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“There are parents with wealth who just want their kids to be wealthy and then there are other parents with money who want to teach their kids how they got it. That’s what my dad was like.” Sofia Richie may have a very connected last name as the daughter of soul music icon Lionel Richie, but she’s claimed the spotlight in her own right thanks to a successful modeling career and her high-profile social status.  

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With a father like Lionel Richie, some might say Sofia Richie was destined for fame and fortune. She’s not only carved out her own path as a model, however, but she’s also about to debut her own fashion line. Here’s a closer look at where Sofia Richie’s been, where she’s headed, and how her famous family fits into the mix. 

A Haute But Humble Upbringing

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Sofia Richie was born in Los Angeles, California on August 24, 1998. Her parents are Grammy award-winning singer, songwriter, actor and record producer Lionel Richie and designer Diane Alexander. Television personality, fashion designer, socialite, actress and author Nicole Richie is her older sister. 

To say Sofia was born into a life of privilege is an understatement. Her godfather was “King of Pop” Michael Jackson, and she has fond memories of visiting his home, Neverland Ranch, as a child. She also became friends with Jackson’s daughter, Paris, during that time period. “She is a great girl and has the best heart ever,” Sofia told the Evening Standard of Jackson. The Richies other friends included Diana Ross and Pharrell Williams. Reflecting on a her childhood spent in the company of so many celebrities, Sofia says, “I didn’t know anything different. It is very chaotic ...there are people all over my dad all the time. Dinners out are dinners/meet and greets. Everyone in the restaurant will come over, there’s paparazzi everywhere.” 

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But just because the Richies were wealthy and connected doesn’t mean that Sofia was spoiled. In fact, Sofia said her parents -- who split up when she was four -- worked hard to make sure the kids appreciated everything they had. Like many “normal” kids, Sofia had to complete chores before getting her allowance. Sofia says of her father, “He grew up in a small house and they didn’t have much, so he is like, ‘You guys are way more blessed than I was.’”

It initially appeared that Sofia might follow in the footsteps of her famous father. She learned to sing and play the piano at an early age, and even took voice lessons from Beyonce’s vocal coach. And while she has made the occasional impromptu appearance during one of her father’s shows, she ended up opting out of the music industry because she did not like the pressure of trying to live up to her father’s music industry status. “People would be expecting Adele to jump out of my voice,” she said.  Instead, Sofia began modeling at the age of 14 and never looked back.

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Finding Fame in Her Own Right

Sofia burst onto the modeling scene in 2014 when she appeared on the cover of Teen Vogue. The next year was equally momentous for her: she landed a job as "the face" of Madonna’s Material Girl clothing line. This achievement was especially meaningful for her. “I am a Madonna obsessor since I was 5, so it’s insane that this is happening,” she told People at the time. 

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In the years since, Sofia's career as a cover girl has exploded. She’d not only graced the pages of major magazines like Elle, Vanity Fair, Galore and Tatler, but she’s also worked with major fashion brands including Michael Kors and Chanel. While her modeling career is booming, her social media presence is equally powerful -- and lucrative. According to a report from The Daily Mail, SOfia earned a staggering $100,000 last year for a single Instagram post featuring Uggs. 

Sofia has also earned notoriety in her personal life as the girlfriend of Kourtney Kardashian’s ex, Scott Disick, despite a 16-year age difference. An insider told Us Weekly, “Sofia is really so good with [Scott’s] kids and she has a good friendship and relationship with Kourtney.” But don’t expect Sofia to be sharing too much about this part of her life with her 4.2 million-plus Instagram followers, “I think a lot of people think they have to prove their relationships through social media and I’m just happy being private about my relationships,” she recently told Tatler. 

This outlook is consistent with Sofia's determination to steer clear of reality television. “I’m not a party girl and I really don’t like the paparazzi,” she insists. 

It also looks like Sofia will soon be branching out from modeling with the launch of her own fashion label, slated for August of 2019. Named “Sofia Stone,” the line will consist of 12 pieces mirroring Richie’s famous personal style. “I feel like I’m at the point in my life where I have so many creative ideas that I want to share and I’m bottled up,” she told Harper's Bazaar. “Over the years, buying so many clothes and seeing what I liked and didn’t like and being in the modeling industry I was around so many designers and I always take notes and tips from them. It came easily and I knew all the little things I wanted and didn’t want.” 

Though it all, Sofia has made clear that she wants to be find success in her own right. “I don’t want to fall back on my parents and sister for anything,” she has said. At the same time, Sofia is quick to recognize her loved ones' contributions to her success. “You will always come across people who will put you down, but I am fortunate that my family are very uplifting and support me. I always know that at the end of the day I can go to them and they will help me out. I am proud to be a Richie,” she says.