Sophia Kianni

I'm so mad. I'm like, five minutes. Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding. We're done. We're not talking about this anymore.

I'm so mad. I'm like, five minutes. Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding. We're done. We're not talking about this anymore.

One hundred and twenty percent. The only reason I was able to take that leap of faith, move to New York City and work on the company was because of Phoebe. I think honestly, throughout college, it was very much for me. Fake it until you make it like I put on this confident aura. Deeply still, I was insecure and scared.

One hundred and twenty percent. The only reason I was able to take that leap of faith, move to New York City and work on the company was because of Phoebe. I think honestly, throughout college, it was very much for me. Fake it until you make it like I put on this confident aura. Deeply still, I was insecure and scared.

And for the first time, it was like seeing this person who believed in us and honestly who believed in me that we could do this together made me tell my parents, listen, like, I'm taking a leave of absence. I'm leaving Stanford. I know I worked so hard for this. Like, I know this was my dream. but I need to do this. This is our calling.

And for the first time, it was like seeing this person who believed in us and honestly who believed in me that we could do this together made me tell my parents, listen, like, I'm taking a leave of absence. I'm leaving Stanford. I know I worked so hard for this. Like, I know this was my dream. but I need to do this. This is our calling.

And it was honestly only because of Phoebe, because she said, I know we can do it. I know this is an opportunity. You need to believe in yourself because I believe in us. And I was like, you're so right. And I want to do this. I don't want to be an environmental lawyer. I don't want to work for the UN. I want to build this company with you for the next five or 10 years. We can do it. You're right.

And it was honestly only because of Phoebe, because she said, I know we can do it. I know this is an opportunity. You need to believe in yourself because I believe in us. And I was like, you're so right. And I want to do this. I don't want to be an environmental lawyer. I don't want to work for the UN. I want to build this company with you for the next five or 10 years. We can do it. You're right.

And it's just so surreal to think yeah, we were bumbling and fumbling in our dorm room, building a smart tampon. We had no idea what we were doing. And now we launched Fia and we launched a product we are genuinely so proud of that we poured our blood, sweat, and tears into. And it was all because Phoebe was like, it's worth it. We can take the leap of faith. Stanford will always be there.

And it's just so surreal to think yeah, we were bumbling and fumbling in our dorm room, building a smart tampon. We had no idea what we were doing. And now we launched Fia and we launched a product we are genuinely so proud of that we poured our blood, sweat, and tears into. And it was all because Phoebe was like, it's worth it. We can take the leap of faith. Stanford will always be there.

It's worth it.

It's worth it.

I think it's about Phoebe really made me understand you are a byproduct of your own beliefs. And if they're self-limiting, that's how your life is going to pan out. You can't have a scarcity mindset. And I think especially when you come from a background where you're being... pushed to do something really typical, like climb the career ladder, get the pedigree.

I think it's about Phoebe really made me understand you are a byproduct of your own beliefs. And if they're self-limiting, that's how your life is going to pan out. You can't have a scarcity mindset. And I think especially when you come from a background where you're being... pushed to do something really typical, like climb the career ladder, get the pedigree.

You never think about what if, like what if you take that risk? And Phoebe being able to do that for me has everything to do with just who she is as a person. Like that's just how you're wired.

You never think about what if, like what if you take that risk? And Phoebe being able to do that for me has everything to do with just who she is as a person. Like that's just how you're wired.

We lay down the law. That's the reality.

We lay down the law. That's the reality.

Someone asked that to us, like literally an investor on a call was like, so what's going to happen to your company when you have kids? And we were like, what's going to happen to your venture firm when you have kids?

Someone asked that to us, like literally an investor on a call was like, so what's going to happen to your company when you have kids? And we were like, what's going to happen to your venture firm when you have kids?

I'm like, what about you? Huh? And he's like, why would that affect anything? And I was like, you answered your own question.

I'm like, what about you? Huh? And he's like, why would that affect anything? And I was like, you answered your own question.

Sophia that's all you sis this is such an embarrassing story and Phoebe knows exactly what I'm talking about because I talk about it all the time because I just can't forget it because I'm so embarrassed but we went to so Michael Rubin had this charity party for it was like a poker charity party right we're

Sophia that's all you sis this is such an embarrassing story and Phoebe knows exactly what I'm talking about because I talk about it all the time because I just can't forget it because I'm so embarrassed but we went to so Michael Rubin had this charity party for it was like a poker charity party right we're

freaking out this is so cool all these cool people are there we're like oh my god we look we need to look amazing whatever so my dumb ass wears like these five inch stiletto heels because i need to look like a bomb ass bitch and so we go to this poker night thing and i'm like walking down the stairs being like don't fall don't fall it's a huge like it's like so here's probably what 200 people in here and there's a staircase like this we think we're having our moment

freaking out this is so cool all these cool people are there we're like oh my god we look we need to look amazing whatever so my dumb ass wears like these five inch stiletto heels because i need to look like a bomb ass bitch and so we go to this poker night thing and i'm like walking down the stairs being like don't fall don't fall it's a huge like it's like so here's probably what 200 people in here and there's a staircase like this we think we're having our moment

Like slow motion. I'm like Cinderella story. You're like, exactly. I fucking tumble. Like, I'm not even joking. It was like a movie, like two flights of stairs. I like collapse on the floor. I am literally, I swear to God, gushing blood from my leg. I'm wearing a long dress. No one can see it. I'm gushing blood. I'm like, I have a concussion. And then I look up, I'm dizzy. I think it's Phoebe.

Like slow motion. I'm like Cinderella story. You're like, exactly. I fucking tumble. Like, I'm not even joking. It was like a movie, like two flights of stairs. I like collapse on the floor. I am literally, I swear to God, gushing blood from my leg. I'm wearing a long dress. No one can see it. I'm gushing blood. I'm like, I have a concussion. And then I look up, I'm dizzy. I think it's Phoebe.

