The passion to create positive change is one that burns with great fervour, and Sofia Sacoor’s story well embodies this sentiment. Following her diagnosis with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) at the tender age of eight, Sofia’s life was soon barraged with changes – new routines and habits made their way into her everyday life. Amid these challenging circumstances, Sofia chose to attune herself to the good, soon discovering her strong affinity for fashion. With an immense awe over how fashion brings about positive influence, Sofia felt inspired to establish her own label which would support fellow T1D battlers; and thus the athleisure brand SÜ1 was born.

Now, if you’re wondering why this family name rings a bell, you may have actually seen it around before: Sofia belongs to the famed Sacoor family, the founders of the luxury clothing line Sacoor Brothers. Courtesy of her growth surrounding clothes and design, Sofia became intrigued with the remarkable craft that defines fashion and beyond that, the positives that it offers others. Her brand, imbued with her philanthropic ambitions, raises funds and awareness for T1D.

Last month, SÜ1 held a pop-up at Sunway Pyramid Mall, marking the brand’s first event of such kind — where a portion of the proceeds from the pop-up was contributed to Sunway Medical Centre’s paediatric wing to directly render support to children with T1D. During Sofia’s time in town, FirstClasse had the pleasure of speaking to her about her journey, the birth of SÜ1, and her dreams for its future.

Hi Sofia, congratulations on SÜ1’s debut offline event! Starting off your own fashion line is a momentous feat, so what made you realise your love for fashion and how has this sentiment evolved over time?

Hi, FirstClasse! Thank you so much for the opportunity. I’ve always had a passion for fashion, especially growing up surrounded by family members in the fashion business. I found myself drawn to the creativity and self-expression it offered. As I navigated through life, particularly after being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, I realised the power fashion has in making a positive impact.

Witnessing the challenges faced by children with Type 1 Diabetes, inspired me to create something meaningful. I feel very fortunate that I found a way to merge my passion for fashion with a pathway to help people and raise awareness on a cause close to my heart.

Tell us about your diagnosis with Type 1 Diabetes – having learnt of this at a very young age, how did you navigate the situation then? In what ways has your condition shaped you into the person you are today?

I was officially diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes on March 16, 2015, at the age of 8. Following my diagnosis, I had to change my daily habits and avoid many things in my personal life in order to control my insulin levels and conserve my energy. Besides hugely affecting my personal life, I also see my whole family having to adapt their personal lives to take care of me and provide me with all the resources I need to control my condition. However, with unwavering support from my family and a resilient mindset, I’ve navigated through these obstacles.

Yes, going through this experience has definitely shaped me into the person I am today. I’ve been taught the value of resilience, gratitude, and the importance of giving back. During the critical time of COVID, I had to be under strict lockdown due to my weakened immune system. I was 13 at the time and had a lot of time to reflect on my condition. I realised that being able to purchase insulin was a privilege and not something taken for granted. I became aware of numerous cases of children who lost the financial means to buy insulin. 

All these situations left me in anguish and frustration. If we all share the same disease, why can’t we all have access to the essential resource that allows us to survive? That was the beginning of my mission to create SÜ1.

What motivated you to establish SÜ1 and what is the story behind its unique name?

SÜ1 is an athleisure fashion brand created with a clear purpose: to support children with Type 1 Diabetes. Witnessing the financial challenges faced by many in managing this condition motivated me to take action. As a young girl, I saw an opportunity to leverage my ambition and compassion to create positive change. Thus, SÜ1 was born as a means to raise funds and awareness for this cause, offering hope and support to those in need.

The story behind the name SÜ1 holds a personal significance. “SÜ” derives from my familial nickname “Su,” which is short for the Portuguese pronunciation of Sofia.  The “1” symbolises Type 1 Diabetes.

Share one very rewarding experience you have had through founding your own label.

