Sophie Azouaou Launches Philanthropic Television Show

Sophie Azouaou, owner of Sophisticate Interiors, is the Host and Co-Producer of the upcoming NBC TV show, Touching Hearts, a multimedia project that includes a primetime television airing. Each show is designed to focus on amazing organizations, the philanthropists, the philanthropic corporations, and the people who are in desperate need of their help.

• Pilot will launch Post NFL Kick-off game Sunday Night Football: September 13, 2009 at 9:00 PM
• Re-airing Monday, September 14, 12:30 PM
• Series: Sunday 9 PM prime time sunday night football 
• Re-runs: Mondays 12:30 PM 

(Interview with Sophie after the jump...)

How did you get involved in the show?

 

I was approached by a TV producer who had heard of my philanthropic involvement in the community.   So we decided to create a community-oriented show, to inspire and tell viewers about the amazing work charitable organizations and philanthropists do to help people in need.

 

What makes Touching Hearts unique?

 

It is a never-seen-before exclusive inside look at philanthropy & the real stories behind the scenes.

 

Who is your audience and what do you provide them?

 

Everyone: from teenagers to housewives to philanthropists.  Age 19 to 74 year old people. We are going to educate the viewers about philanthropy and guide them.  We will be the voice and guide to charitable giving.

 

What has been the scariest part of starting something new?

 

That we will not raise enough funds.

 

What have you done in terms of career that has led to this new chapter?

 

I was approached by Benefit magazine and a big landlord in SF who owns over 4,000 apartments to re -design 2 units pro-bono for 2 homeless families.   I got all my friends to pitch in and the design community helped. ABC7 heard of the project, they followed me for 10 days, and the story aired prime time on Christmas day of 2006. It was the best Christmas of my life. I was able to change the lives of 2 homeless dads and their sons.

 

Best business decision you’ve ever made?

 

To start my interior design business, as it led me to this TV Show.

 

Toughest business decision you have ever made?

 

To put on hold my interior design business for 9 months in order to follow my dream of creating Touching Hearts TV Show.   I have been working up to 19 hours a day but I am back again doing interior design.

 

If you could go back to school, what would you study?

 

Philanthropy.  I hope one day they will have it as part of the curriculum. All of us, kids included, need to learn about sharing and giving at an early age.

 

Are you involved in any philanthropic endeavors? If so, what are they?

 

I sit on the board of many non-profits. I hosted many events. I also try to contribute via donating my time and as many auction items as I can to non-profits such as Raphael House, Family House, GLAAD, ROCK, ED FUND, to name a few.

 

Many of us are afraid to take that first step to do something new. How can others learn from what you’ve done?

 

Believe in your dream.  Persevere and dream big…Get up every morning being positive.

 

Do you have a role model?

 

Amma (she is the equivalent of Mother Theresa in India). I recently was told about her work and now I am fascinated. Oprah, without a doubt, has been able to change the lives of so many via the power of TV.

What is your idea of perfect bliss?

 

Deserted island, my favorite cocktail drink with the man of my dreams.

Read more details behind the full interview with Sophie Azouaou on Vivanista. Join Vivanista by referring to SFBayStyle (sfbaystyle(at)gmail(dot)com for email address).