And I'm like, yo, bro, I need help. And then literally she goes, yo, bro, it is Jay-Z. No. It is fucking Jay-Z being like, hey, are you okay? I'm literally like... He goes, that was really embarrassing. I'm like, I literally can't speak. I'm just like... Yeah, and he literally goes... I know you're embarrassed, right? It's OK. Don't be. It's going to be OK. Are you OK? I'm like, yes, sir.

And I'm like, yo, bro, I need help. And then literally she goes, yo, bro, it is Jay-Z. No. It is fucking Jay-Z being like, hey, are you okay? I'm literally like... He goes, that was really embarrassing. I'm like, I literally can't speak. I'm just like... Yeah, and he literally goes... I know you're embarrassed, right? It's OK. Don't be. It's going to be OK. Are you OK? I'm like, yes, sir.

Absolutely. I am so OK. Do not worry at all. I am so good. Please, please, just please leave. I'm going to start crying. Please, please, please, please, please go away.

Absolutely. I am so OK. Do not worry at all. I am so good. Please, please, just please leave. I'm going to start crying. Please, please, please, please, please go away.

I did. I threw them all the way.

I did. I threw them all the way.

Yes, of course. He was such a gentleman. He was so sweet. He literally was like, hey, do you need someone to come over here? I'm like, no, no, I promise. I'm so OK. This is so embarrassing. Everyone's looking at me. Please stop. You're like, no, I just need to leave. I was like, I need to leave. And then anyway, he like helps me up so sweet and then leaves.

Yes, of course. He was such a gentleman. He was so sweet. He literally was like, hey, do you need someone to come over here? I'm like, no, no, I promise. I'm so OK. This is so embarrassing. Everyone's looking at me. Please stop. You're like, no, I just need to leave. I was like, I need to leave. And then anyway, he like helps me up so sweet and then leaves.

And then Phoebe walks over and I'm like, I am so embarrassed. I need to leave. Like, I'm literally gushing blood. Phoebe's like, no, I want to go play poker. Phoebe is a blackjack god. Do you want to tell her what happened after this? Much more important, actually, part of the story. Well,

And then Phoebe walks over and I'm like, I am so embarrassed. I need to leave. Like, I'm literally gushing blood. Phoebe's like, no, I want to go play poker. Phoebe is a blackjack god. Do you want to tell her what happened after this? Much more important, actually, part of the story. Well,

Thank you, Phoebe. Well, I was like, OK, I am in my bag. And I am here on a mission. I am going to graduate from Stanford. I'm going to law school. I'm bossed up. This irrelevant person does not matter. No, I'm joking.

Thank you, Phoebe. Well, I was like, OK, I am in my bag. And I am here on a mission. I am going to graduate from Stanford. I'm going to law school. I'm bossed up. This irrelevant person does not matter. No, I'm joking.

That's actually so cool. I'm gushing blood losing this game. I have no idea how to play. I look over. The whole crowd is around Phoebe. Phoebe, the fucking mastermind beating Tom Brady at blackjack. And everyone's like, Who is that girl? I told everyone I was an influencer.

That's actually so cool. I'm gushing blood losing this game. I have no idea how to play. I look over. The whole crowd is around Phoebe. Phoebe, the fucking mastermind beating Tom Brady at blackjack. And everyone's like, Who is that girl? I told everyone I was an influencer.

I'm again like, Tom Brady knows who you are. This is so insane.

I'm again like, Tom Brady knows who you are. This is so insane.

Okay, well, Phoebe would always make fun of me in college because I was... She had a template email. I did. A template lie email. I had a template lie email because I was trying to juggle so much in college with all our work stuff. Justify it, sister. And my own, like, my climate and my UN stuff, whatever. I had so much going on and I obviously always needed a deadline extension on my stuff.

Okay, well, Phoebe would always make fun of me in college because I was... She had a template email. I did. A template lie email. I had a template lie email because I was trying to juggle so much in college with all our work stuff. Justify it, sister. And my own, like, my climate and my UN stuff, whatever. I had so much going on and I obviously always needed a deadline extension on my stuff.

Yeah, just keep talking. And you're like, and then this is the reason I also had to do it. And then this is the reason I... What did you do? So I had a folder of image... This sounds so crazy. So...

Yeah, just keep talking. And you're like, and then this is the reason I also had to do it. And then this is the reason I... What did you do? So I had a folder of image... This sounds so crazy. So...

so i so i had a folder of images that i had with like really random like weird crazy people right no with famous people with famous people but like like the pope famous not like dolly mama and the pope and malala yeah in this folder yes malala and one photo of her in the hospital from when she the hospital photo many times.

so i so i had a folder of images that i had with like really random like weird crazy people right no with famous people with famous people but like like the pope famous not like dolly mama and the pope and malala yeah in this folder yes malala and one photo of her in the hospital from when she the hospital photo many times.

I have a folder of photos that I know I can attach to an email that guarantees me a get out of jail free card. When you tell your professor, I'm so sorry. I am meeting the Pope this week. I really need an extension. They are all like, absolutely. You get the extension. A hundred percent. It always works. Phoebe's like, you're going to hell.

I have a folder of photos that I know I can attach to an email that guarantees me a get out of jail free card. When you tell your professor, I'm so sorry. I am meeting the Pope this week. I really need an extension. They are all like, absolutely. You get the extension. A hundred percent. It always works. Phoebe's like, you're going to hell.

I have E. coli.

I have E. coli.

I did. I have a cell. It was a selfie of me going like this in my hospital. Pull it up with like my hospital band. So they couldn't because I was like, I'm really sick right now. And they're like, it's due tomorrow. And I'm like, I'm literally in the hospital. Can you? You are so mean. You're horrible. You're horrible.

I did. I have a cell. It was a selfie of me going like this in my hospital. Pull it up with like my hospital band. So they couldn't because I was like, I'm really sick right now. And they're like, it's due tomorrow. And I'm like, I'm literally in the hospital. Can you? You are so mean. You're horrible. You're horrible.

