Latest news with #SophiaBegg
News.com.au
26-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- News.com.au
‘It is all we can afford': Influencer's Kmart discovery divides
Aussie influencer Sopha Dopha's claim that people have been gatekeeping how affordable Kmart clothes are has sparked a heated conversation about privilege. The 21-year-old, who goes by the name Sopha Dopha online but whose real name is Sophia Begg, has over a million followers online. She has sparked debate by sharing she had no idea Kmart sold such affordable and cute clothes. 'Why did no one tell me that Kmart clothes eat? Why are we all gatekeeping?' She asked. The influencer explained that when she was in Kmart buying homeware, she made what she thought was a shock discovery – the budget retail chain sells affordable and cute clothing. The influencer was so inspired, she then decided to share this discovery with her followers. She did a haul video showing off what she'd bought, including the 'cutest bag' she'd ever seen for $22. 'This would cost like $100 dollars everywhere else,' she said. In the two-minute video the influencer shared that she'd bought tops, jumpers, pants and even a bag and seemed delighted that it only cost her $150. But Ms Begg's haul shock divided her followers, with some finding the fact that she'd only just discovered Kmart clothing a sign of her privilege. 'Our tax bracket differences are showing,' one follower remarked. 'How? I just didn't realise they had cute clothes,' Ms Begg wrote back. Another Aussie jumped in and said that Ms Begg's shock that Kmart sold affordable clothing came across as 'clueless to the current money situation in the country.' 'Normal living Australians who aren't rich know that Kmart has good clothes,' someone else said. 'Literally, no one was gatekeeping. I thought this was common knowledge,' someone else said, and Ms Begg replied, 'What?' When another jumped in and said Ms Begg must be living in a 'little bubble' to not realise Kmart had been slaying for years. 'Girl, relax,' Ms Begg replied. Later, she explained she knew Kmart was 'bomb' but didn't know it was a great source for trendy clothes. 'Tell me you're an influencer who has the privilege to not have to consider Kmart for their clothes without telling me,' another said. 'No babe, you're just rich. We all buying Kmart,' one noted. 'Gatekeeping? No it's all we can afford,' someone else said. 'Babe everyone has been talking about it,' another said. Other Aussies, however, claimed the backlash stemmed from people 'jealous' of the influencer, and another argued that she shouldn't be 'shamed' for being rich. 'I wouldn't know what Kmart sold if I was an influencer and had brands send me free shit either,' another argued. 'You've got to be kidding me! This is amazing,' someone else said. 'All the comments saying, 'It's all we can afford,' and 'we aren't all rich like you', stop. It's giving jealousy. She worked hard for where she is. Let the girl enjoy her Kmart clothes,' one slammed. 'Leave the poor girl alone,' another demanded.
News.com.au
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
How Internet Sensation Sophadopha Built Her Fashion Empire
For 21-year-old Sophia Begg, starting a fashion business at just 19 years old with her mother was definitely not always the plan. 'In school, I wanted to be a doctor and my mum was a lawyer before this, so we went into it with absolutely no e-commerce or supply chain experience,' she tells checkout. It was October 2020, when her life changed overnight. The then-16-year-old posted her first-ever TikTok and would go on to become one of Australia's top content creators. At the time of writing, Sophia, more commonly known as her social media handle Sophadopha, has a combined following of over two million followers on Instagram and TikTok. With a few years of popularity under her belt, the Aussie star certainly knows what it takes to go viral online and used this to her advantage when launching her own brand, All For Mimi and their new cult 'boob job' tank top that Aussies are obsessed with. 'CREATE PIECES WOMEN COULD FEEL BEAUTIFUL AND CONFIDENT IN' With her mother, Suzy Cotter, as a co-founder, All For Mimi officially launched in November 2023. While starting a new business is always risky, it's a passion project for the mother-daughter duo. They began work around 12 months before even receiving their first sample. From there, it took another year to get the product right and launch the brand onto the market. The name is an ode to Sophia's great-great-grandmother, who had her own bridal couture and lingerie boutique during the 1920s and is a source of inspiration to her family. 'Her love for glamorous fashion, coupled with her refusing to accept the status quo, has stayed with me as I've grown into the woman I am with a desire to follow in her footsteps,' writes Sophia on the brand's website. 'I wanted to dedicate my brand to Mimi in her honour, and I hope to carry on her legacy in my work.' This legacy is evident in the brand's products. 'Both my mum and I wanted to create pieces women could feel beautiful and confident in,' says Sophia. With this in mind, the brand has a large size range from XXS to XXXXL, something the co-founders are very proud of. 'Lots of small businesses and even larger ones don't offer this,' Sophia says. This proved true at Australian Fashion Week. Only 1.1 per cent of looks presented by designers were plus-size (AU 18+), 8.7 per cent were mid-size (AU 10-16), and 90.2 per cent were straight-size (AU 4-8), according to Vogue Australia. And according to research from body-positive fashion app Mys Tyler, the average Australian woman wears a size 14-16. They also report that 52 per cent of Australian women wear size 16 and above and over 36 per cent are considered plus-size, wearing a size 18 and above. For All For Mimi, a small and fairly new brand, to actually cater to these sizes is truly an incredible feat. 