“I definitely wasn’t expecting it, but I’m super happy that people are loving my designs so far.”
Sofia modelling one of her designs. Source: SBS News / Sandra Fulloon
Sofia’s cutout styles include influences from her homeland – ruffles and flowing skirts that fold gracefully, perfectly suited to her personal style.
“I use high-quality linen, so the clothes are made to last,” she says.
Sofia was born in Bolivia’s largest city, Santa Cruz. When she was eight, and speaking little English, her family migrated to Brisbane.
Sofia as a young child in Bolivia. Source: Supplied / Sofia Abel
“When we arrived, it was definitely a challenge going to school and not really knowing anything. But we got there in end.”
Sofia started her first business at the age of 12, making hair ties and simple clothes for school friends. But the inspiration to start designing women’s fashion began while visiting a clothing factory in her homeland.
“It was really inspiring, and I guess my passion grew from there.”
Australian fashion icon Carla Zampatti. Source: SBS News / Supplied
It’s a connection Sofia shares with fashion icon Carla Zampatti – who migrated from Italy and founded her own label in 1965.
Last year Sofia became the inaugural winner of the Carla Zampatti Scholarship, a $10,000 annual fund set up to help young women from diverse backgrounds to achieve success in their chosen field. Sofia later interned at the company’s head office in Sydney.
Sofia sewing in her Brisbane studio. Source: Supplied / Sofia Abel
“I could really see all of the aspects of running a business and you know, learn to scale. So that really taught me a few lessons there.
“Initially, designing clothes was more of a side hustle, a hobby for me. Now my business has really taken off, it is something I want to do full time.”
Carla Zampatti CEO Alex Schuman. Source: SBS News / Sandra Fulloon
Alex Schuman is Carla Zampatti’s son and CEO of the iconic label. He says Sofia has many of the qualities needed to follow in his mother’s trailblazing footsteps.
“If mum was around, she absolutely would be thrilled to meet Sofia, and to encourage her to continue breaking down those barriers that many women and migrants face.”
“As a family we support the empowerment of women, because we know how much hardship and adversity particularly migrant women have to overcome,” Mr Schuman says.
Carla Zampatti staff sewing clothing in Sydney. Source: SBS News / Sandra Fulloon
Growing up in the family business, Mr Schuman saw the financial barriers his mother met in trying to raise capital to grow the label.
“At the time banks were reluctant to lend to women, least of all divorced women with a with a newborn child.”
Fashion designer Carla Zampatti. Source: AAP / Georges Antoni/PR IMAGE
By 1980, Ms Zampatti had grown the label and become a household name, earning the inaugural Australian Business Woman of the Year award.
“And that really put her on the map. It was also her proudest achievement,” Mr Schuman says.
Mr Schuman is proud to keep her legacy alive and of his diverse team, especially chief pattern maker Trung Nam Do, who arrived in Australia from Vietnam in 1987, and worked alongside Ms Zampatti for 22 years.
Chief pattern maker Trung Nam Do. Credit: SBS / Sandra Fulloon
“My father was a tailor in Vietnam and I trained with him, before migrating to Australia in 1987,” Mr Do says.
Applications are open for the next Carla Zampatti scholarship. Sofia Abel urges other young entrepreneurs to apply, to help take their business to the next level.
Designer Sofia Abel modelling her own clothing. Source: SBS News / Sandra Fulloon
“I’m so excited that the Australian Multicultural Foundation is doing the scholarship again. And for anyone wanting to apply, do a business plan, and just go for it.