Four years. Whoa.

Four years. Whoa.

I'm like, I'm so sorry. I'm delirious. This is the only thing I can send you. This is literally like I'm in the hospital. Do you know what a horrible person you have to be to tell someone they can't have an extension if they have literally given you a selfie in the hospital? And I'm green.

I'm like, I'm so sorry. I'm delirious. This is the only thing I can send you. This is literally like I'm in the hospital. Do you know what a horrible person you have to be to tell someone they can't have an extension if they have literally given you a selfie in the hospital? And I'm green.

Five years sounds crazy.

Five years sounds crazy.

I would always tell Phoebe, you have to fucking cover for me, bro. I'm dead. I'm like literally dead at the hospital.

I would always tell Phoebe, you have to fucking cover for me, bro. I'm dead. I'm like literally dead at the hospital.

but I'm just going to warn you like it's not going to end well. My relationship has ended and I'm like, I'm a guy's never going to look at me again. I'm so devastated. I don't know how to talk to boys. And Alejandro comes up to me.

but I'm just going to warn you like it's not going to end well. My relationship has ended and I'm like, I'm a guy's never going to look at me again. I'm so devastated. I don't know how to talk to boys. And Alejandro comes up to me.

And he's like so buff. So sexy. And he comes up to me at a party and he's like talking to me. He's flirting with me. I'm like, oh my God. And this whole time I'm like, Phoebe, ew, I would never go for Alejandro. I have no idea what you're talking about. You're psychotic. He comes over and woos me. And then I go back and I'm like, Phoebe, Alejandro was flirting with me. I'm really flustered.

And he's like so buff. So sexy. And he comes up to me at a party and he's like talking to me. He's flirting with me. I'm like, oh my God. And this whole time I'm like, Phoebe, ew, I would never go for Alejandro. I have no idea what you're talking about. You're psychotic. He comes over and woos me. And then I go back and I'm like, Phoebe, Alejandro was flirting with me. I'm really flustered.

I don't know what to do. Phoebe's like, dude, go for it. I get it. But just know like he on the low sucks. And I'm like, but he was just so charismatic and beautiful and handsome and sweet and smart. And oh, my God, he's just the best. And it ended up in flames.

I don't know what to do. Phoebe's like, dude, go for it. I get it. But just know like he on the low sucks. And I'm like, but he was just so charismatic and beautiful and handsome and sweet and smart. And oh, my God, he's just the best. And it ended up in flames.

Wait. We're like best friends now. He has like a really hot girlfriend. We're really happy for him. It's actually really disappointing.

Wait. We're like best friends now. He has like a really hot girlfriend. We're really happy for him. It's actually really disappointing.

Like he's a good boyfriend.

Like he's a good boyfriend.

Oh, my God. This is so embarrassing. But the first time that I met Bill, we were going to a concert or something. And so it was like me and Phoebe and a couple of friends. And we were all staying at Phoebe's house. And so her dad was there, which I am an idiot. And obviously, people's parents are at their houses. So I literally have face gems all over my face.

Oh, my God. This is so embarrassing. But the first time that I met Bill, we were going to a concert or something. And so it was like me and Phoebe and a couple of friends. And we were all staying at Phoebe's house. And so her dad was there, which I am an idiot. And obviously, people's parents are at their houses. So I literally have face gems all over my face.

A senator? Yes. Oh my God. So really, it was so crazy because we become roommates. We don't really know each other at all. We're like randomly paired. We had that one dinner.

A senator? Yes. Oh my God. So really, it was so crazy because we become roommates. We don't really know each other at all. We're like randomly paired. We had that one dinner.

Yes, I'm like literally like in my sparkly set with my face gems, blah, blah, blah. I'm walking, I'm walking, I'm walking. Boom, I run straight into Bill Gates. And he's like, wow, I like your outfit. Who are you? And I'm like, I'm Sophia. I'm Phoebe's co-founder, actually. We're in business together. He's like, oh, it's really nice to meet you, Sophia. I like your outfit. I'm like...

Yes, I'm like literally like in my sparkly set with my face gems, blah, blah, blah. I'm walking, I'm walking, I'm walking. Boom, I run straight into Bill Gates. And he's like, wow, I like your outfit. Who are you? And I'm like, I'm Sophia. I'm Phoebe's co-founder, actually. We're in business together. He's like, oh, it's really nice to meet you, Sophia. I like your outfit. I'm like...

so so nice to meet you bill so nice i need to go i need to go and then i'm literally like phoebe why would you not tell me your dad is here this is so weird and embarrassing like i don't want to meet anyone's parents with fucking glitter all over my face and she's like did you not think my parents were going to be here like hello obviously i i just was dumb but it was literally i i honestly still every time i see your dad i'm like he probably thinks i'm so honestly probably does not remember at

so so nice to meet you bill so nice i need to go i need to go and then i'm literally like phoebe why would you not tell me your dad is here this is so weird and embarrassing like i don't want to meet anyone's parents with fucking glitter all over my face and she's like did you not think my parents were going to be here like hello obviously i i just was dumb but it was literally i i honestly still every time i see your dad i'm like he probably thinks i'm so honestly probably does not remember at

Honestly, it's been so exciting. Sophia is currently on the top 100 shopping charts. We were basically crying and then we were like, wait, we are makeup needs to look good for call her daddy. Um, because we were so excited, but honestly, it's just been such a long time in the making.

Honestly, it's been so exciting. Sophia is currently on the top 100 shopping charts. We were basically crying and then we were like, wait, we are makeup needs to look good for call her daddy. Um, because we were so excited, but honestly, it's just been such a long time in the making.

When we were in college, we probably had no idea that what we would end up launching is now Fia is an app and a shopping tool where basically as you're shopping in one click, it will find you the best price on fashion. So it's like, say you're looking at like a thousand dollar Gucci bag. Fia pops up and then you ask it, should I buy it? And it's like, girl, no, the price is high.