'BOOB JOB' TANK TOP Despite being less than two years old, the brand has already had multiple sellout buys. 'In our first year, it was definitely our Harper jacket and our oversized tees, but since launching our tank tops a few months ago, they have gone crazy,' Sophia says. The $59 tank top may seem like your average singlet but Aussies have gone mad for it and its 'boosting' effects. TikToker @jacquiealexander_, who regularly posts about having a smaller chest, is obsessed with the tank and joked about it giving her a boob job. 'I'm actually dead. I don't know what Miss Sophadopha has put in this thing but guys, I have boobs,' she said. Sophia says the virality was not something they expected but something they are 'so excited' about. 'They are currently sold out and restocking very soon. The pre-order for them went ballistic,' she says. At its peak, two units were sold every minute and over 3000 customers are on the waitlist for the next drop. 'HAVING THAT AUDIENCE BUILT ALREADY DEFINITELY HELPS' The 21-year-old has worked with some of the world's biggest brands, including Dolce & Gabbana Beauty, YSL Beauty, Maybelline and Princess Polly. She says it is this exposure to top brands that has helped her know what works and what doesn't. 'My experience with being a creator has helped a lot more than I thought it would,' Sophia says. 'I know exactly what I like and don't like when it comes to clothes after wearing and trying on so many from other brands in the past few years.' Plus, while other small businesses struggle with exposure, thanks to Sophia's in-built fanbase and customers, this wasn't a problem for All For Mimi. 'Having that audience built already definitely helps with growing All for Mimi,' Sophia says. 'It influences the brand in so many ways, such as the pieces we create, the way we portray the brand on socials (especially TikTok), and just the overall messaging of the brand.' But as anyone knows, growing up in the public eye is never easy and Sophia credits her mum for all her success. 'I definitely couldn't do this job or journey without my mum, I owe everything to her,' she says. 'She is my absolute rock and any slight inconvenience you will see me running to her. 'I'm not going to lie, it has been very tough but I'm so glad we have each other to lean on.' And it's clear, this family bond has ensured that All For Mimi is going from strength to strength. 'When it first started, it was a mum and daughter brand, with just us two working on it,' Sophia says. 'My sister helped out by doing the website and emails and my brother-in-law, uncle, and boyfriend helped us in the warehouse at the start.' All For Mimi now has eight employees and Sophia says they are so beyond proud of every employee and what they've done for the business. When asked one tip that will stick with her, Sophia says, 'Every day you learn something new. It's all trial and error and we are all just figuring it out in real time, every day.' This mantra will no doubt keep Sophia and All For Mimi in good standing for years to come.
News.com.au
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
AFW 2025: Reporter's ‘diabolical' money question stuns influencer
A popular Australian influencer has unleashed after being asked a 'diabolical' question about how much she earns while attending Australian Fashion Week. Sophia Begg, best known as Sopha Dophaa on social media, has taken aim at several issues with the annual fashion event, which is being led by the Australian Fashion Council for the first time this year after long-running partner IMG pulled out after 20 years. The social media star, who has over 2 million followers across TikTok, Instagram and YouTube, just shared a scathing video after attending a string of 2025 AFW shows. In her lengthy rant, which runs for almost 8 minutes, Begg has taken aim at a journalist who quizzed her about her earnings and called out another influencer for commenting on her personal style. The 21-year-old Sydneysider also alleged the new organisers had stuffed up the week-long event with its redesign, describing it as a 'total s**t show'. 'Diabolical' money question Begg said she was left 'uncomfortable' after being asked how much money she makes as an influencer when she stopped to talk to a reporter outside of Sydney's Carriageworks, where AFW is held every year. 'I always say 'yes' to the interviews because it's a bit of fun, is part of the experience and is good for exposure,' she explained in the clip while also applying make-up. 'But a couple of questions I have been asked have been diabolical … some I feel were not appropriate.' Begg, who recently launched her own activewear label All For Mimi, went on to state that the most inappropriate question was about her income, saying she felt like it was designed to 'catch me out'. 'I was asked how much I get paid and what the biggest brand deal was that I've turned down,' she continued. 'They wanted to know what the brand was and how much the deal was worth but there's no way in hell I'm going to answer that. 'I've been raised that you just don't ask people about money … you don't ask people how much they make, but I feel like creators are just expected to talk about it to be transparent – but I just got really uncomfortable and I was shocked.' Begg went on to say that if the video is ever shared, you would be able to see she was 'stressed', adding she was 'freaking out' after the infamously 'awkward' moment she was interviewed by Tony Armstrong at the 2023 TikTok Creator of the Year Awards and she told the TV host to 'stop flirting with me'. 'When you're on the spot you say stupid stuff,' she explained. 'So I was just like, f**k, don't be stupid. But we shouldn't be putting people in that position at all.' 