Tomboy 012: Sophs Bennett
Sophs Bennett is a sneaker collector and freelance social media manager, currently working with The Sole Womens team. Her passion for — and work within — the streetwear and sneaker industry stems from a love of community building, instead of clout chasing. Outside of her clients, Sophs has cultivated a social following of her own, thanks to her effortlessly cool style and a sneaker collection that could pay my student loans (maybe a few times over) on the resale market. Luckily, Sophs had a few minutes to tell us what she’s up to.
Name: Sophie
Age: 24
Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
Where are you from, and where are you right now?
I’m from Bury St. Edmunds which is a small town in Suffolk, UK.
What’s your first memory with streetwear?
I feel like streetwear was introduced to me as my love for trainers grew. I’ve always loved trainers and at first that’s all I was interested in/knew about, but as my passion grew and I created my Instagram, I began to understand that it was much more than just what was on foot. My love for sneakers and streetwear is still ever growing and it’s such an exciting community to be part of.
If you had to compress your personal style into one outfit, what would it be?
Cargos and an oversized t-shirt/sweatshirt ALWAYS.
You can only wear three shoes for the rest of your life — what are they?
Patta Air Max 1 - These are just the comfiest pair going, the wavy mudguard and motivational meaning behind the pair mean they’re a must in the rotation. I’d say the white pair BUT I couldn’t wear them all year round so it would have to be out of the Aqua and the Monarch, a very tough choice but I want to say Monarch!
Military Black Jordan 4 - Easily my favourite pick up of 2022. Goes with everything and the chunky retro is just my go to style.
AMM Jordan 3 - This pair just HAS to be on the list. Not only are 3’s super comfy but this pair is neutral with luxury accents so will go with every outfit. They’re a tribute to women and to me represent the importance of women within the industry and sneaker scene.
Streetwear style icon:
@mscrisssy @lozvassallo @stefneyv on IG, and if we’re talking celebs, then Kendall/Kylie Jenner pull some serious streetwear fits.
Your last (or favorite) Instagram follow:
Oooo I deffo don’t have a favourite but some streetwear girlies accounts I’ve been loving rn - @toastedbananabread_ @elrose_ @niamhfth @ttfinlay (I could keep going but just some inspo for you)
What’s your biggest creative or career milestone so far? What’s your biggest creative or career goal right now?
My biggest milestone so far is landing myself a part time, freelance role with The Sole Supplier. It’s easily my biggest achievement and I am so happy to be part of such an amazing team. My biggest creative goal is to just be a source of inspiration for people. As much as I’d love to work with brands, I just want people to feel inspired by what I create and know that sneakers/streetwear is gender neutral. My biggest career goal right now is to continue my development within social media and marketing to pursue a full time career at The Sole Supplier.
What’s your dream collaboration? Either with yourself, or between brands/people you love.
If I’m being honest, I want to see more small accounts landing big collaborations. Titi Finlay just designed and launched her own phone cases in collaboration with Skinny Dip. Those are the collaborations I want to keep seeing.
What are you currently working on?
Nothing on IG as it stands, I have been super busy learning new things with The Sole Supplier and also with my other part time job at JD. I hope 2023 brings lots of fun and exciting opportunities within my career and for myself on IG, I am definitely determined to get back into the swing of consistency in 2023.
When do you feel the most empowered?
I have a very supportive network of family and friends. They constantly remind me of how far I’ve come and how well I’m doing. Their support, and the support from my team at The Sole Supplier, makes me feel empowered.
What needs to change about the current streetwear landscape, to make it more inclusive?
I think it’s important that we’re made to feel included within the sneaker scene. Hype pairs are still releasing with a mens size run, while women's exclusives usually involve a platform, are pink in colour, or have something ‘girly’ on them that we haven't asked for. We’re moving in the right direction, especially with the likes of @womeninsneakers @sneakersisterhood @thesolewomens @hypebae etc. who spotlight women who work in the industry AND showcase females from the community. I definitely feel more included and supported now than I did when I first created my account, in terms of being a female sneaker/streetwear account on IG.
What woman in streetwear/sneaker history would you like to see get her flowers?
@emilyatkins96 she has been my biggest inspiration and what a blessing to now call her a co-worker and a friend. She breathes sneakers, and has been a massive advocate for female sneakerheads IMO. In a male-dominated industry and community, she has inspired many other females that a career is possible and always inspires everyone to get involved with sneakers/streetwear no matter who you are.