Today we’d like to introduce you to Sophia Arzu.
Sophia, before we jump into specific questions about your work, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Growing up as a first-generation American has given me a different perspective on life and plays a part in how I interact with others. Since I am black, people didn’t understand how I could speak Spanish but didn’t have the features of Sofia Vergara. I quickly realized that the diversity of the Latin American community wasn’t represented accurately in the media. Thus resulting in why people questioned my identity. So I decided that I wanted to educate others and share my story through YouTube to show others that we don’t have to be placed in a box or category. We are all special and the more we know the kinder we will be. Humans are multifaceted and I want to showcase that through my content to hopefully dispel all stereotypes. I believe the more that content creators share their unique cultures and perspectives, we will have more compassion and less fear of differences. We have way more in common than meets the eye.
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?
It hasn’t been smooth but I think it’s because I can get impatient with myself. I believe in my dreams but I think I was trying so hard to convince others of my dream. I was seeking validation from people who didn’t care about my dreams which led me to getting discouraged along the way. There has been a lot of trial and error. I thought I had to look a certain way, speak a certain way, and have content that was popular but that’s not me. I don’t know how to be anyone but myself and it shows in my early videos. To any women and young girls, I say go for it. What’s stopping you? Don’t ask for permission to share your story and don’t wait for validation. The power lies within ourselves to reach our goals. We simply have to give ourselves permission and not allow fear to get in the way. Our brains are designed to protect us from what we fear, so if we live our lives based on that fear we won’t get too far. Take risks and keep going because you will fall sometimes but what matters is that you get back up, and always surround yourself with supportive people.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I create YouTube videos that are opinion based but also informative. I love to edit and have the ability to tell a story through film. I hope to work in the entertainment industry as a video editor and producer. I’m currently working on YouTube channels for my family as well. While some people might think editing is intimidating and overwhelming, I find it therapeutic. I’m proud of my growth and although I’m not very popular yet, I believe in what I’m doing and nothing bad can come from perseverance. What sets me apart from others is that I don’t allow the opinion of others to define who I am. Only I can define that for myself and when we allow others to define us, we lose ourselves because we tend to base our value on what others think. We all appreciate compliments but the difference with me is I can accept a compliment just as easily as criticism. That’s what keeps me strong in my identity and I’m proud that I refuse to allow anyone to disrupt my energy.
Which women have inspired you in your life?
The woman who has always been my inspiration is my older sister. She is 11 years older than me but she is forever my best friend because she has never abandoned me. She is such a hard worker and is an entrepreneur. Her business is called ‘Hostkeyper’ and she has such a wonderful spirit and work ethic. She is strong and beautiful and she is always there for the people she loves. She practically raised me and I owe her my life because I have no idea where I would be if she wasn’t my big sister. She has always been generous and loving and never once complained about babysitting me or taking me under her wing. She is an amazing role model and a wonderful mother to my niece. I can only pray to be a fraction of who she is. She doesn’t allow anything or anyone keeps her from reaching her goals.
Contact Info:
- Email: Sarzu22@gmail.com
- Instagram: SophiaWishes
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA1k9nQil_-ucYUuUge8m2A
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