Check out our interview with American TV personality, PR, and socialite Sergio Farias who can be seen at some of the top fashion and entertainment events in New York, LA, and also in Europe, surrounded by A-listers. Currently, Sergio works at one the top PR agencies in the US, @theinfluence
Having been born and bred in Los Angeles, California, he was inducted into the Hollywood circuit at the dawn of adulthood. This he attributes to his mentor and party pal Paris Hilton.
Follow Sergio @godsergfarias
Hi Sergio, please tell us a little about you?
My name is Sergio Farias. I am 32 years old. I moved recently to Soho from Los Angeles, California, to conquer NYC. I’m the real life Emily in Paris.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Kind, level-headed, ambitious.
When you were a kid what did you want to be when you grew up?
I used to want to be Britney Spears. But who didn’t?
How did you get in the industry?
When I was 16, I met Paris Hilton, and when I graduated high school, she took me under her wing.. and the rest is history.
What is the feeling of being a very popular content creator, PR & influencer?
It could be exciting at times, but also somewhat isolating, as you have to live up to expectations that you’ve set for yourself, and maintain them daily.
What part of your job do you find the most challenging?
Not wanting to let anyone down, but I truly love what I do.
What did you learn from your biggest failure?
My biggest failure taught me to not force things that are not meant for me and made me love myself more. Self-love is so important.
Now let’s talk about working for one of the top PR agencies in the US, well really, the world, “The Influence?”
I’m learning a lot from my boss Ali Lasky, who is a titan in the industry. Watching her persevere in a world that is very cutthroat has been inspiring. Her work ethic is unreal.
What is different from “The Influence” to other agencies?
We are like a family and a team at the same time. We really have each other’s backs. Ali really only wants the best for our clients and for us. We really go the extra mile for all our clients. We visualize a result, then make it happen. We are constantly brainstorming ways to elevate our clients, brands and venues to the next level. We are also a one stop shop, as we do events, PR, VIP relations, talent campaigns, and so much more all over the globe. We just got back from Paris Fashion Week and next week we have Formula One Vegas. I love the range of our work. We are a force.
Can pick your Top 3 events that you have been part of?
How about 5? The Dolce & Gabbana alta moda event, The Daily Front Row Media Awards during NYFW, The Met Gala Afterparty at The Box hosted by Richie Akiva (This year with Doja Cat and last year with Naomi Campbell), the Unicef dinner we helped curate in Saint Tropez this past July and the Gucci x Lacma gala this past weekend in LA.
Describe a PR campaign you worked on of which you’re especially proud.
During this past New York Fashion Week, when we orchestrated a series of fashion events for designers I admire, to launch west village hotspot Ambra – an amazing new restaurant in NYC.
What skills are the most important when planning an event?
Paying attention to details and meeting the clients expectations – above and beyond. And when everyone on the team plays a role as a team player.
What is the key to your success?
Delivering everything with integrity.
Do you have any dream projects?
To have dinner with Anna Wintour at the Met gala.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
The rainbow fish, it teaches everyone to share.
What do you think is the secret to have successful social media channels?
People like to see me live in an authentic way that’s true to my image and likeness, which is quite glamorous.
When you started your social media accounts, did you expected such a success?
There wasn’t a market for me back in the day and it’s nice to see that there is a market now for me in today’s social media landscape.
How do you maintain a private-work life balance?
My job is very public, being the face of a company, and I enjoy the social aspect, so my private life is intertwined with that. But my private life is when i’m home watching movies alone or with close friends and family.
What do you think is the secret to have a successful TikTok/IG/YouTube channel?
Unfortunately I haven’t tapped into that channel yet. But TBD, it is in the works.
What are the challenges you face in a very competitive market?
Jealousy and sad to say – but people not wishing the best for your success.
What scares you the most?
Letting people down.
Any advice to other influencers/entrepreneurs?
Know your audience, yourself, and don’t lose yourself trying to please others. Be authentic.
As a popular influencer you are followed by so many young girls. How do you feel about that pressure of doing always the right thing, and encourage people to follow their dreams?
Learning that I don’t need to do anything I’m uncomfortable with, for example, take off my clothes in order to get noticed. Again, staying true to my values. And I hope my followers take that message from my content. Be true to yourself.
Do you have any beauty tips or fashion tips for our readers?
I’m a mood dresser so my tip is to dress to whatever mood you are in and how you feel.
How would you explain your fashion style?
Mood dressing. A rockstar one day and a princess with a crown the next.
What fashion means to you?
Identity and self-expression. Talking without having to talk.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
Keep going. YOU GOT THIS.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
The rainbow fish.
How would your best friend describe you?
Level headed and kind. And someone they can count on.
If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
Icon in the making.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Seeing those around me thrive and seeing my family here to watch my journey. Air in my lungs.
Best advice ever given?
If you want to be famous, you have to be hungry. But don’t hurt anyone on the way there.
What is next for Sergio Farias in the last months of 2023?
Killing it with the company I’m with and seeing those around me thrive. Besides F1, we have Art Basel, and a ton of events in between. It really never stops. Every day we have a new project or client to work on. And 2024 is going to be another level.
Something people don’t know about you?
I keep a very public, authentic life, but something people don’t know is that I’m really nice and actually quite a sweetheart.
What would be the dream holiday, and who would you go with?
Japan with a partner I am seeing.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Marilyn Monroe because she taught me perseverance.
What do you think makes a women beautiful and why?
Personality because looks fade. Laughter is forever.
Which project is still on your bucket list?
Obtain a reality show loosely based on my life. But has to be properly done and cater to me.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
Watching Casino with my doberman’s and a good cuddle from a partner.
Do you support any charity?
Unicef. Very fortunate to be part of their annual events. Also Rhonda’s Kiss, they do amazing work for Cancer patients, as well as Angel Ball, Amfar, and Race To Erase MS. I love that at The Influence, we are always supporting charities to get attention for their work.
What is you favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
“What you waiting for” by Gwen Stefani. That one gets me going.
How important is social media for you?
It’s not the pinnacle of my importance, but it’s an extension of my job and persona.
Where we can follow you?
Quote: “it is what it is.”
Actor/Actress: Johnny Depp.
Drink: An El Cristiano Spicy Marg.
City: New York.
Movie: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.
Sport Team: LA Lakers.
Song: “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin.