When we were in college, we probably had no idea that what we would end up launching is now Fia is an app and a shopping tool where basically as you're shopping in one click, it will find you the best price on fashion. So it's like, say you're looking at like a thousand dollar Gucci bag. Fia pops up and then you ask it, should I buy it? And it's like, girl, no, the price is high.

I did. And I was delusional. And I was like, this bitch is trying to sabotage me. She doesn't realize he's my husband. Whatever.

I did. And I was delusional. And I was like, this bitch is trying to sabotage me. She doesn't realize he's my husband. Whatever.

Like you can buy this for $250 on the RealReal or on like eBay, whatever. And then you can save like 75% off. And so it was honestly the tool that we wished we had in college because what me and Phoebe really bonded over is we loved secondhand shopping.

Like you can buy this for $250 on the RealReal or on like eBay, whatever. And then you can save like 75% off. And so it was honestly the tool that we wished we had in college because what me and Phoebe really bonded over is we loved secondhand shopping.

but it's just so hard there's so many sites like you never know if like one reseller scamming you or not and so we built this like really easy tool so that anyone while they're shopping can get this like instant price track kind of like google flights for fashion and i honestly think we were really nervous this morning but just seeing girls like dm us being like wait this is so smart like this is so helpful like now i can save time and money and like i'm so glad that you guys built this and thought about us so someone listening today

but it's just so hard there's so many sites like you never know if like one reseller scamming you or not and so we built this like really easy tool so that anyone while they're shopping can get this like instant price track kind of like google flights for fashion and i honestly think we were really nervous this morning but just seeing girls like dm us being like wait this is so smart like this is so helpful like now i can save time and money and like i'm so glad that you guys built this and thought about us so someone listening today

You go to the app store. You download Fia. You basically click a button that says, take me to Safari. You go to Safari. You click. And then you turn on the extension. You toggle it on. And then there's two pop-ups that show up. And then you need to say, I want to allow Fia on every shopping website. Every website is the key. Not for one day. Not for just this website. Every website.

You go to the app store. You download Fia. You basically click a button that says, take me to Safari. You go to Safari. You click. And then you turn on the extension. You toggle it on. And then there's two pop-ups that show up. And then you need to say, I want to allow Fia on every shopping website. Every website is the key. Not for one day. Not for just this website. Every website.

That's where everyone falls off. And then you're done. It's honestly like one, two, three. App, toggle, permissions, you're done.

That's where everyone falls off. And then you're done. It's honestly like one, two, three. App, toggle, permissions, you're done.

And I'm like, what kids? And also, how is that how you're going to react to this? Like, that is so negative. But I'm still delusionally believing he's my childhood sweetheart, whatever. We're going to get married. And then me and Phoebe are talking. She's like, you're going to break up with him. I'm like, she's literally trying to sabotage me. Fast forward, we're roommates.

And I'm like, what kids? And also, how is that how you're going to react to this? Like, that is so negative. But I'm still delusionally believing he's my childhood sweetheart, whatever. We're going to get married. And then me and Phoebe are talking. She's like, you're going to break up with him. I'm like, she's literally trying to sabotage me. Fast forward, we're roommates.

This was actually before we're roommates. This is like lore. We're roommates. I've very recently broken up with him. I'm basically like sobbing, trying to keep it together. I'm not in my bag at all. I'm a mess. The bag has fallen off. And Phoebe's like, are you okay? What's wrong? And I'm like, we did break up. She's like, I knew it.

This was actually before we're roommates. This is like lore. We're roommates. I've very recently broken up with him. I'm basically like sobbing, trying to keep it together. I'm not in my bag at all. I'm a mess. The bag has fallen off. And Phoebe's like, are you okay? What's wrong? And I'm like, we did break up. She's like, I knew it.

But then she actually ends up being the most incredible person on the planet. Like the most supportive friend gives me such good advice. And I was like, whoa, I love this girl. And I'm fake tanning at 2 a.m. I'm butt naked. She's talking to me. We're talking for hours. And I'm like, this is my soul sister. We really just got along instantly after I stopped being...

But then she actually ends up being the most incredible person on the planet. Like the most supportive friend gives me such good advice. And I was like, whoa, I love this girl. And I'm fake tanning at 2 a.m. I'm butt naked. She's talking to me. We're talking for hours. And I'm like, this is my soul sister. We really just got along instantly after I stopped being...

like a robot and I broke down my walls and I just opened up and I actually talked about what was going on. And we talked about like, yeah, the divorces, the ex-boyfriends, like we realized how much we had in common. It was amazing.

like a robot and I broke down my walls and I just opened up and I actually talked about what was going on. And we talked about like, yeah, the divorces, the ex-boyfriends, like we realized how much we had in common. It was amazing.

It was a true arc. It was a true arc. All alone.

It was a true arc. It was a true arc. All alone.

So in college, I discovered that I'm doing public speaking. And you're supposed to get paid when you public speak. And I need to pay my Stanford tuition. So I'm like, hey, can you give me $100 to do this speech? Everyone laughs in my face. They're like, absolutely not. So I'm like, OK, well, how can I get people to pay me? And one of my friends goes, well, you can have a fake assistant.

So in college, I discovered that I'm doing public speaking. And you're supposed to get paid when you public speak. And I need to pay my Stanford tuition. So I'm like, hey, can you give me $100 to do this speech? Everyone laughs in my face. They're like, absolutely not. So I'm like, OK, well, how can I get people to pay me? And one of my friends goes, well, you can have a fake assistant.

Make it a man and make him negotiate your deals for you. And I'm like, that's so psychotic. You're a genius. I'm going to do that.

Make it a man and make him negotiate your deals for you. And I'm like, that's so psychotic. You're a genius. I'm going to do that.

