Meet Sophia & Sam Lopez

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sophia & Sam Lopez a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Sophia & Sam , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

Creativity has been part of our lives for as long as we can remember. Growing up, our Nina would fill our days with arts and crafts. One of my most cherished memories is making papier-mâché piñatas from homemade glue, laughing together as we worked side by side. Our parents, meanwhile, showed us what hard work and dedication looked like every single day. Blending that creativity with their example of strong work ethic shaped the foundation for our purpose. Today, we’ve built a space where we can create something bigger than ourselves, using art to tell stories, connect with others, and inspire meaning beyond the canvas.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m a salon owner, nail artist, and tattoo artist based in Paramount, CA, where I run SL Studios LA. My work blends creativity with connection & each piece of art, whether it’s on nails, skin, or any canvas it’s a chance to tell a story and make someone feel confident, seen, and celebrated. What excites me most is the transformation that happens, not just in how a client looks, but in how they carry themselves afterward.

My brand is built on authenticity, artistic freedom, and community. I believe beauty and art should be personal, expressive, and accessible. At SL Studios LA, we’ve created a space where clients can feel inspired, comfortable, and empowered to be themselves.

Alongside me, my brother runs his own creative brand, Deadend Collective, where he specializes in photography and large scale art sculptures. He’s known for his art shows exhibitions, dynamic photo shoots, and modeling work that helps advocate for and amplify other businesses. From a young age, he’s also worked in our parents business, Downey Tile, where he learned how to use his creativity to bring people’s dream homes to life , a skill that continues to influence his artistic vision today.

Right now, we’re both focused on expanding our creative reach & for me, that means pushing the boundaries of my artistic services and continuing community projects. For my brother, it’s about building new art installations, curating upcoming shows, and collaborating with brands and artists who share our vision. Together, we aim to inspire others to embrace creativity in all its forms.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

For us, the three qualities that have been most impactful are creativity, perseverance, and adaptability.

Creativity has been at the heart of everything we do. To grow in creativity we recommend making space for curiosity try new mediums, take inspiration from everyday life, and don’t be afraid to experiment.

Perseverance is what has carried us through the challenges. Running a business & creating isn’t easy but showing up every day, even when motivation fades, makes the difference.

Adaptability has allowed us to pivot and evolve. Trends shift, clients needs change, and when life throws unexpected challenges at you. Being able to adjust while still staying true to our vision. Being open to feedback, embrace change as an opportunity, and see challenges as fuel for growth.

Our advice to anyone starting out is to focus on your craft, stay consistent, and let your passion guide you but always be ready to evolve.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

Our family has been the biggest influence in helping us grow. Our Nina nurtured our creativity from a young age, filling our days with art projects and showing us the joy of making something with our own hands. Our parents modeled an incredible work ethic from running Downey Tile together and showing us the pride in building something from the ground up. That mix of encouragement, discipline, and love gave us the foundation to overcome challenges and keep chasing our dreams.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.slstudiosla.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chofis_nailart?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Image Credits

@deadend_collective