Meet Sophia Lopez | Artist

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

Hi Sophia, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Art has been an integral part of my life since I was a kid. My heart always yearned to be an artist, but I couldn’t decide on a specific art form. I always knew that could do more with it since drawing and being creative has always been my outlet. There are several reasons why I chose a creative career, but ultimately, it because I’ve always felt this passion deep within me. It’s an innate part of who I am. It was definitely a process to be where I am today. I took a leap of faith, leaving a stable job to follow my heart I sought a career that wouldn’t feel like a chore, allowing me to connect with myself and my community on a deeper level. While a good job can provide financial security, it doesn’t guarantee happiness. True happiness comes from finding passion and love in your work. It feels like a dream come true that I’m now the artist my younger self set my heart out to be, beyond just being a nail artist. Just like my parents say “Uno propone, Dios dispone” Meaning One proposes, God disposes”.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Nothing worthwhile comes without effort. I definitely felt discouraged an d doubted my ability to quit a few times. Despite these doubts, I kept pushing forward. I often wondered if I was good enough, who was truly supporting me, and if I had what it took to be my own boss. However, my family always encouraged me. I understand that there there will be both good and bad days, and even slow progress Is still progress. I also recognize that failure is an inevitable part of learning and achieving success. Ultimately, it’s all about perspective and how you choose to interpret and make of your experiences. All I can say is that I am still learning in the industry and will always have something new to learn.
I specialize in nail art and love to create peoples visions and express themselves through their nails. I have had many clients come back to me and tell me that people they run into think my freehand nail art are stickers which is the best compliment I could receive.My artwork is not only what I am known for, I genuinely invest time and money into providing the best services for my clients. My goal is to help my clients to start a healthy nail journey so they can have healthy nail growth and great retention.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First and foremost, I’d take them to my shop @SLStudiosLA to pamper them with the services my of talented girls, @gel.avenue & @elii_hairstylist_. Next, I’d recommend one of my favorite taco spots< Los 5 Puntos, located on Cesar Chavez Ave in Los Angeles. LA is a city full of exciting options, from breathtaking hikes and stunning views to vibrant nightlife, world-class museums, and beautiful beaches! I'm the kind of friend who's always up for an adventure, whether it's exploring new places or simply enjoying the little things in life. Just don't ask me to join you for a hike at 6 in the morning, haha!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There is many people who deserve a shout-out who shaped me to be where I am today! Let’s start with my mother, Mercedes. My mom would take me to the salon with her all the time. I was fascinated by the art of nail care and the ever-changing nail art trends. My mom who had always encouraged my artistic pursuits, suggested i start doing nails again or even working in the beauty industry.
My older brother who was also a significant influence on my passion for art, was a self taught artist who taught me everything he knew. We would paint together and had even planned to start a mural business together until his passing. Despite the hardships, I didn’t want to disappoint him by pursuing a career that didn’t truly resonate with me.
My father, Javier, also a business owner, has also played a significant role in shaping my identity. He has installed in me the values of dedication, consistency, authenticity, and hard work. My family and friends have been my pillars of support, helping me achieve my goals. My village is strong and has been a constant source of inspiration and encouragement.
Last but not least, my son Julian has been a tremendous source of motivation. I wouldn’t have pushed myself so hard to achieve my current success without having the vision of creating a great life for him. My ultimate goal is for him to grow up and realize that your dreams can indeed come true.

Website: https://www.slstudiosla.com

Instagram: Chofis_nailart