So I create like Kobe Sophia team at Gmail dot com or something. I have a friend named Kobe. I'm so paranoid. I'm like, I'm going to put you on the phone. If anyone ever asks, you're my assistant. OK, he's like, you're psychotic. But I'm like, it's going to work. So Kobe, every time someone emails me, I'm like looping in my assistant Kobe to take it from here.

So I create like Kobe Sophia team at Gmail dot com or something. I have a friend named Kobe. I'm so paranoid. I'm like, I'm going to put you on the phone. If anyone ever asks, you're my assistant. OK, he's like, you're psychotic. But I'm like, it's going to work. So Kobe, every time someone emails me, I'm like looping in my assistant Kobe to take it from here.

Kobe's a hard ass he's like Sophia has spoken at all these places her rates are this and this he starts out with like a thousand dollars he's like she's gonna speak for a thousand dollars I'm like shitting my pants I'm like everyone's gonna think I'm a fraud this is so much money they're like done absolutely whatever Miss Keanu desires I'm like, I am Miss Keani now. I am Miss Keani now.

Kobe's a hard ass he's like Sophia has spoken at all these places her rates are this and this he starts out with like a thousand dollars he's like she's gonna speak for a thousand dollars I'm like shitting my pants I'm like everyone's gonna think I'm a fraud this is so much money they're like done absolutely whatever Miss Keanu desires I'm like, I am Miss Keani now. I am Miss Keani now.

I was so paranoid. I would change the way that Kobe did his grammar to not sound like me. I would capitalize weirdly. Then when I had to loop myself back in, I would talk and sign off my emails in a different way. I had a whole elaborate scheme going on. And then I was telling Phoebe, I eventually got in way over my head. I promoted to my chief of staff because I was like, one thousand.

I was so paranoid. I would change the way that Kobe did his grammar to not sound like me. I would capitalize weirdly. Then when I had to loop myself back in, I would talk and sign off my emails in a different way. I had a whole elaborate scheme going on. And then I was telling Phoebe, I eventually got in way over my head. I promoted to my chief of staff because I was like, one thousand.

Let's try five thousand. Like, let's keep upping the stakes. We actually had a guest on the burnouts recently. And she's like, I don't know if you remember, but I actually talked to Kobe when you were in college. And I'm literally like about to die of embarrassment. I'm genuinely so embarrassed. And she's like, you looped in Kobe.

Let's try five thousand. Like, let's keep upping the stakes. We actually had a guest on the burnouts recently. And she's like, I don't know if you remember, but I actually talked to Kobe when you were in college. And I'm literally like about to die of embarrassment. I'm genuinely so embarrassed. And she's like, you looped in Kobe.

And then you were like, Sophia would love to do this, but you need to cover her travel and accommodations. And she also needs a speaking stipend. And I'm like so embarrassed. I am actually about to die. And she was like, honestly, at the time I was like, I don't think a college student would have an assistant, but I love this for her. And honestly, this does make sense. Like I will.

And then you were like, Sophia would love to do this, but you need to cover her travel and accommodations. And she also needs a speaking stipend. And I'm like so embarrassed. I am actually about to die. And she was like, honestly, at the time I was like, I don't think a college student would have an assistant, but I love this for her. And honestly, this does make sense. Like I will.

And she paid me. She literally paid me, paid for my flights, whatever, because of Kobe. No, this is so embarrassing. I think it's so genius.

And she paid me. She literally paid me, paid for my flights, whatever, because of Kobe. No, this is so embarrassing. I think it's so genius.

Okay. I told Phoebe I was going to take this to the grave with me because it's genuinely also... But we agreed. She'll share it. I wanted to gatekeep it because it's such a good hack. So when I got into Stanford, I was like, oh my God, I need to apply for scholarships. I need to have scholarships to pay for college.

Okay. I told Phoebe I was going to take this to the grave with me because it's genuinely also... But we agreed. She'll share it. I wanted to gatekeep it because it's such a good hack. So when I got into Stanford, I was like, oh my God, I need to apply for scholarships. I need to have scholarships to pay for college.

I'm applying for these scholarships and they all have this section where it's like, include links about yourself if there are articles about you. And I'm like, the fuck? How the hell do you have an article written about you? That's so crazy. So I'm like, OK, how do I get a journalist to write an article about me? And I use this thing called Rocket Reach. You can find anyone's email.

I'm applying for these scholarships and they all have this section where it's like, include links about yourself if there are articles about you. And I'm like, the fuck? How the hell do you have an article written about you? That's so crazy. So I'm like, OK, how do I get a journalist to write an article about me? And I use this thing called Rocket Reach. You can find anyone's email.

Anyway, so I'm emailing all these journalists. Obviously, they're like, who is this psychotic 19-year-old trying to pitch herself? She's so embarrassing. I was so embarrassing. So I'm like, OK, this isn't working. I need another way. I go on Twitter and go look at these journalists. And by the grace of God, I see this one journalist. And she posts this thing that's like, hashtag journal request.

Anyway, so I'm emailing all these journalists. Obviously, they're like, who is this psychotic 19-year-old trying to pitch herself? She's so embarrassing. I was so embarrassing. So I'm like, OK, this isn't working. I need another way. I go on Twitter and go look at these journalists. And by the grace of God, I see this one journalist. And she posts this thing that's like, hashtag journal request.

looking for a source to speak about climate change, something like that. And I'm like, me, me, me, me, me, me, me, me, me. I slide into her DMs. I email her, whatever. First time I am ever in a story. And I'm like, there must be more of this. I go to this hashtag, hashtag journal request. It's like hundreds of journalists every single day.

looking for a source to speak about climate change, something like that. And I'm like, me, me, me, me, me, me, me, me, me. I slide into her DMs. I email her, whatever. First time I am ever in a story. And I'm like, there must be more of this. I go to this hashtag, hashtag journal request. It's like hundreds of journalists every single day.

