Today we’d like to introduce you to Sonji Monroe.
Hi Sonji, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
SPEAKING PIECES: HOW SONJI MONROE TURNED FAMILY ROOTS, FASHION, AND COMMUNITY INTO A LEGACY
In every family, there is someone who carries the torch—someone who takes the values of generations past and transforms them into something new, vibrant, and enduring. For Sonji Monroe, the youngest of nine children born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, that torch was fashion. And the flame was lit by the unforgettable style and influence of her grandmother.
Growing up in Jacksonville, Sonji’s world was filled with color, creativity, and couture long before she knew the words for any of it. Her grandmother—a true fashionista who designed clothing and worked in a high-end department store—had an eye for elegance and a phrase for every fabulous outfit. When she spotted a look she adored, she would smile knowingly and say, “That’s a speaking piece… and it’s talking to me.”
The expression stuck. More importantly, it spoke to young Sonji’s spirit. She began styling everything she could get her hands on—baby dolls, siblings, friends—transforming everyday outfits into small works of art. Her grandmother recognized the spark early and made a prediction: “You should open a boutique one day.”
She was right.
In 2005, Sonji relocated to Georgia, carrying her passion for fashion and her grandmother’s wisdom with her. Five years later, Speaking Pieces Boutique was born from a humble beginning: a small section inside a jazz club in McDonough, open only on weekends. But even in that modest space, the clothes spoke—and so did the customers.
Just six months later, Sonji opened her first storefront. Word spread quickly. Speaking Pieces Boutique became more than a place to shop—it became a style hub, a community, and eventually, a family. Sonji’s customers invited her into the most important moments of their lives—weddings, baby showers, birthdays, and beyond. Through personalized styling and one-of-a-kind looks, she didn’t just help women dress; she helped them feel confident, powerful, and seen.
“For me, when people look good, they feel good,” she explains. “Styling others is my passion.”
But Sonji’s impact didn’t stop at fashion. Her heart for service runs just as deep as her love for clothing. As Speaking Pieces grew into a beloved local staple, Sonji made volunteering and community support part of her mission. Giving back became not just something she did—it became who she was.
That mission expanded in 2020 during the COVID-19 shutdown, when isolation and uncertainty weighed heavily on the community she cherished. Wanting to uplift and encourage her friends and customers, Sonji founded Sunny’s Self-Care Group, a wellness and empowerment community built on connection, positivity, and accountability.
What she thought would be temporary became transformative. Weekly challenges inspired healthier habits. Quarterly meetups built bonds. And special Zoom sessions with doctors, fitness trainers, and motivational speakers created a space where education and encouragement flourished. Today, Sunny’s Self-care Group has evolved into a powerful sisterhood—one that blends wellness, joy, and lifelong friendship.
“Who knew,” Sonji says with a smile, “that helping people look fabulous was also a part of self-care?”
Now, with years of boutique ownership behind her, Sonji continues to broaden her influence. She mentors other boutique owners, hosts private pop-up shops, and offers personal styling services that reflect her signature blend of expertise, intuition, and genuine care.
From the youngest of nine to the first entrepreneur in her family, from styling dolls to shaping women’s confidence, from a weekend corner in a jazz club to an enduring fashion brand—Sonji Monroe has built a journey stitched with passion, purpose, and heart.
And just like her grandmother taught her, everything she touches still speaks.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Owning a boutique—no matter how passionate I am about fashion, styling, or serving people—has never been an easy journey. And for me, the challenges were not just routine hurdles; they were life-changing, business-defining moments that tested my resilience and forced me to reinvent how I showed up as a business owner.
One of the most difficult periods came during the COVID-19 shutdown. Practically overnight, doors that had always been open for my customers—women who trusted me, relied on my eye, and saw Speaking Pieces Boutique as part of their lives—had to close. Being unable to operate my business, even temporarily, was devastating. Not only did it stop the flow of income, but it also disrupted the very connection and community that I had spent years building. For a boutique built on personal service, celebration, and face-to-face styling, the silence of that shutdown was one of the toughest moments I had ever faced.
And just as businesses everywhere were trying to recover, additional shifts under the new administration introduced dramatic financial pressures on small businesses like mine. Increases in costs—whether from shipping, inventory, supplies, or operational expenses—hit particularly hard. For a boutique owner already working to rebuild after COVID, these new expenses created another layer of strain. It wasn’t just a setback; it was a battle to keep moving forward.
These combined challenges resulted in major financial difficulties that take time—real time—to heal from. But instead of giving up, I did what true entrepreneurs do: I adapted and got creative. I pivoted and explored new avenues such as mentoring other boutique owners, did private pop-up events, and offered personal styling services. I diversified what I offered and leaned on my strengths, refusing to let my business be defined by difficulty.
In many ways, these hardships reshaped Speaking Pieces Boutique into something even stronger. They sharpened my creativity, deepened my resilience, and expanded my mission beyond clothing to empowerment, community, and reinvention. My ability to pivot didn’t just keep my business alive—it expanded my purpose and proved why I am exactly where I am meant to be.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Speaking Pieces?
Speaking Pieces Boutique has always been more than a place to shop—it’s a full, transformative experience designed to make every woman feel confident, beautiful, and unforgettable. One of the most remarkable things about my business is the comprehensive styling service I offer. Whether a customer is preparing for a wedding, a photoshoot, a milestone birthday, or any special moment, Speaking Pieces provides everything she needs in one seamless experience.
My services go far beyond clothing. I’ve built a trusted network of professionals—makeup artists, hairstylists, and photographers—who help bring each client’s vision to life. It’s a luxury, all-inclusive approach that allows women to step into their moment fully polished, fully supported, and fully styled from head to toe. It’s this level of care and detail that turns ordinary shopping into an elevated, confidence-building event.
What truly sets Speaking Pieces apart is my dedication to serving the community. My boutique isn’t just known for its unique and eye-catching pieces—but my curated collection consistently delivers standout looks no one else has. It’s my heart for people, my willingness to show up beyond the transaction, and my commitment to making every customer feel like family. Whether I’m helping someone prepare for a big day or volunteering to uplift my community, Speaking Pieces has become a trusted name because it reflects authenticity, creativity, and compassion.
Despite navigating some of the most challenging seasons a small business can face—from the COVID shutdown to rising operational costs—I continued to grow and evolve. And that growth is what I am most proud of. I built Speaking Pieces Boutique with intention, resilience, and love. Each chapter—every pivot, every expansion, every new service—has strengthened the foundation of my brand and deepened the connection with my customers.
My motto beautifully captures what my grandmother inspired and what my boutique delivers: “Shopping with us will have others speaking about what you’re wearing.”
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My advice to anyone starting a business is to first decide who will be your target customers and select a location that will attract those customers. Next, research and network often to learn as much as you can about the business.
One thing I wish I knew when I started my business was how to negotiate leasing terms on rental spaces for my business. Had I known back then what I learned later, I could have either saved a lot of money or may have purchased a building.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @speakingpieces
- Facebook: @speakingpieces
Image Credits
Leon Sealey
