

I haven’t worked in years, but I decided to pick up a job and rent out my living room for photoshoots in order to bootstrap my brand. Every time that I have to get ready to work, I have cried or been upset that I have to actually work a job again. But knowing that it is temporary and how I will invest it into the brand keeps me going.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am proud of myself for actually sticking to my childhood dream. I’m different than a lot of designers because I actually design clothes, hahahaha. I draw, pick the fabrics, make the patterns and samples. I also have a seamstress that I can hand the work to if I don’t feel like doing it myself. It gets tiring. I design swimwear, lingerie, resortwear, dresses, sets, accessories and men’s clothing. I haven’t dropped the men’s wear yet, but soon! The manufacturer that I work with is in downtown Los Angeles. Having the clothing made in the US is important to me to ensure that the garments aren’t being made in a sweatshop.

I also do closet organization, wardrobe styling, and personal shopping.

I’m definitely a natural!

I love fashion and fashion loves me!

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I see more manufacturers opening back in the United States because the importing has been delayed and a huge problem due to covid. I also see more brands turning away from fast fashion. Consumers are more conscious of textile waste and environmental issues that the fashion industry imposes.

Pricing:

• $30 per hour for Wardrobe styling, personal shopping, and closet organization.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.sophiimichii.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/sophiimichii
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/sophiimichii
• Other: instagram.com/godlovessophiia