They are posting, looking for people to interview for things. And I'm like, I am going to email every single person who is doing this. And I am going to have links. Correction, Kobe emailed everything. Sorry, yeah, Kobe's emailing them. I'm going to email all of these people. And I'm going to have articles to link in my scholarship application. And let me tell you, my friends all were like,

They are posting, looking for people to interview for things. And I'm like, I am going to email every single person who is doing this. And I am going to have links. Correction, Kobe emailed everything. Sorry, yeah, Kobe's emailing them. I'm going to email all of these people. And I'm going to have articles to link in my scholarship application. And let me tell you, my friends all were like,

are you famous or something? Do you have a PR person? Like, how are you every single week? If Phoebe's like professional award receiver, yeah, because I engineered it. Like, it was literally like every week I am DMing these people, I'm emailing these people, whatever, because I'm like, I need links to put in these scholarship applications.

are you famous or something? Do you have a PR person? Like, how are you every single week? If Phoebe's like professional award receiver, yeah, because I engineered it. Like, it was literally like every week I am DMing these people, I'm emailing these people, whatever, because I'm like, I need links to put in these scholarship applications.

And fast forward, I think the most important thing to say is I ended up going on this interview live on TV because of a journal request. And they thought I was a good fit. So I go on. I talk about my climate change background. I talk about my climate change nonprofit, my UN work, whatever. And I swear to God, it was like a miracle.

And fast forward, I think the most important thing to say is I ended up going on this interview live on TV because of a journal request. And they thought I was a good fit. So I go on. I talk about my climate change background. I talk about my climate change nonprofit, my UN work, whatever. And I swear to God, it was like a miracle.

These people emailed me and said, we run this scholarship organization. We have closed applications for the season. But we heard your story. We thought it was so amazing. We would love to extend you an invite to apply for a scholarship. And I'm like, this cannot be real. And I apply and I got the scholarship. And it was all because of this fucking journal request hack.

These people emailed me and said, we run this scholarship organization. We have closed applications for the season. But we heard your story. We thought it was so amazing. We would love to extend you an invite to apply for a scholarship. And I'm like, this cannot be real. And I apply and I got the scholarship. And it was all because of this fucking journal request hack.

I'm so mad. I'm like, five minutes. Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding. We're done. We're not talking about this anymore.

One hundred and twenty percent. The only reason I was able to take that leap of faith, move to New York City and work on the company was because of Phoebe. I think honestly, throughout college, it was very much for me. Fake it until you make it like I put on this confident aura. Deeply still, I was insecure and scared.

And for the first time, it was like seeing this person who believed in us and honestly who believed in me that we could do this together made me tell my parents, listen, like, I'm taking a leave of absence. I'm leaving Stanford. I know I worked so hard for this. Like, I know this was my dream. but I need to do this. This is our calling.

And it was honestly only because of Phoebe, because she said, I know we can do it. I know this is an opportunity. You need to believe in yourself because I believe in us. And I was like, you're so right. And I want to do this. I don't want to be an environmental lawyer. I don't want to work for the UN. I want to build this company with you for the next five or 10 years. We can do it. You're right.

And it's just so surreal to think yeah, we were bumbling and fumbling in our dorm room, building a smart tampon. We had no idea what we were doing. And now we launched Fia and we launched a product we are genuinely so proud of that we poured our blood, sweat, and tears into. And it was all because Phoebe was like, it's worth it. We can take the leap of faith. Stanford will always be there.

It's worth it.

I think it's about Phoebe really made me understand you are a byproduct of your own beliefs. And if they're self-limiting, that's how your life is going to pan out. You can't have a scarcity mindset. And I think especially when you come from a background where you're being... pushed to do something really typical, like climb the career ladder, get the pedigree.

You never think about what if, like what if you take that risk? And Phoebe being able to do that for me has everything to do with just who she is as a person. Like that's just how you're wired.

We lay down the law. That's the reality.

Someone asked that to us, like literally an investor on a call was like, so what's going to happen to your company when you have kids? And we were like, what's going to happen to your venture firm when you have kids?

I'm like, what about you? Huh? And he's like, why would that affect anything? And I was like, you answered your own question.

Sophia that's all you sis this is such an embarrassing story and Phoebe knows exactly what I'm talking about because I talk about it all the time because I just can't forget it because I'm so embarrassed but we went to so Michael Rubin had this charity party for it was like a poker charity party right we're

freaking out this is so cool all these cool people are there we're like oh my god we look we need to look amazing whatever so my dumb ass wears like these five inch stiletto heels because i need to look like a bomb ass bitch and so we go to this poker night thing and i'm like walking down the stairs being like don't fall don't fall it's a huge like it's like so here's probably what 200 people in here and there's a staircase like this we think we're having our moment

Like slow motion. I'm like Cinderella story. You're like, exactly. I fucking tumble. Like, I'm not even joking. It was like a movie, like two flights of stairs. I like collapse on the floor. I am literally, I swear to God, gushing blood from my leg. I'm wearing a long dress. No one can see it. I'm gushing blood. I'm like, I have a concussion. And then I look up, I'm dizzy. I think it's Phoebe.

And I'm like, yo, bro, I need help. And then literally she goes, yo, bro, it is Jay-Z. No. It is fucking Jay-Z being like, hey, are you okay? I'm literally like... He goes, that was really embarrassing. I'm like, I literally can't speak. I'm just like... Yeah, and he literally goes... I know you're embarrassed, right? It's OK. Don't be. It's going to be OK. Are you OK? I'm like, yes, sir.

Absolutely. I am so OK. Do not worry at all. I am so good. Please, please, just please leave. I'm going to start crying. Please, please, please, please, please go away.

I did. I threw them all the way.

Yes, of course. He was such a gentleman. He was so sweet. He literally was like, hey, do you need someone to come over here? I'm like, no, no, I promise. I'm so OK. This is so embarrassing. Everyone's looking at me. Please stop. You're like, no, I just need to leave. I was like, I need to leave. And then anyway, he like helps me up so sweet and then leaves.

