The “Boogie Down” Bronx is well-known for producing latin superstars such as Fat Joe and Jennifer Lopez.
We bring to you the latest product of the BX, Sophia Rosado. If you have that nagging feeling that you’ve seen her somewhere before, it was probably while watching an episode of your favorite BET program. Sophia has made appearances on 106 & Park, Rip The Runway, and in several music videos including Maino and Nore’s My Life Is A Movie, Cheri Dennis’ I Love You, and Juelz Santana’s Whistle… to name a few. No stranger to the limelight, this alluring siren makes a living partying with the stars! Delve into one model’s life in the flashing lights as we explore Sophia Rosado’s thirst for the glamour life.
What is it about the BX that gave you star quality?
Yes you are right about the Bronx being well known for producing Latin superstars. I guess it goes back to our Latin roots. Music is a very important part of the Hispanic culture. It is used as a way to express feelings about love, sadness, and happiness. I think my star quality comes from my uncle who was a TBB, one of The Bronx Boys, and my father who was a musician. As a child I loved when he played the congas. I remember dancing to his music and even pretending that I was a superstar using my hairbrush as the microphone [laughs]. It was early in my life that I developed a passion for music and dancing. Also, I’ve always looked up to Jennifer Lopez; and, in fact, some have compared me to her and the late Selena.
What is the one characteristic you possess that screams “I’m from the Bronx!”?
The one characteristic that screams “I’m from the Bronx!” is attitude! Not in a bad way, but in a way that describes self-confidence.
Since your Grandmother first inspired you to model, you have achieved quite a few major credits including features in Straight Stuntin, ASIS, The Source, and Don Diva and various videos with the latest being LL Cool J’s Baby. Would you say that modeling has changed you as a person? Would others?
No. Modeling has not changed me as a person. I continue to be the same down to earth person that I have always been. If any change has been made, I can say that it has been in the area of having gained experience. I’m so proud of how far I’ve come in this industry; however, my friends that I thought were my best friends started acting differently around me.
Working with BET’s 106 & Park, you have the opportunity to rub noses with many high profile entertainers. What is it like partying with the Stars?
While I’m rubbing noses with the stars, I feel like in a dream state [laughs]! At the same time, it’s so exciting to be up close partying with them and taking pictures. In the beginning when I was invited to Ne-Yo’s album release party, I was thinking “Wow! How great is that … I’m VIP baby!” [Laughs] But now I’m used to it.
[Laughs]You have admitted to watching America’s Next Top Model and using Tyra Banks criticisms of the contestants to improve your own “Game” What are some criticisms you or others have about yourself and how are you working to improve them?
Well, before I didn’t know how to handle criticisms because if you model or want to become a model, you will believe or think everything you do is right; and who cares what other say about you. When taking photos, I’ve always had a fierce look, but never smiled in any of my photos. Going to casting calls and having directors review my photos was nerve wrecking. I remember him saying that I need to smile more and I took that as a compliment and him helping me out.
In the beginning of your career, you were under the impression that modeling would be easy… simply a task of strutting your stuff on the runway and playing “Eye Candy” in front of the camera. Now that you are more experienced, has your outlook changed at all?
Yes it has. I have learned that it is a very competitive industry. Aside of having the right looks, you also have to be very determined to get what you want; and it helps to know the right people.
You share with Latina entertainer Shakira, a very unique skill: the art of belly dancing. How did you acquire this ability and has it helped you in your modeling career at all?
I love everything about Shakira and to be honest after watching her video for Whatever, Whenever made me want to practice even more. [Laughs] In that video she belly dances a lot. I love the way her body flows with the music as she belly dances. I would watch it over and over again! [Laughs] To me, the way that belly dancing has helped in my modeling career is that it helps maintain my waistline. I use it as an exercise and also for entertainment.
You have said that you have more to offer the industry than your looks. Explain.
Yes, aside of my looks, I’m a comedian. I know you would have never guess that, but it’s true. I love to goof around and make people laugh. I’m very good at impersonations. I always entertain my family while imitating many stars like Cher, Britney Spear, Michael Jackson, and more
It’s not uncommon for video vixens to have been propositioned for sex when auditioning for music videos. Have you ever been pressured to succumb to sexual favors in exchange for work?
Wow, that is a very good question. I believe there is a lot of models including myself that have been in situations like that. Since being in the industry for three yrs, I’ve come across models, manager/ directors, and rap artists who thought I would go home with them after auditioning or like you said would pressure me to succumb to sexual favors in exchange for work. I remember going to this G-Unit casting call for a music video. I was on a line waiting for the other models to get in the room, I noticed these guys in the hallway looking at the models and talking to his boys. Then one of the guys called me over and said, “Where you from?”, “How long you been modeling?”, and “Do you have a boyfriend?”. I felt very uncomfortable talking to him. Then he said, “Do you want to come with me with the G-Unit crew to a Hotel in Connecticut?” He mentioned if I went, I would be main girl in the video. Years ago, I read Melyssa Ford’s interview in Vibe and she also mentioned her experiences as a video vixen and what she went through. I never thought that someday I would be in that situation. To me, it’s like a trade off to models that I know who are very successful, but for the wrong reasons… Models who want the fame so bad that they would have sex with their agents just to be well known in the industry and gain exposure as video and magazine models and what not. I have a lot of respect for myself, and will not tolerate that from any kind of work.
As your success heightens and you begin to gain notoriety and a fan base, you will undoubtedly attract a wide following of haters as well. What do you do with the negativity sent your way?
You know, I can’t control what people think of me; but the unfortunate fact of the matter is that as you progress and grow in your professional life, your spiritual life and in your personal life, there are going to be people in this world that start to dislike you for what you have accomplished. It’s sad, really. The only thing that I can do is ignore it and focus on my own life. Paying attention to what a few unfortunate individuals think or say about me only gives them energy.
Throughout high school, your dream was to be a fashion designer. Has this goal changed any today?
No. I still dream about being a fashion designer. I just have not had much time to pursue it lately. However, I’m thinking about taking some time to work on some ideas that I have in mind
Your five year goal is to be married and living in a big home with a beautiful family. Have you already found the special someone you want to spend the rest of your life yet?
Sadly, no! [Laughs] I have not found that special someone that I would want to spend the rest of my life with yet. I grew up in a religious home and I believe that God has already selected my soul mate who is out there somewhere and whom I will meet when destiny puts him in my path.
Even if you aren’t currently looking, what type of individual would you like to find if you were?
The type of individual that I would like to find must respect me as a woman. I will not tolerate any man trying to mold me into what he wants. I’m a very independent woman and do not like anyone trying to control me.
Beyonce has re-ignited the “Diva” crave and you, yourself, are a self-proclaimed “Diva”. Before we “rap” up, give us your definition of the word “Diva” and how you fit the description.
My definition of a Diva is a woman who is independent, takes care of herself, and does not let anything bother her. It is a woman who goes after what she wants and gets it, even if it means trying many times over. That is my definition of a “Diva” and the reason why I consider myself one.