'Calls out' influencer who shamed her outfit Begg then moved on to an interview where her outfit was shamed by another creator, labelling the move 'toxic' and slamming the influencer for turning on her. The incident occurred when several AFC Australian Fashion Week attendees were asked: 'Who is the biggest micro trend final boss?' For those born before 1997 who are struggling to understand the question (me too), the term 'micro trend final boss' is used by Gen Z to describe an individual or outfit who regularly embraces short-lived. Often it is used to refer to someone who consumes fast-fashion, which is widely perceived to be a negative trait by the younger generations. 'You can see [in the video] almost everyone is uncomfortable and doesn't want to answer that,' Begg claimed. 'Why are you even asking that? We are at Australian Fashion Week, lets talk about fashion … I wouldn't be asking whose fashion sucks. 'You're pretty much asking people to name a creator and call them out. That's just not it. The Australian influencer scene is already so toxic.' She also said it breeds a culture of 'bringing others down' and revealed she was 'named by someone who wore Shein' in the video, which has since been deleted after facing backlash. AFW 2025 is a 's**t show' Begg concluded by stating it wasn't just the pre-runaway antics that were disappointing, claiming the event had been poorly managed and was a 'total s**t show'. Other creators were quick to agree with Begg in the comments section of the video, which has been viewed almost 300,000 times at the time of publication. Jack Cooper, who is known for his funny videos, said he '100 per cent' agreed. 'I THOUGHT THIS TOO!!! Like, it's got this whole like mean/toxic vibe,' he wrote. 'The micro trend final boss video was awful, I felt uncomfy watching it,' another noted. While one said: 'Why are the trying to make creators cancelled for their answers or start war between creators. It's disgusting.' Begg isn't the only creator who has aired their frustrations at the annual event this year. Mulan, a sustainable fashion content creator, called out an 'overall lack of diversity in types of people being invited' to the event. 'Australian Fashion Week please do better,' she captioned a clip which advocated for better representation for minority groups. While Perth influencer Sonali Fernando, who regularly posts about issues for people of colour in the fashion industry, described the 2025 event as 'a disaster'. has contacted the Australian Fashion Council for further comment. Despite her gripes, Begg still attended AFW events on Thursday, wearing a slinky silver dress and posing for photographers outside of the venue. On Tuesday, she attended wearing a lime green crop top and matching skirt.
Daily Mail
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
TikTok star Sopha Dopha bares her ripped abs at Australian Fashion Week in bizarre lettuce inspired ensemble
Sopha Dopha - real name Sophia Begg - has raised some eyebrows after being spotted at Australian Fashion Week in an adventurous ensemble. The TikTok star, 21, who has 1.4 million followers on the platform, arrived at Carriageworks in Sydney 's Eveleigh district wearing a fluffy, green two-piece by Selezza London that resembled a leafy vegetable. The top, which was made with a ruffled chiffon material, boasted billowy sleeves and was tied together at her chest to expose her killer abs and toned physique. The low-rise, puffy skirt, which matched in colour and texture, sat on her hips and dropped to her ankles. She accesorised the out-there fit with white, woven mules, a pearl necklace and a brown leather handbag as she posed for the cameras. The social media influencer wore her hair in waves across her shoulders while opting for a natural, glowy makeup look, ensuring that her brightly-coloured ensemble stole the show. Sophia recently celebrated her 21st birthday in style with a wild party on the Sydney Harbour. Throughout the day, she could be seen making out with a mystery beau who she has been dating for about one year. The online personality has yet to show his face, only sharing her partner's voice off-camera or in photos shared to her Instagram with his head cropped out or covered by her hand. Sophia took to her socials in December with a slew of content from her birthday celebration and she unwittingly revealed the identity of her high school sweetheart. Daily Mail Australia can reveal Sophia's man of mystery is Simon Collis, who she attended Terrigal High School with before enrolling in St. Joseph's Catholic College in East Gosford. Simon, 21, has a private Instagram account with 443 followers and has made a mere 11 posts. His display picture shows the young couple posing together in his bedroom for a selfie. Simon comes from a close knit family and is the youngest of three siblings, including an older brother and an older sister. His father Andy Collis is an expressive painter and art academic, who attended Sophia's 21st birthday party alongside his older brother Tom and Tom's wife, Rachel. 'Great night on an amazing yacht cruising around Sydney harbour last night to celebrate the 21st birthday of a beautiful friend. Xx thank you S. X,' Andy captioned a carousel of videos and photos from the early hours of Sophia's debaucherous birthday celebration. In it, Simon can be seen relaxing with his family members and later, dancing with them aboard the rented yacht and Sophia's scantily clad besties. 'Looked like a wonderful birthday party. I'm still waiting for 'S' to be revealed,' a family friend comment on the post, referring to Simon. The young couple appear to be smitten, with Sophia also commenting on Simon's dad's posts. He celebrated his own 21st birthday last April, with Andy sharing a touching tribute to his son on Instagram, writing: 'It's our youngest child's birthday: Simon is 21!! I love you, son - more than you'll ever know. Have a brilliant birthday. X.' It's unknown which profession Simon is in, however the entire Collis clan makes annual visits to volunteer at Kirsten Jade Children's rescue center in Thailand - an orphanage housing 50 children in Chiang Mai.
