Today we’d like to introduce you to Sofia Papuashvili
Hi Sofia, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in Russia, in Rostov city. I have the most amazing and supportive family anyone could ever ask for: my mom Irina, my dad Anzor, and my sister Liana.
Since a very young age, I have always been a very creative person. I loved drawing, dancing, doing make-up, photography, and most importantly, acting.
Growing up, I had a dream to go to Hollywood and become an actress. I know, it sounds so cliche, but a girl can dream, right?
Unfortunately, at that time, it all seemed so unreal and impossible for me, but I was patient and kept working towards my goals and dreams.
After graduating from high school In 2009, I went to London, UK, with my sister Liana to study English. After one year of completing the program, I received a diploma for university and further education, and I knew I was ready for the next step—going to an acting school in the United States.
That’s when I started facing the biggest challenges of my life and my career.
My family and I started experiencing a lot of financial problems, life tragedies, and other unfortunate events, so I had to forget about acting for a while and be there for my family to get back on their feet.
After a few difficult years, I was finally ready and able to move forward, and in 2014 I got accepted at the New York Film Academy in Los Angeles, California, for the “Acting for Film” program.
I can tell you one thing: the joy that I experienced when my visa was approved was unbelievable; I literally cried happy tears. That was the happiest day of my entire life, and I was ready to begin my acting journey.
After graduating from the New York Film Academy, which was an amazing experience, I started doing theater and background work for feature films and TV shows, then I progressed towards getting lead/supporting roles in short films and commercials.
In 2015, I got the opportunity to work as a scare actress at Los Angeles Haunted Hayride, which was a lot of fun! Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, and that was my first big project after graduating from NYFA.
In 2016, I began my modeling career. It all started with me posting a photo on a modeling website that my sister Liana took of me. I remember having my first photo shoot. Not gonna lie, I was very nervous at first, but after a few projects here and there, I built a lot of confidence, and all the fear went away!
Since then I’ve been doing a lot of different projects, such as hair modeling, fashion, runway, boudoir, commercials, and music videos.
I modeled for a hair care brand called “Color Edge.” I walked for a few runway shows, such as “Los Angeles Fashion Week,” “Raging Runways, and “RAW Artists.”.
I’ve also been featured four times in fashion/boudoir magazines.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Unfortunately, my life went downhill in 2018. There were a lot of hurt and betrayal from the people that I least expected from.
I was alone, suffering from extreme anxiety, and got very depressed.
It got to the point where I forgot who I really was, who I want to become, and what I love to do. I was trying so hard to keep other people happy while forgetting about myself. I was told that I’m not talented enough, I’m not pretty enough, and that I’ll never make it as an actress. I felt so insecure that I actually believed that it was the truth. That year I gave up on acting and everything I loved doing the most.
After about a year, I finally started prioritizing my mental health, and with the help of my family, I found the strength and courage to get rid of those toxic people. Once I did that, I’ve never felt happier and healthier in my life. It definitely wasn’t easy; I guess I can definitely say it was the hardest thing to go through, but I did it, and for that I’m very proud of myself.
Most importantly, I focused on my career and got back stronger than ever.
Life hasn’t always been kind to me; everything I have right now I worked very hard for, but I’m thankful for all the challenges along the way because they brought me to where I am right now. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, and I live by that quote!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a full-time model and an actress.
As for acting, I can proudly say that 2024 was by far the best year for me. I did 11 projects in total this year, which included short films and independent feature films.
As an actress, I like to challenge myself and take on different types of roles, but my favorite is definitely drama, horror/thriller, and comedy.
My performance as Sandra Blake in the short film “Mr. Nightmare” has been my first project of this year. This film is continuing to win awards at multiple film festivals around the world.
Another project that I did this year is a drama short film called “Je T’aime.” It was a very challenging role, but I’m proud of how it came out. This short film has also been selected for the “Golden Globe International Film Festival.”.
Recently, I wrapped up my third full-length feature film, “Charlie Buster,” directed by Farzan Deljou, and it will be released in January 2025.
As for modeling, I’ve been doing a lot of photo shoots for different companies and brands, commercials, published in a few magazines, and been featured in a lot of music videos.
What sets me apart from others is consistency and just being myself.
Also being kind, respectful, and professional. Whenever I work with people, whether it’s on a movie set or a photo shoot, I always make sure to give my best. When you work as a team, beautiful things happen!
The best compliment I’ve ever gotten from my family is that I always show up for people whenever they need me.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Consistency is the key to staying in this business—a lot of hard work and dedication. At first, it’s going to be very tough, but you gotta stay positive and believe in yourself.
For both modeling and acting, you gotta have a strong portfolio/reel. Putting yourself out there, posting your work on social media, constantly working whether it’s a paid project or not. Getting acting/modeling classes, attending workshops, and doing group shoots will definitely help to kick-start your career, and it’s a great way for networking with fellow actors/filmmakers, models, and photographers.
I just want to say that if anyone is struggling right now, no matter what it is, I just want you to know that everything is going to be ok. You are strong, you are enough, and you can do anything if you put your mind to it. Don’t give up on your dream, ever! Surround yourself with people who want you to succeed, work hard, believe in yourself, and prioritize your health. It’s not going to be an easy journey, but it will all be worth it in the end.
I’ve made friends with a lot of talented and wonderful people along the way —photographers, actors, models, musicians, and filmmakers.
I’m excited about what the future holds, and I’m a firm believer the best is yet to come.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sofiap_official
- Other: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm7552831/
Image Credits
Studiohetela
Nitesh Bhasin
Kevin Harvey
Marcos Esquivel
