Meet Flora Sofia

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

Flora, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I became a model by accident. Growing up in Brazil, I was never considered model material. Therefore, I never believed I could be a model. When I arrived in the US, the general perception was diametrically opposite. I picked up my first modeling gig in 2004 as an ambassador for Mexicali beer – tons of fun, good exposure, and I got to watch my first live DMB concert, subsequently falling in love with the band. In October of 2006, I competed alongside several other Brazilian women at the Miss Brasil USA pageant in San Diego (the pageant celebrates Brazilian women in the USA). I was the darkest woman on stage and the only one with a boy-short haircut – totally outside the Brazilian ideal of beauty box. When I was called up as the second runner-up I was in sheer disbelief. My twisted reason for competing ended up opening my eyes to a new world (I was there to learn more about the general perception of beauty so that I could apply it to my newest endeavor: importing clothing from Brazil. Big surprise: I was a finalist!).

The following year I met two women who would guide and encourage me to become a professional model and actor. Lael Jackson guided me through agencies, headshots, and what to expect. Linda Lutz coached me on acting skills and branching out to Los Angeles. Later I met Mr. Jose Nicolas, who guided me through photoshoots and shopping for the best agent I could get. Jose passed on a couple of months ago and is truly missed.

My mentors unanimously recommended I take acting lessons which lead me to learning stage acting with Holly Ritter at the SDCC Continuing Education Program and on-camera acting with Christopher R. Eventually, I ventured out to Los Angeles and took commercial acting training with Mike Porter of Hey I Saw Your Commercial. I became a working actor and had the pleasure of performing in the acclaimed play OjO at the 2015 WOW Festival at La Jolla Playhouse, among other San Diego stage productions. Two years ago I joined the Foley Marra Studios for commercial, theater, and TV/Film training. In December of 2017 I had my debut on stage in Hollywood, performing in an original production created at the studio. I’ve been on numerous fashion shows, commercial sets, and on a few film productions. One of my funnest times in a commercial production was shooting a car production in Central California.

In the very early days, modeling was a tool to improve my self-esteem, which was not strongly built in my country of origin. Acting was – and still is – a tool for self-discovery. Over the years I have learned so much about being my best champion – regardless of people’s opinions and perceptions or how large the obstacle – I became passionate about coaching other women on finding themselves and believing in who they are and can be.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
My biggest challenge has been believing in myself. I come from a rough background which taught me that I had little to no worth, as a child. Learning to navigate a new life in a new country was a huge challenge in itself (thankfully, I was already fluent in English prior to making the big move). Add that to being very young, learning life on my own, adjusting to this society’s norms, and entering one of the most challenging industries, I had to resort to the grit I learned in Brazil in order to thrive and carve a path of my own.

What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others.
I am an international, trilingual (English, Portuguese, and Spanish) model and actor whose experience comprises of print campaigns, runway, commercials, theater, and film. I am also a precision driver and a novice screenwriter. I am known as the face of downtown San Diego (you can find my reel and full videos on my website – www.florasofia.com). These days you can see me dancing on screen at the Jamul Casino commercial.

I am most proud of making it in this country and in this career. Of being thoroughly self-made.

I guess what sets me apart from others is my presence. Oh, and my hair.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Ahhh, the future…

Yes, I am currently learning scriptwriting and film production and I am writing my first short script which will be followed by my first feature film.

I am looking forward to bringing to the screen a unique look on important issues such as PTSD, abuse and violence, race and discrimination.

There’s also a startup on the horizon.

Pricing:

• Freelance hourly booking: $200.00
• Freelance day booking: $1,200.00 (Plus travel and accommodation)
• Agencies: Shamon Freitas Model and Talent Agency, Brand Models and Talent Agency

 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.florasofia.com
• Email: flora@florasofia.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flora.sofia/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FloraSofiaModelandActor
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/florasofia

Image Credit:
Yellow jacket & white tank top + orange scarf = Maria Soderman. White sweater = Quentin Anderson. Black outfit by pool = Reza Ardalan

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