Daily Mail
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Aussie fashion label sparks outrage for tone-deaf move less than two weeks after issuing a grovelling apology to customers for overdue orders
An Aussie clothing brand has sparked outrage yet again despite issuing an apology to disgruntled customers who slammed the online store for failing to deliver orders. Peppermayo, a Sydney-based online company that ships globally, faced a barrage of criticism in recent weeks from angry customers. Customers claimed their orders were weeks or months overdue, while others said they had not received their refunds nor any communication from the brand. The brand faced intense backlash after it shared videos of a sponsored luxury influencer trip to Coachella. Despite issuing a public apology at the end of April, Peppermayo has enraged customers yet again with another brand-sponsored trip to Texas over the weekend. Aussie influencer Sophia Begg, 21, revealed her last-minute trip to Austin in a video shared to her TikTok account just days after the apology. 'Not me saying I wasn't travelling and settling down for a bit and now I'm flying to Texas and I found out like 30 hours ago,' Begg said in a TikTok video. Vlog posts suggest Ms Begg flew first class before meeting with other influencers including British reality star Lucinda Strafford. Peppermayo customers voiced their concerns that the costs of Ms Begg and Ms Strafford's trip to Texas were covered by the brand. It comes after Peppermayo sent a group of influencers on a lavish campaign to the Miami Grand Prix following Coachella on a lavish campaign. Frustrated customers have commented under several Peppermayo TikTok videos with the phrase: 'whereismyorderpeppermayo.' 'Paying influencers to travel over prioritising refunds/orders for loyal customers,' one person wrote. 'When they thought sending two influencers away on a brand trip, using their resources was a good idea, instead of hiring more people to fix the thousands of the complaints they r getting about orders,' another person commented. 'It's a shame seeing influencers associate themselves with this brand, if they look at every post the comments are filled with customer complaints,' a third person chimed. 'Just keep ignoring people and sending influencers places!! literally a college student with no money to spare and cannot get ahold of anyone to help,' a fourth added. Other customers begged Peppermayo to respond to their long-standing order issues. 'Can you guys respond to my email about the order I placed in February?,' one person wrote. 'Can you please ship the second half of my order I've been waiting 3 months,' a second person commented. Another frustrated customer explained she bought a dress during the Black Friday Sales in November, last year, and has not received her order. 'Can you please explain to me why your customer care is telling me that they are out of stock and is waiting to be restocked but on your website it is readily available to purchase,' she wrote. Other customers have escalated their complaints to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. The brand responded to select comments, advising each customer to 'send us a DM and our team will look into your order' followed by a love heart or kiss face emoji. Peppermayo founders Georgia Wright and Huayi Huang also issued a public apology to their customers in a post shared to Instagram in April. 'We understand that seeing our recent Coachella event may have been upsetting during this period. Please know these campaigns were planned months in advance,' they said. 'We want to sincerely apologise for the recent delays experienced by our amazing customers in receiving their orders, and for our lack of transparency during this time.' Peppermayo's founders Georgia Wright and Huayi Huang posted an official statement on social media in April apologising to their customers about the order delays The brand's statement cited unspecified 'external macroeconomic factors' which caused 'major technological and integration challenges'. They said the backlog is due to be cleared and the supply chain issues have been stabilised. The statement also acknowledged there was a lack of customer service staff to address complaints, but said more employees have since been brought on. The founders said 'as a small way of making it right' they were making the 'gesture' of offering free express shipping for a month from May 5 to the US, UK, Australia and Canada. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Peppermayo for comment. The Adelaide-born brand describes itself on its website as a 'Sydney based fashion biz with a diverse, trendy, female customer base'. Its Instagram page has 1.2million followers, while its TikTok account has over 327,000 followers.
