Rising Stars: Meet Sophia St. James of Phoenix

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sophia St. James

Hi Sophia, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Portland, Oregon. My grandparents raised me in a middle-class environment. I had a wonderful childhood as my grandfather provided everything I needed. I won my first pageant at 16. I was a cheerleader through middle school and high school. I also played the flute in my high school band. I remember growing up, I always marched in all the parades in my city. My grandmother fell ill when I was in elementary school. After she passed, it was my grandfather, my mother, and I. I was an only child. I hung out with my grandfather a lot. As I got older, I realized that he was my best friend and protector. He was seen that way by all the children in our family. He was the glue that held that family together. He helped raise 11 girls between his daughters, granddaughters, and great-granddaughters.
I joined the Army at 19 and became a combat nurse (LPN) with one of the top combat hospital units in the nation. I served for nine years and was deployed during Operation Enduring Freedom. When I came home, I gave birth to my first and only child. He was born 4 months and spent 89 days in the NICU. I was a nurse at the hospital I gave birth so I spent all my time that I wasn’t working with him in the NICU. Once he came home, we still had many doctor’s appointments to go to. He had open heart and lung surgery and his lung collapsed as well while in the NICU.
I remember my grandfather wanted to give me a night off so he took the little man and I went out with a friend. That is when I discovered burlesque and cabaret. There weren’t really any shows in my city, so I created one. The first show I performed in was the first show I produced. From that date, I have performed up and down the West Coast as well as in Toronto, Canada, the University of Tennessee, and Ohio. I have won awards for my performances and have sold out venue after venue.
I am a bit of a unicorn as I have several interests and businesses.
In 2023, I obtained my BSN and got my registered nursing license in 2024. I currently continue to produce shows within the burlesque and cannabis industries. I also have several small businesses that I manage. I am also a sex-positive instructor. I run a non-profit that provides resources for those within the sexual arts.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I have survived sexual assault. So many assume those who are sexually assaulted are “asking for it” in some way. By the way, they are dressed or where they are at. I was in my military uniform right off base. I openly discuss this because there is such a stigma surrounding assault victims. I also struggle with mental health conditions due to past trauma. Mental health is not addressed the way it should be. Many are afraid to discuss it. The only way to end the stigma and to learn and grow is to have open conversations about it. Be kind, always.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a published plus-size model, content creator, award-winning stage performer, and event producer. My focus is burlesque and cabaret performances. My burlesque company is Diamond Femme Productions and Black Pearl Burlesque. I am known for having entertaining, upbeat, sell-out shows where everyone is welcome to enjoy a variety of burlesque styles under one roof. I also produce cannabis events that focus on community and creativity under 420 Femme Productions. I am most proud of the support I get for my shows and events. I own a bath, body, & beauty brand called Diamond Luxuries.

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
For me, success is achieving my personal goals. When I work toward something and I succeed, then I feel fulfilled and productive. If I’m not working toward something, I’m not moving. If I’m not moving, I’m not living.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sophiastjames.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/sophiastjames
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/sparklingsophiastjames
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheOneSophiaStJames
• Other: https://linktr.ee/theonesophiastjames

Image Credits
Bosskat, Jordan Russell, and Isreal.