Despite being a very recent brand, my biggest win to date, of which I’m most proud, is partnering up with institutions that support children with Type 1 Diabetes. Since supporting these kids is and will be my lifetime goal, these partnerships are the foundations to do so. Some of our ongoing partnerships include the Al Jalila Foundation in UAE, APDP in Portugal and Sunway Medical Center in Malaysia which are major steps to achieve my purpose. Working with these organisations has been very rewarding, as it allows us to directly impact the lives of children with Type 1 Diabetes and their families.

What would you say are some of the obstacles that have come your way when running the brand? Has your position as a young female contributed to these obstacles?

Running SÜ1 has been a rewarding yet challenging journey. A few challenges I’ve faced as a teenage entrepreneur is that sometimes the companies and potential partners I try to reach out to, do not take me and my initiative seriously. Yes, oftentimes these companies and partners initially underestimated my capabilities due to my age.

However, through perseverance and a positive outlook, I’ve overcome these challenges and remained focused on my mission and not give up on my dreams. It is with this modus operandi that I believe I will overcome these challenges to continue to grow my business.

Now, onto the casual and stylish SÜ1 apparel – what inspires the designs and share with us your most favourite piece yet.

My inspiration behind developing an athleisure brand is tied to my personal preferences and the type of clothes that my generation mostly identifies with. Our current range includes T-shirts (regular, mid-cropped and oversized), hoodies, sweaters, shorts and trousers.

We put a lot of thought and consideration into designing clothes that express happiness and a sense of hope. One of the main messages in our products is “A Ripple of Smiles,” meaning that the act of purchasing the clothes from SÜ1 will result in a ripple of smiles from the shopper to the child who gains from the donation – transmitting exactly our purpose.

Currently, one of my favourite pieces from the collection is the Flower Beige Hoodie. The hoodie features our tagline, “A Ripple of Smiles,” adorned with pink flowers on the back. The pink flowers against the beige hoodie create a really pretty colour combination. I especially love how comfortable it is!

Why do you believe it is crucial for businesses to uphold their support for initiatives, just as how you are championing Type 1 Diabetes?

I believe it is crucial for businesses to uphold their support for initiatives due to the significant impact they can have on society. Businesses are integral parts of the communities they serve, and by championing positive initiatives, they can make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and communities. Whether through financial contributions, awareness campaigns, or partnerships with relevant organisations, businesses have the opportunity to drive positive change and improve outcomes for those in need.

If you were to give one piece of advice to a young person who wants to pursue their entrepreneur dreams, what would it be?

My advice to young entrepreneurs is to embrace resilience, determination, and continuous learning. Pursue your passions relentlessly, and don’t let age or perceived limitations deter you from your goals. Seek guidance from mentors, stay adaptable, and never lose sight of your purpose. I’m lucky to have people around me who advise and guide me on how to succeed with my business, for which I’m very grateful. Balancing business endeavours with academic responsibilities may pose challenges, but meticulous planning and unwavering commitment can help overcome them.

Above all, try to learn as much as possible, start by understanding how to run a business and all the implications inherent to that and take small steps towards your goal. Do not expect things to get done straight away and be very patient. It might take more time than you expect but, in the end, persistence and consistency are the main tools to achieve our dreams

Remember, every challenge is an opportunity for growth, and success often lies beyond the comfort zone.

Tell us about your aspirations for SÜ1. What dord the future hold for your brand?

The future of SÜ1 is filled with exciting possibilities. Our primary focus remains on expanding our reach and impact, locally and globally. We plan to introduce our products to new markets, including Malaysia, while enhancing our online presence and customer engagement strategies. Collaborations with like-minded organisations and influencers will amplify our message and reach.

Additionally, this expansion will involve adapting our website to accommodate international sales and implementing comprehensive marketing strategies to increase brand awareness. Looking ahead, we aim to potentially open our first physical store to enhance our brand position.

On a personal level, I aspire to continue my education and learn as much as I can. I plan to continue to expand my knowledge to realise my goals and contribute to the success of SÜ1 while making a meaningful impact on society!

For more information on SÜ1 and to contribute to the growing ripple of smiles, visit the website.