Meet Karla Talisse | CEO & Founder of Soshebuilds

We had the good fortune of connecting with Karla Talisse and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Karla, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When I first stepped into the construction industry as an estimator in the lighting and electrical side in San Diego, CA, something clicked. I immediately felt a spark – this was more than just a job, it was a passion that lit me up. Although I didn’t see the estimator role as my final destination, I was grateful for it because it gave me my foot in the door.

I started thinking about how I could turn this passion into something bigger. I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit; when I’m passionate about something, I give it my all. As I continued in the industry, I started noticing a recurring question people would ask when I told them what I did: “What do you build?” That question stuck with me, and it inspired me to create SoSheBuilds – a way to show people what I could bring to life.

I initially envisioned the business as a project management firm, because I saw a need for it. But as I worked more closely with clients, I realized that the landscape was shifting. There was a growing demand for government contracting services, so I pivoted and created a consulting agency to help businesses navigate government contracts. But I didn’t stop there – I noticed that our clients were also struggling with marketing. So, I adapted again, building a division dedicated to helping businesses improve their marketing efforts.

What really drives me is the constant evolution of the business – listening to my passion, observing the needs of the industry, and adapting to solve real problems. It’s not just about creating something – it’s about building something that supports others and helps them thrive. That’s what makes this journey truly rewarding.

What should our readers know about your business?
At SoSheBuilds, we specialize in helping businesses—especially contractors—strategize and pivot toward government contracting. From major cities like San Diego, Los Angeles, and Irvine, to smaller agencies like LAUSD, we’ve helped countless businesses grow their revenue and increase their visibility through tailored plans and marketing strategies.

What truly sets me apart from other consultants is my personal connection to the industry. My father was a contractor, and from the age of 10, I helped him with invoicing and tracking his small business finances. He wasn’t very tech-savvy, and I was able to step in and support him with these essential tasks. That experience shaped my relentless drive to help other business owners, especially those with families. If my father had received the same kind of support I offer my clients, I believe his business could have scaled, and he would have experienced a lot less stress in trying to provide for our family.

This is why I’m so personally invested in my clients’ success. I understand the stakes and the impact on their families. Helping business owners succeed isn’t just a job for me—it’s a mission, and that’s what makes me different. I bring a tenacity to every project because I know the difference it can make in someone’s life.

The journey to where I am today hasn’t been easy. One of the biggest challenges was finding my true niche. My background in construction laid the foundation for a project management firm, but my passion for helping clients win government contracts drove me to pivot toward consulting. Finding that sweet spot took time and trial, but my commitment to learning and growing has been key to my evolution.

What I want the world to know about my brand and my story is simple: Find your passion, and use it to help others achieve their goals. Identify what comes naturally to you, but be sure to track your results. When you see those results, that’s when you should consider building a business out of it. Success takes time, and while my journey has taken years, I’ve never stopped learning. Every opportunity to learn has shaped me into someone who can make a meaningful impact on my clients, helping them achieve the success they deserve.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting for a week, I’d kick things off with a trip to Little Italy for lunch. The neighborhood has endless dining options, and the walkability makes it easy to hop from one place to another, discovering charming cafes and shops along the way. It’s the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

For dinner, I’d take them over to Coronado Island. It’s the perfect spot to take in the breathtaking views of the city skyline, especially at night when the lights sparkle across the water. We’d grab a bite at one of the local spots, enjoy the stunning views, and catch up as we watch the sunset.

The next day, I’d take them to one of my all-time favorite spots in San Diego, Animae, for amazing food and drinks. It’s got such a great vibe, and the food never disappoints.

For the remainder of the weekend, I’d take them to the cliffs in La Jolla. We’d walk along the coast, getting in some exercise while enjoying the ocean breeze. It’s a beautiful area to explore, and then we’d end the day at George’s at the Cove, where we could grab a seat on the terrace and watch the sun dip below the horizon. It’s the perfect place to wind down after a day of exploring, with stunning views and delicious food to top it off.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d love to give a huge shoutout to Mel Robbins and her book, The 5 Second Rule. It was a game-changer for me. There was a moment when I was on the edge of taking the leap to start my business, and I didn’t know if I had the courage. But I remembered her advice to count down from five and just act. So, I did. I counted to five, sat down at my computer, and began strategizing my business plan. That simple action turned into the momentum I needed to move forward.

I also want to give credit to my parents, who have been my biggest supporters from a very young age. When I was just 16, I started working as a broadcasting reporter for the local city, helping with production. My parents drove me to work every day after school, and that’s where I had the opportunity to learn from city officials and develop a vision for the bigger picture. Their belief in me, and the lessons I gained early on, have been instrumental in shaping who I am today. Without their constant encouragement, I wouldn’t have had the confidence to pursue my business goals.

Website: https://www.soshebuilds.com

Instagram: soshebuilds

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/soshebuilds