Sophia Rose Bartolai was born on February 6, 2001 in Chicago, Illinois. Her mother, Hilary (Shaf), was also born in Chicago and has German, Romanian, and Lithuanian roots. Sophia's father, Enrico Bartolai, is of Italian descent, first generation (born in Chicago, Illinois). Sophia is the youngest child in the family; she has a brother. Sophia attended Highland Park High School in Highland Park, Illinois, before enrolling at the College of Lake County in Lake County, Illinois.

Sophia's interest in the entertainment industry began at an early age with performances in school theater and in Nashville, Tennessee. In addition to acting, Sophia is a multi-instrumentalist (guitar, piano, ukulele), vocalist, and songwriter. At the age of 17, Sophia became interested in modeling and signed a contract with Mac Duggal, an international dress designer.

Sophia has attended acting classes and workshops since a young age at companies such as Piven Theatre and Improv Playhouse. Sophia has been praised by numerous instructors for her improvisation skills and acting abilities.