Today we’d like to introduce you to Simo Sims.
Hi Simo, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My professional path started very early, still in Brasil where I worked as a producer in television and advertising. After a few years, I moved to San Francisco where I studied marketing, and that’s when I was first introduced to what would then become one of the biggest communication platforms of our time, Facebook. With the scope to amplify my creative vision, I moved to Milan where I received my Master’s degree in Cinema. After that, I began my experience in the fashion industry as a content producer. I had the chance to participate in some of the most important fashion events in the world and work with some of the top names in the industry. After a few years, I joined Collateral Films, a leading creative production company specialized in fashion films and art projects. Some of our clients were Gucci, Tod’s, Ermenegildo Zegna, Hogan, Bulgari, and many others.
After five years in Italy, I moved to Orange County so I could start a family. Here, I decided it was time to start my own business and make use of that unique international experience I had achieved. My first project was a jewelry label, all handmade in the core of LA’s jewelry district with Brazilian gemstones. More than the production process, I absolutely loved working on branding, content, website design and of course, social media. Just as I launched my first collection, I started to receive inquiries about our social media, and that’s when I decided to dedicate myself full force into a creative agency. House of Joa was born officially in 2017 to support other brands in translating their identity into a social media language, with a strong eye for aesthetics.
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?
I don’t believe there is such a thing as a smooth road. The ups and downs are just part of life, on a personal and professional level. But that’s what makes us stronger and better in each and every way. As we overcome challenges, we grow. I can say, being a foreigner in OC has its pros and its cons. It definitely adds value to the work we do, but I confess, I’ve gotten “lost in translation” in the past.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My work is divided into creativity and business. I oversee all the creative projects of HOJ. From the concept until it is ready to be shared online on our clients’ platforms. But, I also operate as an entrepreneur looking for new opportunities and taking macro business decisions. We have a really solid international background, which has allowed us to work with creatives around the globe achieving unique results in each project. Apart from that, something that definitely sets us apart is our boutique approach. Our services are highly customized and tailored according to our clients’ needs. And of course, I am proud to say House of Joa is a female-founded business.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I love the most is definitely the beach. It is a daily inspiration. But I enjoy cities that are diverse in culture, art and music. Many times I wish OC would invest more in its art scene.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: houseofjoa.com
- Instagram: @simo_sims and @houseofjoa
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/houseofjoa
Image Credits:
Art direction: Simo Sims (all images)
