We recently had the chance to connect with Sofia Carlos and have shared our conversation below.
Sofia , so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
Character development and skills are the things that I build everyday that nobody sees. I take pride in holding myself accountable for my wrongs and seeing how I can improve from my mistakes. My ego hurts a lot but taking a step back and recognizing things for what they really are without involving biased emotion is something that I hold so pure to myself. It’s what makes me feel the most human. Working on my skills in silence is what makes me feel confident about my work.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am an independent fashion designer based in San Diego. Specializing in sewing garments made from recycled textile. I create 1 of 1 pieces meaning no garment will be exactly the same. I take pride in expressing individuality and having people feel like they are one of a kind when they wear my work. I believe that every piece I make belongs to someone because when that someone puts it’s on, it looks good with whatever outfit they are already wearing and a big smile flashes across their face.
The pieces I make are a part of me and having it be owned by someone makes me feel like it now has a home.
I cherish my creations for these are the things that I will leave behind when my time on this world is over.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
My parents, coming from the farmlands of the Philippines and not having much to eat. They were able to move multiple times and readapt to new places. From having not much to being able to live comfortably, I look at them and they are what inspire me to work hard. If they were able to make their way up under ever harder circumstances, I can do it too. I am very thankful that for all their sacrifices and want to pay it back ten-fold in do time.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering is the gateway to success. The reason there is suffering is because something in the equation is not right. Suffering and failure forced me to see what I’m doing wrong, changing and adjusting until it actually works out.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
FIELLE would be my alter-ego kind of a shell that I put myself in to be able to have the confidence to wear what I want and say what I want to say. However, another part of me is shy and quiet, wanting to rather be alone in my own space. I feel both personalities are perfect, one to show the world and another to myself.
I lead with Fielle but process everything with “Sofia”. Silently observing the world and the people around me.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
I have been trying to balance a 9-5 office job with my own career (for about a year) I came to the conclusion that I need to spend more time on my own business. As of now I’m quitting the full-time and searching for a part time, enough to pay the bills while I develop my skills. I found myself hating looking at a screen and being in a dim lit room, feeling alone with no one really to relate to. Part of me felt like I was loosing myself since I couldn’t wear what I want or I’m not in an environment that would inspire me. I would often sneak in my own research while on the clock and day dreaming about sewing when I’m at the office. By the time I get home I would be mentally tired, when I do have the energy to sew it would be around 8/9pm. Sewing until late hours of 12-1 a.m then having to wake up to go to work.
It started affecting my mental and physical health and I asked myself why am I sacrificing myself? I need to do things that make me feel happy and at peace and this balance was not it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.reitionko.com/blogs/news/interlock-collection-by-fielle
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbyfielle
Image Credits
SOBOVSN
GUY TORRES
