Today we’d like to introduce you to Sophillia Tagaban.

Hi Sophillia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I can look back at early influences, experiences, and cathartic moments throughout my life that propelled me in the direction that would eventually lead me to this career which allows me to be authentically who I am. For example, I was inspired by Princess Diana when I was a kid. Her influence on tv taught me about philanthropy. She said, “Everyone needs to be valued. Everyone has the potential to give something back.” I took those words to heart.

I think about the well-being of people everyday and ask myself how we can be of service to the community and give someone an experience, or an equitable opportunity that would support their path to their highest selves. I feel so grateful to be able to enjoy carving out this space for Heart Blaster to exist.

Other significant influences throughout my journey have been my nana who taught me design and to sew. She would make me dresses and put me in beauty pageants. Once, I won second place! haha. She still inspires me. Also, my Auntie Bella, she is one tough cookie and taught me the importance of standing up for myself, and constantly reminded me to “always tell the brutal honest truth”. She helped me understand the importance of intention and character.

I truly found purpose in my education which has helped me to understand my own personal struggles and pain points in life. We do not realize that we cannot compartmentalize our behaviors that stem from our trauma. We are habitual animals by nature until we learn to be more conscious. When we are faced with so much adversity in life, we forget who we are. When I realized this and chose to stop listening to all of the noise I started honoring all of myself.

Heart Blaster naturally started with my personal evolution and I know it will be a revolutionary brand of the future.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Nothing is ever smooth, and if it is, take it with gratitude and never for granted. I love a good challenge and I am a meticulous person by nature. If it becomes an obstacle, find another way. Never force it or you are creating obstacles for yourself. Then you struggle. I once forced a design I was not sure about and let someone else decide which resulted in obstacles, struggles and ultimately it never left the warehouse.

I always say, if you are not learning in business, you are your own obstacle.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Heart Blaster is a kids and young adult brand that sells boys and girls clothes and accessories. In a changing world we are bringing visual representation of friendship, love, and equality through our clothing. Heart Blaster collaborates with some amazing graffiti artists and graphic designers to create our unique style. Kids and young adults everywhere can’t seem to get enough of Heart Blaster!

There are lots of exciting things happening at Heart Blaster! We have new developmental plans, digital projects, and products for the Heart Blaster Brand. This is where I get to have the most fun with design. The goal is for the Heart Blaster Brand to fully support the nonprofit work we do in the future with the right partners.

HB INC nonprofit is such a big project. The most important part of this project is getting the curriculum, structure and policies right first. The standards and functions of an organization reflects in the values and principles written in the Bylaws. This is where I thrive. This is where we get to create change.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
The personal quality I feel has been a key to my success is the fact that I do not take no for an answer. I am great at knowing how to use resources and strategy to have the most successful outcome. When I can visualize a full picture of a project in my mind, it’s gold. I always lead from the heart.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://heartblaster.com/
• Instagram: @heartblaster

Image Credits
Heart Blaster