Sophia Felix, Founder and CEO of HBM Talent & Management and works in Public Relations with YM CBD. She is a multi-dimensional professional with substantial experience in both the cannabis industry and in talent management. Sophia is an award-winning entrepreneur and devout philanthropist. She has been honored, awarded and nominated by many distinct organizations including 2018 Latina Corporate Executive of the Year nominee & Honorable mention by Latina Style Magazine, recipient of the 2017 California Hero award presented by Senator Joel Anderson, as well as Inspirational Woman of the Year and Rising Star nominations hailing from the National Latina Business Women’s Association of Los Angeles. Sophia is currently the Southern California Chapter President for the America’s Children of Fallen Heroes charity.
FWM: You are a successful entrepreneur. As the Founder and CEO of HBM Talent & Management, what excites you most about 2021?
I’m very excited about the new projects I Produced this year, the new partnerships and the clients I represent. I made a few changes to elevate my company such as adding in a few creative professionals to my team which has really complimented my brand and long-term goals. I also expanded more business into LA, Las Vegas and NYC so I’m just really enjoying working more with my team right now. I also have a few international models that will finally be able to travel to USA soon so I am super excited about that.
FWM: What do you look for in talent?
I look for talent who have similar goals as I do. It’s very important that we communicate well since most are in different time zones and they are passionate and serious about their skills. They must have a great personality and character, be a little humble but also be super ambitious. I keep an eye out on who is always professional because it’s important behind the scenes especially when they are representing me. I respect and love talent who are real to themselves and their beliefs and are not afraid to go after what they want. My talent and I are family, we have a real relationship that means a lot, I’m their friend, coach, and protector all in one and we always have each others back. Thankfully I have talent who are all shining bright in their own unique way, it’s beyond amazing.
FWM: Tell us about your virtual digital fashion show.
Yes! I just produced my first virtual fashion show for Spring and Summer 2021! It’s in conjunction with the multi-talented Quintin Leonard the owner of QHStyle Production. Our show “Empire is Falling: New Age Takeover.” is airing on March 19th at 7pm PST. It’s a tribute to Los Angeles and local creatives that will premiere during LA Fashion Week.
We are showcasing 5 fashion brands which include Code 22, Mission Clothing, Raga Men and Women, Spirithood and Kindom. The show is also featuring a variety of professional and diverse models of all ethnicities and looks walking the runway. It’s super different and high energy, we are taking our audience through a futuristic experience while also mixing in computer-generated imagery to create a digital version.
Our viewers can experience an entertaining fashion show where they can feel as though they are sitting in the front row while they are actually viewing from the comfort of their home. It’s important for me to support and represent during this time in Los Angeles because that is where I got my start in business. We followed all COVID-19 guidelines to make this happen and I am very proud of this fashion show because of the team behind it.
My main goal is to inspire others and I wanted to provide this platform for creatives to express theirselves. Our virtual fashion show is free to the public to enjoy. You can register for your ticket now on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/la-fashion-week-empire-has-fallen-new-age-take-over-fashion-show-tickets-144597389685
FWM: Who are the designers trending?
I am seeing a rise in a particular fashion designer Sylvio Kovacic in NYC. Sylvio is a fashion designer for several well-known celebrities and high-profile brands and his work was just seen on TV at Times Square for New Year’s Eve and the Golden Globes. I am blessed to call Sylvio my good friend and he has made a few custom face masks for me that I love to rock out. When I see him working and how creative he is I am amazed because it gives me a totally different perspective. I am from the West Coast and the East Coast is much different when it comes to fashion so when I’m around him I literally get to see what’s trending because he’s always working on designing something fresh for a celebrity. I don’t want to name drop his clients but you can follow his IG @sylvio.nyc to check out his work and “Maestro Couture.”
FWM: You have been recognized and honored as the Latina Corporate Executive of the Year nominee & Honorable mention by Latina Style Magazine. What is your secret to success?
My secret to success is simple. I never give up on myself and at the end of the day, I will always find a way to win. From a young age, I was fortunate to be mentored by 5 amazing mentors during the beginning of my career who molded me into a good savy businesswoman. I feel that gave me an advantage and along the way I learned an important secret is to learn how to pivot when you need to, protect your brand at all times and be a woman of your word. This industry is actually small everyone somehow knows someone so having a solid reputation in this industry is huge. I think something that has been important to my current success is my charity work for children in need. It’s been a special part of my personal life and throughout the years the recognition opened up a lot of unexpected opportunities for me. It’s so important to give back when you can, I also love to pray! When I feel unsure or need inspiration a good heartfelt prayer is always my go-to secret weapon. Many of my prayers have came true.
FWM: Share your experience as Public Relations for YM CBD. Why is this work so important to you?
I’m loving my role as Public Relations for YM because of the high-quality and integrity of their CBD products and brand. I’ve been in the CBD industry since 2014 before the CBD gold rush so I know the difference between very high-level premium CBD and knock-offs. YM is the only CBD company I will represent because they can formulate literally anything and they manufacture in small batches specifically designed for their clients needs. They have a new D8 softgel that I love, it really relaxes me. YM already works with a lot of Jiu Jitsu, MMA and professional athletes so they have a solid and well-liked reputation in the industry. They are like my big bros and are all alphas so I fit in and feel like part of their family. I get to step out the box and use my creativity much more so I’m loving it and I look forward to making big moves with them. YM doesn’t mess around especially with business and helping others and that alone means everything. Our motto is YM CBD is designed for You/Me. You check us out at: https://cbdyoume.com/
FWM: As an advocate and educator for the therapeutic uses of CBD. What are some of your goals/initiatives for 2021?
Some goals for me in 2021 are to continue to provide platforms and resources for CBD education especially to veterans who suffer from PTSD as well as to better educate parents who have children suffering from anxiety, depression or mental health issues. I am seeing more parents now more then ever who want to learn more about the benefits for their families overall well being and I am also seeing a trend in business professionals and other entreprenurs who are seeking CBD to stay more focused and balanced with work. I have been working very hard on my non-profit business organization this year called ICBWA to provide these initiatives and programs for our members and women business owners. We are about to announce our Board of Directors and you can get info on our website www.icbwa-ca.org
FWM: What’s next for you?
I still have a few projects I’m currently wrapping up that will be announced later this year so I feel like I accomplished so much recently! Next, I’m going to be spending most of my quality time with my loved ones and special people who are important to me. I would like to travel a little to continue to expand work for my companies and clients, watch beautiful sunsets and I would honestly love to have a baby in the future and experience that type of adventure.
FWM: Please share your social media links.
Website: www.hbmtalent.com
IG: @hbm_talentFWM:
