Happy to have you here, Sofia. Tell us your story, how did you got started modeling and where is your home at the moment?
I live close to Milan, and I have been working as a model for a long time. I started completely by accident, before this I was a very shy person, and probably one of the least suited people to modeling, that I know. It was a job I didn't even consider. When I was 15 I grew very quickly in height, and was already measuring at 1.75 m, which came with some medical complications, which required surgery on my feet. During a small modelling show in Italy, a model was missing, and I was very lucky that I was asked to fill in, to which my surprise my height was welcomed and from there I slowly found my way.
Tell us more about yourself. What else do you do next to modeling?
In addition to my work as a model, I am also studying economics and business management at University, I am currently in my second year. I also created my own clothing brand about a year ago, which had been a dream of mine ever since I was younger, my university degree gave me the tools to better understand running a business and I always knew that from my brief experience in modelling it would be great to create an amalgamation of my modelling passion, mixed with my drive and knowledge of business through my degree. The clothing brand still has a long way to go, but I hope to be able to continue to greater understand the industry, expand my knowledge of business and leadership to greater improve more and more.
What do you love most about being a model? And, what do you least enjoy?
One of the aspects that I like most about my work as a model is the ability to travel and always meet new people, on the other hand, as in everything there are also negative aspects. What I don't particularly love about my job is the way models are often treated and the hard physical requirements to have in order to enter the industry.
What is the most challenging being a model?
I think that one of the most difficult things I have had to deal with is being able to stay within these requirements, always travelling, spending time away from friends and family, also the uncertainty of the industry, but also physical commitment of 365 days a year, but also mental. Having to balance it all can be tough, and has massively boosted my drive and work ethic.
If you could change something in the modeling world, what would it be?
If I could change an aspect in the world of fashion, surely one of the first, would be the "physical requirements" that fashion often asks to be a model. Very often the models are in my opinion too thin, and lately the opposite situation also happens. By doing so, the risk is to send a completely wrong message to people watching from the outside. Models must be healthy, In my opinion, it doesn't matter if a model is slightly leaner or fatter than another, both cases are fine. The important thing is that the message to pass is a positive one, this is because young girls, in particular, are easily influenced and do not have to achieve either excess thinness or excess weight.
Looking back how has modeling experience changed your personal/professional life? Have you grown more comfortable with yourself since you have started?
My experience as a model has really influenced me in a positive way. In the past, I was a very shy girl who very often was stepped on by others. Working as a model you often find that you are comparing yourself with others every single day, and it can be mentally draining, but this has made me far more mentally resilient, and now I feel so much more confident in myself. This made me grow as a person and mature socially as well as more independent, and outgoing. Another fundamental skill I have learnt is my work ethic, and concentration especially working long hours at anti-social times for example being on camera for several hours, that has made me the person I am today.
What are the achievements you are proud of most of today?
I am very proud of my entire modeling career. I never gave up, I always continued despite there being complications, such as school commitments. It has never been easy to find time to study, especially when having to work abroad. All this, added to the addition of the creation of my own brand, and learning to run a business. To date, therefore, I am proud of myself, of my determination and of the work and results achieved, including several campaign jobs for important brands.
Where can our readers keep up with your work and get connected with you?
The social network I use most often is Instagram. I regularly update my profile by posting news related to my work as a model and also I show a little part of my personal life, I see it as a business tool as well as keeping up to date with what goes on into the industry, its a little window into my personal life as well as being a work tool.
Model: Sofia Ferraris @sofia_ferraris_ @Elite, Select
Wardrobe Stylist/Makeup Artist/Photographer/Hair Stylist: Maurizio Montani
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