Today we’d like to introduce you to Sonia Butler.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Growing up, I was always a part of the performing arts as I participated in plays, set design and choreography. My educational background is in merchandising and interior design and I worked in the corporate world for several years. I held roles as an account manager, commercial account manager and a consultant designer for Hunter Douglas. After a couple of years, I decided to pursue my own business in order to be able to travel with my daughter who is a golfer. Due to the high demand in her schedule, I needed to be able to have freedom and flexibility in my role. Becoming a business owner made sense to me and staying in the creative field made even more sense. I had been successful at growing territories and maintaining client relationships, while never losing my love for design. I believe being creative is a true gift that should be shared with others. I enjoy meeting people and helping them creatively. So, to take a role or do something that didn’t involve creating would have gone against everything that I am. There is a lot of hard work and sacrifices, but the decision was a no brainer for me. Now that my daughter is in college, I decided to expand my business to include event planning and design. I was often asked by family, friends and previous clients to plan, design and execute their events, so adding this service to my brand was a great addition.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not always been a smooth ride. Learning to balance family and business was one challenge of being a business owner. There will always be challenges but understanding how to navigate them is what’s most important. Being comfortable with taking risks and making sacrifices were a part of the path but worth the outcome.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I am an Interior Designer/Event Planner and have been in the design field for over 15 years. My business, Sonia Butler Events, works in developing branding, social, corporate and destination events. I am able to create and work locally in Atlanta, nationally and globally. There are many talented planners that work at their craft and master it well. What makes my work unique, eye-catching and innovative is my natural ability to connect with my clients. My connection comes from listening to their thoughts, dreams and vision. During the time that I spend with them, it allows me to focus on who they are, what they love about life and their emotional connections to their celebration. These are the things that will allow me to create a celebration that captures the essence of who they are and express it through design aesthetics. I am most proud of being on HGTV’s House Hunters where my client entrusted my vision for her home on national television. I got to where I am today through hard work, faith and consistency. It was not easy getting here, but it was definitely worth it. There were some challenges along the way, but I overcame the challenges through learning from mistakes, accountability, incorporating processes and clear communication. I believed in myself and my natural gifts enough to invest in myself through continued education, while immersing myself into the art, design and travel community. I would like the world to know that I am a mom, wife, sister and friend that enjoys life. Family means alot to me. I lost my dad at the age of 2 and once old enough to understand, it instilled a place in my heart to be present when in the presence of someone and listen to their story. My brand is an extension of who I am. My life and my brand are filled with love, dedication, and travel. I treat everything with care. I believe that luxury is the gift of ease and comfort.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My biggest supporters have been my family. My husband, daughter and son. My family saw my vision and have supported me since day 1. They Have been my biggest cheerleaders. My friends and family for using my services
My Mentor – Kathy Romero of Kathy Romero Weddings and Events
My clients for entrusting me with their projects and thanking me with referrals
Contact Info:
- Email: sonia@soniabutler.com
- Website: www.soniabutler.com
- Instagram: @soniabutlerevents
- Facebook: @soniabutlerevents
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/soniabutlerevents/_created/
Image Credits
Hilton La Romana Beach Setup
