We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sophia. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sophia below.

Sophia, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Being a business owner can be really hard sometimes. It’s rewarding, but most business owners we’ve spoken sometimes think about what it would have been like to have had a regular job instead. Have you ever wondered that yourself? Maybe you can talk to us about a time when you felt this way?

Becoming a business owner was the best decisions I ever made- even though I didn’t plan on it becoming a business, haha!
I started posting YouTube videos to my Italian only audience in 2017, for the purpose of being a leader in my sport by sharing positive messages to younger gymnasts surrounding health, fun, and finding our “Fire Within”. As the Youtube channel grew, it quickly became monetized and I thought- wow, this could be my job! I decided to build on any profit opportunity related to my channel I could think of, such as merch, gymnastics clinics, and leotard lines. What began as simply a hobby developed into my career of now twelve years, with a growing worldwide following of over 3M fans collectively, and the coolest part is that I still enjoy it as a HOBBY. I spend many nights up late working, sometimes even 17 hour days. Because it’s my own choice to direct my attention toward it, it feels mainly light and exciting to indulge in my craft. I get my fix of creativity, laughter, social connection, gymnastics (of course!), community, variety, contribution, and freedom! I love creating with purpose, and even though I am sometimes exhausted, the fun and the fans make it COMPLETELY worth every hour!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m an Elite American-Italian Gymnast, holding 2 National titles, one in the US and one in Italy. I also competed in Italy’s Serie A1 league as a professional gymnast for 13 years non-consecutively. My business involves content creation, and empowerment coaching! In my videos, I document myself training, and attempting extremely rare, even sometimes banned gymnastics skills. My fans, or “Flames” as I refer to them, love watching me fall hundreds of times before I achieve the skill! I often speak about how to find our Fire Within, and overcome fear and self doubt. With over 506 million views just on Youtube alone, my following has grown to being worldwide. I am also author, having published 5 books! My newest endeavor has been working with my fans directly, and guiding them to overcoming their fears and becoming the most empowered versions of themselves! I do this through my Skool community, “Fire Within Academy”, and even in person this summer during my Fire Within Experience, North American Tour! During the event, I’ll teach gymnastics, have the gymnasts try silly challenges, and lead an empowerment segment.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

My Italian Youtube Channel had become the largest gymnastics channel in all of Italy. I wanted to continue to expand and I had two options: expand my form of content, for example, upload videos in a new niche. Or, expand my location of viewers by speaking in my first language, English, and attracting viewers from all over the world.

In my heart, gymnastics is what I wanted to continue, and therefore I chose the route of location expansion.
At first, I was extremely nervous and even doubted that my content would be enjoyed outside of Italy. I had moments if thinking, “Maybe I just blew up here out of luck!” I also felt vulnerable starting a new channel from zero!
After deciding to believe in myself and give it a shot, I started posting. In just two years, my following tripled! This was one of the first times I had to take a true ‘leap of faith’, and not on a balance beam, but in my business. I’m grateful I was able to gather up the courage to put myself out there and give my passion a chance, because that in itself is what has allowed my following to grow to where it is today.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

I love my team sooo much! Every single person is intelligent, uplifting, devoted, and has a great sense of humor, haha! My advice would be to express appreciation often and learn, non-violent communication. Learning how to communicate effectively by fully expressing my truth, as well as listen actively, has been one of the most powerful tools for feeling respected by one another and sustaining our drive to continue building together as a team.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sophiacampana.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sophia_campana?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sophiacampanagymnast?
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@sophiacampanagymnast?si=t_03RTbGozCDRE-0