And then Phoebe walks over and I'm like, I am so embarrassed. I need to leave. Like, I'm literally gushing blood. Phoebe's like, no, I want to go play poker. Phoebe is a blackjack god. Do you want to tell her what happened after this? Much more important, actually, part of the story. Well,

Thank you, Phoebe. Well, I was like, OK, I am in my bag. And I am here on a mission. I am going to graduate from Stanford. I'm going to law school. I'm bossed up. This irrelevant person does not matter. No, I'm joking.

That's actually so cool. I'm gushing blood losing this game. I have no idea how to play. I look over. The whole crowd is around Phoebe. Phoebe, the fucking mastermind beating Tom Brady at blackjack. And everyone's like, Who is that girl? I told everyone I was an influencer.

I'm again like, Tom Brady knows who you are. This is so insane.

Okay, well, Phoebe would always make fun of me in college because I was... She had a template email. I did. A template lie email. I had a template lie email because I was trying to juggle so much in college with all our work stuff. Justify it, sister. And my own, like, my climate and my UN stuff, whatever. I had so much going on and I obviously always needed a deadline extension on my stuff.

Yeah, just keep talking. And you're like, and then this is the reason I also had to do it. And then this is the reason I... What did you do? So I had a folder of image... This sounds so crazy. So...

so i so i had a folder of images that i had with like really random like weird crazy people right no with famous people with famous people but like like the pope famous not like dolly mama and the pope and malala yeah in this folder yes malala and one photo of her in the hospital from when she the hospital photo many times.

I have a folder of photos that I know I can attach to an email that guarantees me a get out of jail free card. When you tell your professor, I'm so sorry. I am meeting the Pope this week. I really need an extension. They are all like, absolutely. You get the extension. A hundred percent. It always works. Phoebe's like, you're going to hell.

I have E. coli.

I did. I have a cell. It was a selfie of me going like this in my hospital. Pull it up with like my hospital band. So they couldn't because I was like, I'm really sick right now. And they're like, it's due tomorrow. And I'm like, I'm literally in the hospital. Can you? You are so mean. You're horrible. You're horrible.

Four years. Whoa.

I'm like, I'm so sorry. I'm delirious. This is the only thing I can send you. This is literally like I'm in the hospital. Do you know what a horrible person you have to be to tell someone they can't have an extension if they have literally given you a selfie in the hospital? And I'm green.

Five years sounds crazy.

I would always tell Phoebe, you have to fucking cover for me, bro. I'm dead. I'm like literally dead at the hospital.

but I'm just going to warn you like it's not going to end well. My relationship has ended and I'm like, I'm a guy's never going to look at me again. I'm so devastated. I don't know how to talk to boys. And Alejandro comes up to me.

And he's like so buff. So sexy. And he comes up to me at a party and he's like talking to me. He's flirting with me. I'm like, oh my God. And this whole time I'm like, Phoebe, ew, I would never go for Alejandro. I have no idea what you're talking about. You're psychotic. He comes over and woos me. And then I go back and I'm like, Phoebe, Alejandro was flirting with me. I'm really flustered.

I don't know what to do. Phoebe's like, dude, go for it. I get it. But just know like he on the low sucks. And I'm like, but he was just so charismatic and beautiful and handsome and sweet and smart. And oh, my God, he's just the best. And it ended up in flames.

Wait. We're like best friends now. He has like a really hot girlfriend. We're really happy for him. It's actually really disappointing.

Like he's a good boyfriend.

Oh, my God. This is so embarrassing. But the first time that I met Bill, we were going to a concert or something. And so it was like me and Phoebe and a couple of friends. And we were all staying at Phoebe's house. And so her dad was there, which I am an idiot. And obviously, people's parents are at their houses. So I literally have face gems all over my face.

A senator? Yes. Oh my God. So really, it was so crazy because we become roommates. We don't really know each other at all. We're like randomly paired. We had that one dinner.

Yes, I'm like literally like in my sparkly set with my face gems, blah, blah, blah. I'm walking, I'm walking, I'm walking. Boom, I run straight into Bill Gates. And he's like, wow, I like your outfit. Who are you? And I'm like, I'm Sophia. I'm Phoebe's co-founder, actually. We're in business together. He's like, oh, it's really nice to meet you, Sophia. I like your outfit. I'm like...

so so nice to meet you bill so nice i need to go i need to go and then i'm literally like phoebe why would you not tell me your dad is here this is so weird and embarrassing like i don't want to meet anyone's parents with fucking glitter all over my face and she's like did you not think my parents were going to be here like hello obviously i i just was dumb but it was literally i i honestly still every time i see your dad i'm like he probably thinks i'm so honestly probably does not remember at

Honestly, it's been so exciting. Sophia is currently on the top 100 shopping charts. We were basically crying and then we were like, wait, we are makeup needs to look good for call her daddy. Um, because we were so excited, but honestly, it's just been such a long time in the making.

When we were in college, we probably had no idea that what we would end up launching is now Fia is an app and a shopping tool where basically as you're shopping in one click, it will find you the best price on fashion. So it's like, say you're looking at like a thousand dollar Gucci bag. Fia pops up and then you ask it, should I buy it? And it's like, girl, no, the price is high.

I did. And I was delusional. And I was like, this bitch is trying to sabotage me. She doesn't realize he's my husband. Whatever.

Like you can buy this for $250 on the RealReal or on like eBay, whatever. And then you can save like 75% off. And so it was honestly the tool that we wished we had in college because what me and Phoebe really bonded over is we loved secondhand shopping.

but it's just so hard there's so many sites like you never know if like one reseller scamming you or not and so we built this like really easy tool so that anyone while they're shopping can get this like instant price track kind of like google flights for fashion and i honestly think we were really nervous this morning but just seeing girls like dm us being like wait this is so smart like this is so helpful like now i can save time and money and like i'm so glad that you guys built this and thought about us so someone listening today

You go to the app store. You download Fia. You basically click a button that says, take me to Safari. You go to Safari. You click. And then you turn on the extension. You toggle it on. And then there's two pop-ups that show up. And then you need to say, I want to allow Fia on every shopping website. Every website is the key. Not for one day. Not for just this website. Every website.

