Mode around the Globe: Sophia Culpo
Sophia Culpo
@sophiaculpo
Photographed by LOGAN HILL
@loganraephotography
www.royalbelize.com
Where were you born?
I was born and raised in a small town outside of Providence, Rhode Island.
Where do you live now?
I currently live nowhere and everywhere- ha! I split time between LA for work, RI to see family when I can, and Miami and NYC to see my boyfriend. It’s a lot and I’m definitely excited to settle down one day!
What is on the top of your bucket list?
I would love to do a culinary/sommelier tour of France and Italy. I grew up in an Italian family watching my mom cook, so my love for cooking started at a young age. When I was in college, I studied abroad in Italy and my favorite memory is taking a sommelier tour at a vineyard learning about wine and pairing types of wines with different foods. I also have a big sweet tooth, so learning to make pastries in Paris would be a dream.
Who is someone you admire and why?
This is such a tough question because I admire so many people in my life. I try my best to surround myself with people who inspire me to be the best version of myself. I find myself inspired most by anyone with a confident sense of self and strong sense of faith, in anything. Those are the people I aspire to be like.
Best piece of advice you’ve ever received.
These are two of my favorite quotes that I try to live by every day. “Each day you are presented with two choices, evolve or repeat.” The second quote is, “We cannot become what we want by remaining what we are.” I write down my favorite mantras and tape them to my bathroom mirror so I can read them every morning and start the day with a positive, motivated mindset
List a goal you wish to accomplish this year.
Career wise, my goal is to build my personal brand and enter new spaces. I’ve dealt with some frustrating health issues over the past years, and I’ve gone through so many tests and trials to get to the place I’m at now. I would love to be able to help others dealing with similar health issues manage them in a holistic way.
What is something Modeliste readers would be surprised to learn about you?
I love singing and I love music! My mom is a violist in the Boston pops so my siblings and I grew up playing all kinds of instruments.
What can people expect to see when following you on your social media platforms?
I’d say my page is pretty fluid. I don’t stick to one thing. I went to school for nutrition and I’m very passionate about gut health, but I also love fashion, makeup, skincare, and playing around with funny reels.
How did you develop your career as an influencer?
I started modeling when I was in college and would post my work, from there my following grew pretty naturally. My older sisters also have social media followings, so we love to share family and sister life together. I’m very lucky that I get to work with my sisters, it’s a lot of fun!
What’s your favorite part of having a successful career as an influencer? What’re some challenges you face and how do you overcome them?
My favorite part about having a career as an influencer is being able to travel, be creative, connect with others and meet new people. It’s definitely challenging opening yourself up to the opinions of others though. There will always be someone trying to knock you down, judge you, leave negative comments, etc. It’s part of opening your life up to others. You just have to learn to ignore it and love yourself for you! Don’t listen to the haters.
What advice do you have for someone who aspires to be an influencer?
Just be yourself, it’s much harder to be someone that you’re not. Social media can be very challenging because you constantly want to fit in with the trends. At the end of the day, connect with your followers on a genuine, human level. You want people to follow you for you.
What do you enjoy doing in your free-time?
I just got a puppy a few months ago, so lately my free time is spent reading potty training articles and buying a lot of stain remover. When I’m not doing that, I’m usually falling victim to all the cookie recipes flooding my Instagram feed. I love to add them to my “recipe folder” (yes, I have a folder) and test them out with my boyfriend in my spare time.
Take us behind the scenes of your beauty routine.
In the mornings I usually wake up pretty puffy, so I love to start my day with a quick, 5 minute gua sha facial. Then while I make my coffee, I put on my LED face mask for three minutes. My favorite setting is the red and blue light combo because this targets acne, hyperpigmentation, and signs of aging. Lastly, I try to get a Vivace facial at least once a month. It’s micro needling with LED, so the best of both worlds.
Favorite brands to shop?
I’m a big shoe girl when it comes to shopping. My typical outfit is usually jeans, a statement top, and a pair of Jordan’s or heels. My dream closet is Carrie Bradshaw’s because it’s 90% shoes. Some of my favorite shoe brands are Jimmy Choo, Tony Bianco, Golden Goose, Alexander Wang, Gianvito Rossi, YSL, Balenciaga, Stella McCartney, I could go on and on. For clothes, my go-to’s on revolve are Retrofete, Camila Coelho, Miaou, GRLFRND denim, Anine Bing, and LPA.
What’s one item you cannot travel without?
Peanut butter pretzels or Kind bars, I’m a big snacker! I don’t do well on low blood sugar, you will always find snacks in my bag!
What was your favorite part of your stay with Modeliste Magazine at the Royal Belize?
Spending time with the girls! We always have so much fun. The last night we threw a dance party and it was the best time.
What do you love most about Modeliste Magazine?
The people behind it. We really are a family and get along so well. Everyone is so kind and we have so much fun together, it’s like working with your friends!
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
I try my best to live in the present moment and not think too much of the future, however it is important to plan. In 10 years, I would love to have a family and an established brand.
Any upcoming projects you can share with us?
Yes! I have a very exciting project in the works with my sisters but I can’t share yet. Stay tuned!
What’re you looking forward to most this summer?
My parents have been building a beach house in RI for all my siblings and my nieces and nephews to visit during the summer. I’m really looking forward to spending time with my family and friends, getting to know my new niece, and just unplugging a bit.
