Meet Sofia Rochin | Florist, Dancer, Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sofia Rochin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sofia, why did you pursue a creative career?
Art has always been a large part of my life. I grew up in a family of artists and art enthusiasts, with both my mom and dad being professional dancers and large supporters of all areas of the world of art. From a very young age, I can remember spending long afternoons with my family attending live dance performances, walking through museums wherever we were for hours, warm summer nights spent listening to the live music events at the summer series of the Hollywood Bowl. Art was engrained into me leading me naturally to find adoration and admiration of art. It did not become a clear line of my career until most recently where a shift in paths took fold. Dancing from the early ages of 7 year old, ballet was my entire love and existence, with my other passions on the side or simply just a secondary thought. When the pandemic created a rather abrupt uncertain pause on my developing dance career, I was pushed to find another pathway to explore- all trails leading towards the arts. I came to realize that if dance could not be my most direct focus either momentarily or long term, my alternate objective still orientated around the arts. I explored my floral passions and recognized the career that was possible within it. The creativity that I have found with becoming a florist is harmonious with the creative process that dance evokes- the endless opportunity to create art with different mediums and to bring that light to others. I have pursued an artistic career in flowers because there truly is no other outlet that I would be happier involved in than sharing with others the adoration I have for the art I am inspired to create.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is representative of what I find most beautiful in life- nature. Our planet encompasses so many uniquely natural elements that should be respected and enjoyed for. I emphasize the natural more wild flowers that can be seen in nature, to bring to any occasion that beauty that our environment produces. Subtle and simplistic, I believe that nature only needs emphasis and no further creation as it provides its humans and animals with so much. My floral designs therefore highlight the wild-like blooms that occur naturally in our environment. For me, my favorite flower is a Daisy, so I like to add at least one type of Daisy bloom in my arrangements to show my own unique and personal admiration of nature. My road to my professional florist career has come with challenges that have become such valuable lessons for my business and life in general. Most difficultly but importantly, was learning that a shift in professional focus, as daunting as it may be, can be rewarding when you follow what motivates you and brings you equal joy. I had to place a larger priority onto my floral passions than my dance passions when making my decision to become a professional florist during a time of uncertainty for many, but knowing that it brought me so much happiness despite the chaos pushed me past the first challenge of my career. Once I surpassed the initial challenge of simply launching Sofaisy Designs, I realized that as long as my work still portrayed my adoration of florals, the difficulties that occurred and will continue to occur as a natural part of life and business, would be all that more worthwhile and only add to my creations.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Los Angeles is a big city and diverse one, filled with so much to do, see, eat, and enjoy! Growing up in Malibu, the most peaceful days were filled with morning hikes up Solstice Canyon and lounging on the beach in the afternoons. Any beach along PCH, from northern Malibu at El Matador to the southern coast at Manhattan Beach is the best way to enjoy the sunshine of California. Los Angeles also being so diverse, has some of the best places to eat and drink. Fuel to start your morning should always begin with a breakfast burrito, and the Westside has the best to offer. The Country Kitchen on the Pacific Coast Highway is a constantly bustling window serving up a classic California staple of tortilla-wrapped bacon, egg, cheese, and potatoes. Farther away but not too far from the coast is your Venice cozy cafe- Great White that makes a burrito no one should miss out on. Some other favorite restaurants of mine is Gjelina or its more low key spot, Gjusta for a delicious California cuisine staple restaurant. For a fun night out in the Arts District of more centralized Los Angeles, Dama is the Spanish sister restaurant to Italian classic, Scopa in Venice. And my favorite spot for a late lunch, or early drinks is Zinqué, a French wine bar including the classics paired with its own unique taste.The sushi restaurants top on my list are Yabu, Sushi Fumi, and of course Sugarfish. You can’t really go wrong in LA and you can always find a spot for anyone and any occasion to enjoy.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Being a part of the wonderful world of art, far and near, there are many components that come to mind when thinking about the encouragement and inspiration that has brought me to the place of my ever-evolving success. My Nonna is the first who comes to mind when thinking about my very beginning moments of my floral passions. She was the first one to show me the art of floral design, as we spent the days walking through my parents’ backyard finding and arranging the flowers in funky vases with our own different but specific placements. My Nonna emphasized my passionate and unique style I had right away, from my first floral arrangement alongside her. I also would not have found my personal success without the support of my family, my mother, my father, and my sister. They have and will always be my truest supporters and their endless encouragement keeps me motivated in the times of self-doubt or uncertainties that are natural elements of the beautiful unpredictability of art. With the strong familial support system I have been able to use my inspiration from other artists to drive me forward in my creative processes to continue to develop and evolve my floral flare. I find myself drawn towards the works of Claude Monet and his landscape paintings to be most inspiring in the floral arrangements I create, using delicate and soft florals in contrast to darker moments to emphasize specificities in the work. The encouragement from my family, and constant inspiration from art surrounding me has created the success in my developing artistic career of florals.

Instagram: sofaisydesigns