We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Violeta Sofia a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Violeta , we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
Growing up, I was incredibly fortunate to have supportive parents who nurtured my individuality and encouraged me to explore new things. They were always positive and empowering, creating an environment where I felt safe to be myself and dream big. Two mantras shaped my upbringing in profound ways. My dad would always remind me, “You are a great woman, you are made for greatness,” while my mom would always quote Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Looking back, I realize how deeply those words influenced me. Subconsciously, they instilled in me a quiet confidence to envision possibilities beyond my immediate reality and to create opportunities not just for myself but for others. My dad’s mantra gave me a strong sense of self-worth, and my mom’s favorite scripture taught me to draw strength from my faith. Together, they became the foundation of my belief in the power of dreaming big and pursuing the seemingly impossible.
Over time, I’ve also come to realize that I don’t need to strive for greatness or seek validation from others in my art practice. What truly matters is staying true to myself and finding joy in what I create, free from the pressures of external expectations. My work is deeply personal—it’s an extension of me, my voice, and my stories—and that alone makes it meaningful. Embracing this perspective has been liberating, allowing me to focus on authenticity rather than approval.
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?
Violeta Sofia is not just a commercial portrait photographer, filmmaker, and artist—she is a storyteller, renowned for her captivating celebrity portraits and striking self-portrait series. Her work profoundly explores themes of identity, culture, and resilience. Through her art, she seeks to amplify voices and stories that are often overlooked, crafting visual narratives that deeply resonate on a personal and cultural level.
Violeta’s creative journey has earned her significant recognition. Recently, she was honored with the 70:15:40 Project UK Award, a milestone that has further propelled her artistic vision. This achievement led to the creation of an exhibition featuring sculpture, painting, photography, and video, reclaiming African cultural narratives, particularly those rooted in her heritage. “African traditions have often been demonized or appropriated without respect,” she shares. Her work has been exhibited at some of the most prestigious institutions, including acquisitions at the National Portrait Gallery, Christie’s 20/21st century sales, and the Royal Academy of Arts in London, and has been showcased at international fairs—bringing her evocative storytelling to a global audience.
But Violeta’s ambitions extend beyond past accolades. She is currently preparing for her first solo exhibition, set to debut next year. This pivotal showcase will seamlessly merge her photography and filmmaking, offering audiences an immersive experience that bridges the power of still imagery with motion storytelling.
With her passion, vision, and dedication, Violeta Sofia is reshaping how identity, culture, and storytelling are portrayed in the art world. Her journey is one to watch, as her voice continues to grow stronger and her work continues to inspire and challenge perceptions.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on my journey, I believe three key qualities have been essential to my growth and success:
1. Resilience and Dedication
The creative path is rarely smooth—it’s full of challenges, rejections, and uncertainties. loving what I do has created and a driving force, allowing me to keep going even when faced with setbacks. Dedication has kept me committed to my craft, pushing me to continually improve and pursue my vision no matter the obstacles.
2. Connecting and Building Relationships
As much as art is about the work itself, it’s also about people. Whether it’s building rapport with subjects during a photoshoot, collaborating with creatives, or networking in the industry, the ability to connect with others on a genuine level is invaluable. Building relationships has opened countless doors for me and enriched my creative process. Strong relationships will not only support your journey but will also inspire and elevate your work.
3. Goal-Oriented and Focused
Having clear goals has been crucial in navigating my path. Whether working on a project, preparing for an exhibition, or venturing into new mediums like filmmaking, being goal-oriented has kept me on track. Focus helps cut through distractions and ensures progress even in the face of uncertainty.
Ultimately, success comes from a combination of passion, persistence, and the connections you make along the way. Believe in your vision, stay committed, and always strive to grow both personally and professionally.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Yes, I am always open to collaboration and believe that working with like-minded individuals can lead to powerful and impactful creations. I’m particularly interested in partnering with brands that focus on promoting diversity, inclusion, and amplifying underrepresented voices. Whether it’s co-creating a project, developing an exhibition, or exploring new mediums, I’m excited about building meaningful relationships that foster creativity and inspire change.
I would also love to connect with fellow artists, filmmakers and journalists
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.violetasofia.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/violetasofia/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/violetasofia/
Image Credits
VIOLETA SOFIA @violetasofia
Anja Poehlmann @by_anjap
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
