MEET CARLA SOPHIA
“Why don’t people’s hearts tell them to continue to follow their dreams?” The boy asked the alchemist. “Because that’s what makes a heart suffer most, and hearts don’t like to suffer.” –
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
FOUNDER, HELLO SOCIALOTE LLC & SOCIALITE UNIVERSITY
Hello, Socialite…
Carla Sophia is a powerhouse entrepreneur, educator, and media expert whose passion and dedication have led her to thrive in a variety of fields. As the founder of Hello Socialite LLC, a luxury social media agency, she helps businesses, such as former Federal Prosecutor Bianca Ford and Jacksonville Veteran John Morgan of IZMACO Investments, to harness the power of digital marketing through tailored, sophisticated strategies. From social media, AI Integration, to branding and social ads— Carla Sophia’s work elevates her clients’ brands, ensuring they reach the right audiences in an impactful way.
Her passion for communication and the arts sprouted in boarding school, and her impressive career started in entertainment in Creative Services at Black Entertainment Television (BET), where she contributed to iconic shows like “College Hill”, “The Wire”, “106th & Park”, and “Hell Date”. This experience shaped Carla Sophia’s deep understanding of media and storytelling, skills that now fuel the success of her clients at Hello Socialite LLC.
Carla Sophia’s leadership extends beyond business and media. She is also a proud alumna of the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Elizabeth City State University, where she served in numerous leadership roles, including Student Government, the Student Athletic Advisory Committee, and as Captain of both the cheerleading squad and tennis team. She was crowned “Miss Cheerleader” “Miss Bias Hall” & “Miss Library”, further demonstrating her dedication and spirit during her college years.
A Little Grace & Gumption…
After graduate school at Regent University, Carla Sophia was recruited as a Special Investigator by the United States Federal Government, showcasing her adaptability and tenacity as a credentialed investigator. This unique experience gave her a diverse skill set, which she later leveraged to transition into entrepreneurship.
Carla Sophia’s dedication to continuous learning is unwavering. This fall she is partnered with globally recognized etiquette institutions—the UK’s “The English Manner”, official consultant for Downton Abbey, and New York’s “Beaumont Etiquette”, partner of The Plaza Hotel—to refine her understanding of affluence, etiquette, and entrepreneurship. These collaborations further elevate Carla Sophia’s work and position her as a thought leader in luxury media and communication strategies. Her additional educational pursuits include a Certificate In Women’s Entrepreneurship from Cornell University, and a two year academic study in the art of Dance at the University of North Carolina Charlotte, exploring the techniques of Alvin Ailey, George Balanchine, and West African Dance.
In 2022, Carla Sophia shared her expertise as an event moderator at the prestigious NASDAQ Summit in Charlotte, North Carolina. Her business is periodically featured in New York on the Nasdaq Tower in Times Square. Her influence doesn’t stop there—she has also taken her advocacy for small business owners to Washington, D.C., funded by Mark Zuckerberg’s Leadership Boost Program, visiting NC U.S.Senator Thom Tillis’ office to discuss the challenges of entrepreneurship and the importance of digital legislation for small business growth.
…Crafting A Legacy
Today, Carla Sophia proudly serves as a Professor at Marine Corps University, where she teaches the elegance of communication to our nation’s higher ranking Marines. She plays an integral role in shaping future military leaders by imparting essential communication skills that foster both personal and professional growth.
Carla Sophia’s family legacy is as inspiring as her professional journey. She is the daughter of Major Robert E.L., Ret., and Shirley L., and the favorite niece of Justice Cleo E. Powell, the first African American WOMAN Supreme Court Justice of Virginia. Their influence has instilled in her a deep commitment to leadership, service, and perseverance.
A proud NAACP member, Carla Sophia is passionate about empowering others, using her platform to advocate for small businesses and support communities of color. She continues to help entrepreneurs tap into the boundless opportunities that digital platforms provide, helping them unlock their full potential.
“If I wrote a love letter to myself, it would say: I can do anything.”
Carla Sophia’s story is one of resilience, ambition, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Through her work in media, business, and education, she continues to inspire others to follow their dreams and create lasting impact.
