Sophia Felix is a dynamic entrepreneur and visionary leader, serving as the founder and CEO of HBM Talent & Management. With over a decade of experience managing professional actors, models, and entrepreneurs, Sophia has established herself as a powerhouse in talent management and consulting. A three-time Telly Award winner, she continues to raise the bar for excellence in her field.
Beyond her work in talent management, Sophia is also the co-founder and president of the International Cannabis Consulting Business Women’s Association (ICBWA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women in the cannabis industry. Through education, mentorship, advocacy, and professional growth, ICBWA connects women and helps them break barriers in a rapidly evolving market. In 2025, Sophia was honored with the Women In Cannabis Expo’s West Coast Non-Profit of the Year award for her outstanding leadership.
A passionate mental health advocate, Sophia uses her platforms to raise awareness about holistic healing methods, the importance of therapy, and breaking the stigma surrounding PTSD and anxiety.
A Business Built on Purpose and Passion
Sophia’s journey into entrepreneurship was fueled by a desire to address the lack of representation and fair treatment of women across industries. Early in her career, women often sought her guidance and advice, inspiring her to launch her own consulting company that focuses on empowering women to succeed.
She acknowledges the challenges of starting a business, including overcoming fear of the unknown, securing funding, and navigating legal hurdles. Through determination and strategic planning, Sophia secured funding by pitching at competitions and participating in business accelerator programs. Her resilience and clarity of vision have attracted organic support and helped her grow steadily.
Inspiration Rooted in Family and Values
Sophia credits much of her drive and compassion to her grandparents. Her grandfather, Augie, was a musician whose positive spirit and encouragement inspired her to pursue a career in entertainment and business. Her grandmother, Jenny, whose kindness was shown through fostering children, deeply influenced Sophia’s dedication to charity and community service.
Mindset: The Key to Success
For Sophia, mindset is everything. She believes that controlling thoughts, managing reactions, and maintaining patience are crucial for any entrepreneur facing the uncertainties of building a business. She stresses nurturing mental health as a foundational element of success.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Sophia encourages building a solid, trustworthy team and seeking mentorship from industry leaders. She emphasizes the importance of protecting one’s brand, negotiating clearly, and maintaining integrity. Her advice includes always having a marketing budget and being adaptable when circumstances change.
Defining Fear and Success
To Sophia, fear means not living life on her own terms. She no longer entertains fear but plays to win. Success, for her, means staying true to herself and her faith, while continuously elevating both her personal and professional life.
Upcoming Projects
Sophia is preparing for the upcoming Telly Award ceremony, where she recently won a Bronze trophy for a commercial featuring her talent management and consulting services. She is also hosting the ICBWA Medicinal Cannabis Experts & Wellness Conference, featuring panels with doctors and California assembly members to further cannabis advocacy and education.
Overcoming Obstacles and Standing Out
Facing challenges as a Latina woman in male-dominated industries, Sophia overcame pay disparities and skepticism early in her career. Her background in the shipbuilding industry, where she managed multi-million dollar contracts for the Department of Defense and the US Navy, provided her with a unique strength and business acumen that sets her apart from competitors.
What Financial Freedom Means to Sophia
Financial freedom means stability and the ability to make choices without stress. For Sophia, it includes spending quality time with loved ones and having peace of mind about her financial future. She understands that achieving financial freedom requires sacrifices and strategic decisions about projects and clients.
Connect with Sophia Felix:
Instagram: @sophiafelixofficial
Website: www.hbmtalent.com
ICBWA: www.icbwa-ca.org
