Sonia’s Vokalized Kreations (SVK) was founded by Sonia Ballantyne ten years prior. It was originally founded in Orlando, FL. Her vision derived from the time she spent at a prestigious high school. She confesses that she had to be quite creative when it came to gift-giving for kids that “had it all”. This is when her creativity started to flourish and soon after became lucrative. Today she is an up-and-coming luxury gift kreation influencer. When she’s asked, “what makes your gift arrangements so special”? Her answer is simple, I sell a product that says everything that a person wants to say in an arrangement. That’s why her slogan is “gifts that speak for themselves”.
Tell us about your most popular Kreations?
Self-care and new home.
What has been your most significant achievement to date?
My most significant achievement was betting on me. I stepped down from my position to focus more on my business. I was giving my time and work to a company that undervalued my work and didn’t pour into me. I finally saw that I was worth betting on and that I needed to invest in myself. Essentially, like Lebron, I had to change teams and the team was me. My most significant achievement is coming in May, so stay tuned!
If you could time travel back to day one of your startup, and have 15min with your former self to communicate any lessons you’ve acquired with the intention of saving yourself mistakes and heartache, what would you tell yourself?
If I could travel back, I would pass on the wisdom of truly believing in my vision. I would tell myself that there will be a lot of outside influences trying to coerce you into doing what they think you should do which will only distract you from your path. Fortunately, the vision you have for yourself is the one God gave to YOU, and only YOU. We do not need validation from anyone else, because your path is your own. There is a greater lesson to learn by simply living life. The people you meet along the way, the unique experiences you have from being in the right place, at the right time with the right people is all meant to be for you to arrive exactly where you need to be.
How do you conquer those moments of doubt that so often stifle or trip or stop so many entrepreneurs with great ideas…what pushes you through?
In the words of Ms. Fenty, “Pretend. Like why not? It’s either that or cry myself to sleep, who wants to do that?” I simply ignore it, I have to do what needs to be done. At the end of the day self-doubt is only holding me back. Why would I place limits on myself when the world will do it for you. I am also inspired by those that flourish from a background that may be perceived as disadvantaged. If those with everything against them can beat the odds, what is my excuse not to succeed?
What does your wellness mean to you & what does your wellness routine currently consist of?
Wellness is everything to me. It is something I implement into my business (as you see in many of my Kreations) and my everyday life. Specifically, in my personal life being a boss has really taken its toll and has diverged me from my routine. This last month however I have been able to get back to eating cleaner and healthier, working out, and taking time to pamper myself. This is why I am so passionate about boss women on the go because these women are focused on taking care of business that it can become difficult to focus on your own wellbeing.
What 2022 goals are working towards for yourself & SVK ?
Personally making more space for human connections with friends & family and traveling.
Business-wise expansion of our woman on the move products and SVK branded items. Adding more items to our Kwik gifts line.
If you weren’t running SVK what would you be doing?
I would be civil rights or working for the Innocence Project. I back peddle time and time again because I was about to attend law school after my internship in Chicago at a firm but decided to go another route.
Sonia Ballantyne BIO:
The mission of SVK is a unique one that can’t be duplicated. We strive to be the influencers in the gift service industry. We support other unique small businesses. That is the focal point of our business. We are not only bridging the gaps within the small business community, but we are giving you a creative flair and uniqueness. We are a trusted brand that strives for perfection when it comes to your special recipient(s).
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