Exclusive: interview / Fashion editorial
Imagine a 22-year-old young woman full of stories to tell and a passion for exploring different cultures. That’s Sophia Blair, a girl who decided to embark on her second exchange experience in Brazil, seeking to learn a different, less popular language in her home country. However, what she didn’t expect was that her journey would lead her to fall in love not only with the country but also with Brazilians and an irresistible sweet treat: brigadeiro.
“The first time I found a sense of who I was, was when I went to Brazil for the first time. I felt more comfortable… The food, the culture, and the people. My place in the world is to be someone who can go between the US and Brazil and try to bring out the best parts of both.”
Sophia, known for her fun TikTok and Instagram videos, captured the hearts of Brazilians with her humor and charisma. Her funny anecdotes and curious situations experienced during her exchange garnered a large number of followers, and she became the first “gringa” to produce this type of content in Brazil. Sophia studied at Unicamp and, during the coronavirus pandemic, found herself unable to return to the United States due to her studies and the investment she had made in the trip.
It was at this moment that Sophia decided to explore the world of TikTok, a platform her sister had installed on her phone. At first, she didn’t pay much attention to it, but during the quarantine period, she started watching videos and soon came up with the idea of sharing her own experiences. Her first video went viral quickly, and she was determined to create frequent content to entertain her audience.
“I feel it’s important to integrate these two cultures; there are so many Brazilians in the US and more and more foreigners in Brazil… And it’s important to address the differences in a lighter way.”
In such a chaotic time as the pandemic, providing laughter and entertainment was a way to bring some lightness to people’s lives.
“I was so embarrassed (learning to speak Portuguese), but I think that’s the way to quickly learn a new language. You won’t be able to have a natural conversation until you embarrass yourself. Because when you speak, you make mistakes… You learn the right way.”
When asked about something she loved in Brazil, she promptly answered, “coxinha is the best thing in the world!” The cuisine of each country fascinates her, as well as trying out the unique spices characteristic of each culture.
D’IDÉES: Tell us a bit about your relationship with ice skating.
Sophia: When I was 6 years old, my friend was taking skating lessons at her parents’ skating rink. I got interested, and my parents enrolled me. In high school, I broke my ankle and stopped skating. The doctor said I wouldn’t be a national-level skater, and that was what I wanted. So, I stopped practicing. When I got to college, coincidentally the same one my childhood best friend who still skated attended and was part of the college team. She encouraged me to come back. College skating is different; it’s more for fun, whereas in “private” there’s much more pressure.
D’IDÉES: Speaking of fashion, how do you define your style?
Sophia: There’s definitely a difference between Brazilian style and American style. There are commonalities, of course, international trends, but probably what’s more different is cultural taste. One style that’s here and I identify with is the Athleisure concept, which is basically wearing gym clothes, but you’re not going to the gym; it’s very comfortable. What I usually do (and it’s not common in Brazil, I’m not saying it doesn’t exist, but it’s not common), is wear a gym top and put a jacket over it, with boots, for example. One thing I really like in Brazil is the vibrant colors of the clothes and the prints.
D’IDÉES: From Brazilian music, what do you like?
Sophia: Anitta is everything, right? Now, I can say I’ve been to a lot of shows, festivals… In Brazil, I watched Ludmilla’s show three times, and not only is her music good, but her show is great. Luisa Sonza too, she has an incredible voice. I think I like funk artists more because it’s different, there’s nothing like it in the US.
D’IDÉES: What beauty item can’t be missing from your purse?
Sophia: The clear MAC Lipglass, because it doesn’t come off. It’s like you have the juiciest lips in the world, because it doesn’t come off.
Sophia loves spending time with her cats, traveling the world with her boyfriend, and immersing herself in different cultures. Her vibrant and cheerful personality shines through in every video she shares, radiating contagious energy to those who follow her.
Additionally, Sophia is venturing into other entertainment projects and promises news soon. She is a determined young woman exploring the world, living new experiences, and spreading joy wherever she goes. Sophia Blair is an inspiring example of how we can find joy and create connections through shared experiences, even in challenging times. Her passion for Brazilian culture and her ability to tell captivating stories continue to win hearts across the country.
We are excited to follow the next steps of this energetic and enthusiastic young woman, who is just beginning to make her mark in the entertainment world.
