Today we’d like to introduce you to Sona Pokharel
Hi Sona, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m a full-time Human Resources Manager in the hospitality industry, but my journey as a content creator started in an unexpected way. During COVID, I was laid off for a year, and like many others, I turned to social media—not as a career, but just for fun. However, I’ve always been someone who naturally influences those around me, whether it’s sharing my love for fashion, beauty, self-care, or wellness.
In 2020, I decided to take Instagram more seriously, connecting with bloggers, traveling (which, surprisingly, was much easier and cleaner at the time!), and supporting small businesses—especially restaurants—so they wouldn’t have to shut down. One of my first brand collaborations was with a small coffee company that offered me free coffee and $50 for a post. I had only 1,500 followers then, but that moment made me realize my potential. From there, I kept going, building relationships with brands and focusing on creating content that felt genuine and honest.
Today, I have close to 30k followers and have been fortunate to collaborate with brands like MAC Cosmetics, The Ellen Shop, Fabletics, Drunk Elephant, IPSY, and many more. I also work with restaurants and hotels in Dallas to help promote their businesses. On top of that, my dog, Glacier, has become a little star himself—he even receives PR packages!
In addition to content creation, I’m passionate about my education and growth. I graduated with a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) in 2024 and am currently pursuing my second master’s degree in Master’s of Science, Human Resources Management. Both my HR job and content creation have helped me develop a skill set that allows me to stay creative while balancing multiple priorities. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m excited to see where it goes next!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s definitely been a challenging road, especially balancing everything in my life. I’m a full-time Human Resources Manager, a content creator, and a full-time graduate student, pursuing my second master’s degree in Human Resources. Juggling all of these roles has made time management a critical skill.
Being a student while working full-time and creating content is no easy feat. Between studying for exams, writing papers, and attending classes, I’m constantly working to find a balance. Sometimes it feels like there just aren’t enough hours in the day! But it also pushes me to stay organized, prioritize my time, and stay focused on what matters.
A lot of people think that being a content creator is all about getting free products and posting fun pictures, but it’s a lot more than that. Every post requires planning, creative thinking, setting up shoots, and editing—plus dealing with tight deadlines and managing brand expectations. Add in the pressure of being a student with deadlines for assignments and exams, and burnout is a real thing.
The hardest part is feeling the constant time crunch. I sometimes have to choose between spending quality time with my friends, family, my dog (Glacier) or finishing a paper for school, or taking a break for self-care versus meeting a content deadline. It’s definitely a balancing act, and sometimes it feels overwhelming. But through it all, I’ve learned to embrace pressure and keep pushing forward. I’m fortunate to have developed strong multitasking skills through both my HR career and my content creation journey, and that has helped me manage it all.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
In my professional life, I’m a full-time Human Resources Manager in the hospitality industry. I specialize in people management, employee relations, talent development, and recruiting. I work in an industry that’s fast-paced and ever-evolving, and my role involves ensuring that the employees are supported, that the culture is strong, and that everything runs smoothly. What I’m most proud of is the ability to create positive environments where people thrive and feel valued—whether it’s in a hotel, restaurant, or within the HR department.
What sets me apart is my ability to juggle multiple tasks under pressure while keeping a positive attitude. Managing HR functions, while also creating content as a side passion, has taught me to stay organized and be creative under tight deadlines. I’m known for being approachable, strategic, and always focusing on honesty—whether it’s in the workplace or when I’m sharing my thoughts on Instagram.
Both my HR job and content creation require a similar skill set—communication, creativity, and empathy. The skills I’ve honed in HR have helped me grow as a content creator, as I understand the importance of people, relationships, and staying true to who you are.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I’m always looking for inspiration and strategies when it comes to being inspired and staying positive. I love listening to podcasts like “On Purpose” by Jay Shetty, which helps me set a positive tone for the day, even when things are hectic.
“Moments Podcast” by Lexi Hidalgo, and “The Influencer Podcast” by Julie Solomon, which have amazing tips for creators navigating the industry.
As far as books go, “Atomic Habits” by James Clear has helped me build better habits, and my current read, “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck,” is amazing for learning how to prioritize what really matters in life.
For content creation tools, I use Canva for designing visuals, and CapCut is my go-to app for video editing, especially for creating engaging content for my audience.
One of the things that really helps me stay grounded and manage stress is journaling and manifesting. I find that taking time to reflect and set my intentions keeps me fulfilled and gives me clarity in both my personal and professional life.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ohsosona/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonapokharel
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/ohsosona/
