“My passion for people drove me to study human services and pursue a career in social work in my 30s. This journey reaffirmed my life’s purpose and commitment.”

– Sophillia Tagaban

Sophillia Tagaban, CEO of Heart Blaster, merges fashion with purpose. Rooted in her background in social work, the brand champions advocacy, equality, and community impact. Since 2017, she’s led Heart Blaster as a movement for change. In this interview, she shares how fashion can become a force for social good.

SM: What motivated you to start Heart Blaster, and how does the brand’s mission to promote equality and positive values influence its designs?

ST: My kids motivate me to keep growing and evolving. I want to ensure they will always get to experience me striving to become the next best version of myself. I feel the same way about the effort we invest in our communities. My passion for people drove me to study human services and pursue a career in social work in my 30s. This journey reaffirmed my life’s purpose and commitment. I thrive on creating new and innovative ideas, and it’s important to me to demonstrate to my children and other kids of color the power of embracing their individuality, passion, and unique abilities. I want them to see how they can forge their own authentic paths and make a meaningful impact.

Major brands are often owned by people who don’t look like us. While Black and Brown cultures have served as inspiration, our communities have not always been celebrated. We’ve been influential, yet the lack of opportunities has prevented us from becoming our own ambassadors and business owners.

As a multi-ethnic woman, I’ve faced my share of struggles and discrimination, and so have my children and the people we care about. Our core values lie with our family, friends, and community.

This drive and these experiences have been a significant source of motivation for me.

Through design, we create spaces that foster opportunities for connection and sharing. Our designs reflect our values and the cultures that inspire our creativity. Rather than merely promoting equality, we embody it as our mission.

SM: How do you think fashion can contribute to social change, and in what ways has Heart Blaster been effective in this area?

ST: Social change is in the process of evolution in our conscience and our subconscious. We are conditioned from the time we are born to see, hear, and do. We take on the ideals of our parents, generational cycles, tv, fashion, and the influence of our peers. We function this way most of our lives. We aren’t aware of our birth right to see and evolve as an individual and to connect with other people who are different from us. If you grow up in poverty and trauma, etc. this creates more subconscious barriers that we are not aware of. I did not find my passion again, until I was 30 years old and a mother of four. Through fashion we can create social change by sharing our stories, opportunities, but not limited to. There is value in inspiring each other and paving a way forward for others. Visible representation of different people in fashion is important for this process. That’s the only way. Heart Blaster has been this for me. 

SM: Can you share a specific instance where Heart Blaster’s clothing or campaigns have made a noticeable difference in a community or individual’s life?

ST: I am equally as inspired by the people we work with. I think what is special about my work relationships is that our youth have made friends, network, and additions to their own portfolios. I show up for them with the quality and commitment that they deserve. It’s always a vibe and it shows in our projects. 

One of my most memorable campaigns was our Zodiac and Limited Collections Campaign. We partnered with Danielle Banks, Founder of Project Level in San Francisco. This is a nonprofit school of arts for inner city youth. I worked closely with Jasmin Corley, and her students. Val, our student photographer, collaborated with Phil Emerson Photography onsite. This was organized via zoom over a 4 month period of time. All of the students participated, some students were paid for their talents or product in the production of this shoot. It was fun , creative and a 10 hour shoot. The outcome was gorgeous! I surprised our youth with a BIllboard in Oakland right in front of Oracle Arena, for two weeks. We still gloat over this campaign today. I love these kids. My goal is never to work for, but with our communities , and bring out the best in everyone.  

SM: Heart Blaster is known for its collaborations with graffiti artists and graphic designers. How do these partnerships help in amplifying your message of love and friendship?

ST: Finding the right artists to rock with our mission is important. The artists and graphic designers are of high importance and value to any brand. There would be no brands without the artists. I have been fortunate to connect with a lot of amazing artists. There is value in having a genuine partnership with your artists. When I collaborate with my graphic designer, he sees my vision, supports our mission, and enjoys creating Heart Blaster designs. This amplifies the energy behind each design. There is love and friendship every step of the way.  

SM: What role does advocacy play in your brand’s operations, and how do you ensure that your business practices align with your commitment to social impact?

ST: It is in the fabric of our brand. Advocacy is inherent, as a minority, and a person of color. It is not about messages through design, or community marches. To black and brown people it is how we learn to survive, and keep ourselves safe. My priority is through transparency that our business relationships, partnerships , and policies always aim to ensure equity, equality, and safety of people. 

SM: Can you discuss a community initiative or cause that Heart Blaster has supported and the impact it has had?  

ST: The Heart Blaster Brand has founded a nonprofit organization HB INC. Our mission is the same. We have developed an initiative inspired through our work in the community with youth and past projects. Our program is for young adults from middle school into college. The impact of our program will serve to teach and inspire arts, advocacy, and important communication skills that allow us to collaborate with others. Our resources and workshops are innovative, support individual identities, and build community. The impact we will have is unprecedented. There is no program like ours. Donate at heartblaster.org. 

SM: How do you balance creativity and business objectives while staying true to Heart Blaster’s mission of making a difference?

ST: It’s in me. There is no special tool. I am loyal to the people and our mission. When you are building something, it is an opportunity to set new boundaries. These boundaries will always serve the ethics of your work. It is where we build policy. It was important to take our time building our brand. So we are aligned with the right business. 

SM: What challenges have you faced in using your platform for advocacy, and how have you overcome them?

ST: None. I don’t entertain negativity on our platform. We are very clear that this is a hate free community. We do not condone hate on any person or people. We do not condone racism or discrimination of any kind on any group of people regardless of ethnicity , culture, gender, religion or nationality. We block them if we have to. Our commitment to protect our community is strong. Transparency is important. 

SM: How do you measure the success of Heart Blaster’s efforts in making a positive impact, and what feedback have you received from your community?

ST: We don’t invest in ads or purchase followers. Instead, we focus on growing organically through the passion and dedication we put into our work. Our approach is rooted in genuine belief and commitment, which resonates with people. I believe our audience is eager to see how we will continue to evolve and what new strides we will make. The journey we’re on is just beginning, and we’re excited for what the future holds.

SM: Looking forward, what are some future goals for Heart Blaster in terms of social impact and community involvement, and how do you plan to achieve them?

ST: Heart Blaster will be a trusted brand of the future. Protecting our integrity, values, policies, and business opportunities that align with our mission is how we achieve new social norms. Our goal is to grow the brand, so that we can support the important work we will do in the nonprofit sector. To always invest in our communities, and bring opportunities, jobs, education, and resources to build on.

🔆🔆🔆🔆🔆

“We don’t invest in ads or purchase followers. Instead, we focus on growing organically through the passion and dedication we put into our work.”

– Sophillia Tagaban

Useful Links

• Website: www.heartblaster.com
• IG: @heartblaster
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophillia-tagaban-b91a8791/

Join the Conversation

We’d love to hear your thoughts on the inspiring journey and mission of Heart Blaster! Share your perspective in the comments below:

1. How do you think fashion can be a force for positive social change?
2. What aspect of Heart Blaster’s approach resonates most with you?
3. How can brands better support and uplift underrepresented communities?

Your insights and feedback are invaluable as we continue to explore the impact of purpose-driven design.

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