Sofia first came to Regent’s from Madrid as an undergraduate Erasmus student. Two years later, she graduated with an MA in Luxury Brand Management.
Her year abroad at Regent’s in 2014 inspired Sofia to return to study her Master’s in 2017, which provided the practical learning required to launch SOMOS, her own business, in 2018.
SOMOS is a luxury travel design and concierge service based in Spain and servicing clients across the world. Sofia already had the idea for SOMOS before coming to London, but 'it was Regent’s that gave me the confidence to turn my idea into a business'.
'With so many luxury brands in London, we were able to visit Jaguar, Land Rover and Bulgari as part of the course and, after graduating, I got a role at Tiffany’s working on their Christmas 2018 campaign.'
In addition to its location, Sofia says it was the community spirit, the atmosphere, the international mindset and the multicultural student body that set Regent’s apart.
Now, as co-founder of SOMOS, Sofia is at the forefront of the luxury industry. As well as managing the impact of the pandemic, the sector must meet the expectations of the new generations entering the luxury sector who have, for example, expectations of pet-friendly hotels and green travel. Sofia says that the 'sector develops according to people’s needs, so it’s about being flexible and agile' and that 'the market is so crowded, even within luxury, so it is about experience and not product.'
SOMOS is here to meet the ever-growing experience-driven luxury sector. As Sofia explains, 'everything we do is bespoke to each client. From transport, reservations, spas, clubs, sports, personal shopping and cleaning services, it’s all about having a strong network to be able to deliver for the client.'
'The networks I built and the teamwork I experienced at Regent’s prepared me for making and maintaining the relationships SOMOS needs to deliver exceptional luxury experiences.'
Sofia advises current students that your career aspirations are 'a work in progress and sacrifices have to be made, but it’s about growth and personal satisfaction.'
She recalls 'I didn’t know what I wanted to study when I was 18, but the opportunity to come back and do an MA gave me the chance to have a clearer purpose and vision.' As a business owner and Regent’s graduate, she says 'I now see myself as an entrepreneur – I love working in the luxury sector.'
You can learn more about SOMOS by visiting the Regent’s Alumni Business Directory or www.somoslifestyle.com.