MY MISSION: To motivate and inspire Boss Babes in the making. To uplift, encourage, and promote male & female entrepreneurs and to share aspirations, goals and dreams with them and you, my subscribers.
To provide and build a warm, loving, and supportive community of CREATORS. Creators of art, a business, or a NEW YOU …
I met Sonja Brooke last year at Earnest Ice Cream in North Vancouver. We were introduced by Sarah Murray, Fashion Program Coordinator at VCC (Vancouver Community College) when she sent over Sonja, Fashion Merchandising student to help me organize my fashion show. For those of you who missed my last interview — “For the Love of Local” is my First Annual Fashion Gala and it is still in the works.
STUDENT?! –Sonja, with heels stands about 6 feet tall and wow, what a stunner! She is a former model and working actress, not to mention a Boss Babe with her own business, the Queen of the Closet, that she started with her daughter, Bella (left in the photo shown above).
M: What’s your story? Where were you born, where were you raised? What was your childhood, growing up years like?
S: Born in Australia – raised there, England and the States. My childhood was awesome, as were my parents.
M; What did you want to do when you grew up?
S: Growing up I wanted to be an artist and a News Broadcaster.
M: Did you go to college or university? If so, what did you study?
S: I went to Sydney University and studied Journalism.
M: When did you move to Vancouver? Why did you move to Vancouver?
S: My daughter was born in Vancouver but spent the first years of her life in Australia. We moved back to Vancouver about 15 years ago.
M: When did you start your business? What was your inspiration? What is the Queen of the Closet’s mission?
S: I am a gemologist by trade, but my love of the land and environment is what prompted the creation of The Queen of the Closet.
Our mission is simple — we spread the narrative that asks consumers to, “Buy better – Buy less – Save money and in turn save the planet”.
M: What do you love the most about being a Boss Babe?
S: Hilarious, I never saw myself as a “Boss Babe”. I have always worked as a team. I am a very private person and always enjoyed taking the back seat.
M: What would your advice be for Boss Babes in the making? If they are contemplating leaving a secure 9-5 job with benefits – what would you say to them? Should they take the leap?
S: I think it depends on the person and the situation. If a person is young and has no responsibilities by all means – JUMP!
It really depends. I have always taken calculated risks but then again, I have always had responsibility therefore I had to really think the situation through.
M: Any last words? What’s our favourite positive/motivational quote or book.
S: I always love to paraphrase a couple quotes by Maya Angelou – “When a person tells you who they are, believe them” and “Stop making someone a priority when they are making you an option”