That's where everyone falls off. And then you're done. It's honestly like one, two, three. App, toggle, permissions, you're done.

And I'm like, what kids? And also, how is that how you're going to react to this? Like, that is so negative. But I'm still delusionally believing he's my childhood sweetheart, whatever. We're going to get married. And then me and Phoebe are talking. She's like, you're going to break up with him. I'm like, she's literally trying to sabotage me. Fast forward, we're roommates.

This was actually before we're roommates. This is like lore. We're roommates. I've very recently broken up with him. I'm basically like sobbing, trying to keep it together. I'm not in my bag at all. I'm a mess. The bag has fallen off. And Phoebe's like, are you okay? What's wrong? And I'm like, we did break up. She's like, I knew it.

But then she actually ends up being the most incredible person on the planet. Like the most supportive friend gives me such good advice. And I was like, whoa, I love this girl. And I'm fake tanning at 2 a.m. I'm butt naked. She's talking to me. We're talking for hours. And I'm like, this is my soul sister. We really just got along instantly after I stopped being...

like a robot and I broke down my walls and I just opened up and I actually talked about what was going on. And we talked about like, yeah, the divorces, the ex-boyfriends, like we realized how much we had in common. It was amazing.

It was a true arc. It was a true arc. All alone.

So in college, I discovered that I'm doing public speaking. And you're supposed to get paid when you public speak. And I need to pay my Stanford tuition. So I'm like, hey, can you give me $100 to do this speech? Everyone laughs in my face. They're like, absolutely not. So I'm like, OK, well, how can I get people to pay me? And one of my friends goes, well, you can have a fake assistant.

Make it a man and make him negotiate your deals for you. And I'm like, that's so psychotic. You're a genius. I'm going to do that.

So I create like Kobe Sophia team at Gmail dot com or something. I have a friend named Kobe. I'm so paranoid. I'm like, I'm going to put you on the phone. If anyone ever asks, you're my assistant. OK, he's like, you're psychotic. But I'm like, it's going to work. So Kobe, every time someone emails me, I'm like looping in my assistant Kobe to take it from here.

Kobe's a hard ass he's like Sophia has spoken at all these places her rates are this and this he starts out with like a thousand dollars he's like she's gonna speak for a thousand dollars I'm like shitting my pants I'm like everyone's gonna think I'm a fraud this is so much money they're like done absolutely whatever Miss Keanu desires I'm like, I am Miss Keani now. I am Miss Keani now.

I was so paranoid. I would change the way that Kobe did his grammar to not sound like me. I would capitalize weirdly. Then when I had to loop myself back in, I would talk and sign off my emails in a different way. I had a whole elaborate scheme going on. And then I was telling Phoebe, I eventually got in way over my head. I promoted to my chief of staff because I was like, one thousand.

Let's try five thousand. Like, let's keep upping the stakes. We actually had a guest on the burnouts recently. And she's like, I don't know if you remember, but I actually talked to Kobe when you were in college. And I'm literally like about to die of embarrassment. I'm genuinely so embarrassed. And she's like, you looped in Kobe.

And then you were like, Sophia would love to do this, but you need to cover her travel and accommodations. And she also needs a speaking stipend. And I'm like so embarrassed. I am actually about to die. And she was like, honestly, at the time I was like, I don't think a college student would have an assistant, but I love this for her. And honestly, this does make sense. Like I will.

And she paid me. She literally paid me, paid for my flights, whatever, because of Kobe. No, this is so embarrassing. I think it's so genius.

Okay. I told Phoebe I was going to take this to the grave with me because it's genuinely also... But we agreed. She'll share it. I wanted to gatekeep it because it's such a good hack. So when I got into Stanford, I was like, oh my God, I need to apply for scholarships. I need to have scholarships to pay for college.

I'm applying for these scholarships and they all have this section where it's like, include links about yourself if there are articles about you. And I'm like, the fuck? How the hell do you have an article written about you? That's so crazy. So I'm like, OK, how do I get a journalist to write an article about me? And I use this thing called Rocket Reach. You can find anyone's email.

Anyway, so I'm emailing all these journalists. Obviously, they're like, who is this psychotic 19-year-old trying to pitch herself? She's so embarrassing. I was so embarrassing. So I'm like, OK, this isn't working. I need another way. I go on Twitter and go look at these journalists. And by the grace of God, I see this one journalist. And she posts this thing that's like, hashtag journal request.

looking for a source to speak about climate change, something like that. And I'm like, me, me, me, me, me, me, me, me, me. I slide into her DMs. I email her, whatever. First time I am ever in a story. And I'm like, there must be more of this. I go to this hashtag, hashtag journal request. It's like hundreds of journalists every single day.

They are posting, looking for people to interview for things. And I'm like, I am going to email every single person who is doing this. And I am going to have links. Correction, Kobe emailed everything. Sorry, yeah, Kobe's emailing them. I'm going to email all of these people. And I'm going to have articles to link in my scholarship application. And let me tell you, my friends all were like,

are you famous or something? Do you have a PR person? Like, how are you every single week? If Phoebe's like professional award receiver, yeah, because I engineered it. Like, it was literally like every week I am DMing these people, I'm emailing these people, whatever, because I'm like, I need links to put in these scholarship applications.

And fast forward, I think the most important thing to say is I ended up going on this interview live on TV because of a journal request. And they thought I was a good fit. So I go on. I talk about my climate change background. I talk about my climate change nonprofit, my UN work, whatever. And I swear to God, it was like a miracle.

These people emailed me and said, we run this scholarship organization. We have closed applications for the season. But we heard your story. We thought it was so amazing. We would love to extend you an invite to apply for a scholarship. And I'm like, this cannot be real. And I apply and I got the scholarship. And it was all because of this fucking journal request hack.