Today we’d like to introduce you to Sonia Still.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Where should I start?! I always wanted to be a makeup artist for as long as I can remember, I just didn’t know where to start, also my parents didn’t know much about the career and they didn’t think it was a successful one, although they wanted me to be happy they didn’t want me to fail. My parents are really hard workers and they always installed that work ethic in me, they never settled for less or to just be an employee, I’m the first generation, Mexican, so seeing my parents make their American dream come true was inspirational, they own a restaurant in Decatur, TX. Primos Taqueria. It’s been in business for 20 years where they both worked so hard, they taught me how to be kind and listen to customers. They inspired me so much. So, I knew I always wanted to be my own boss like them. My dad was also a craft man, he would make Disney characters out of wood and the company he worked for went to Disney and signed a contract to mass-produce these characters. He was so talented. I would Like to say I got my creativeness from my father. But the one thing that got in my way of success was my procrastination, I also was a single mother, I married and divorced young (19) and had a baby at 20, worked at a lot of odd jobs. From restaurants, warehouses, department stores, you name it. But I wasn’t happy… until one day, my boyfriend at the time made me an appointment with the school director of Ogle (2003). So, I had to go, I couldn’t miss an appointment that was already made. And it was history from there. I didn’t know I would love hair as much as I did makeup. I started working with a friend of mine doing runway shows in Dallas and also doing hair and makeup for talent agencies. After graduating beauty school, I went to work for a small salon on Camp Bowie from there, I knew I needed more so I went to work for Toni & Guy where I learned a lot of things they don’t teach you in beauty school, ha! From there, I became a manager real quick but I knew I wanted more.
After leaving Toni & Guy, I went to work for Le Duke Salon. From there, I learned how to become an independent hairdresser, and I started my own hair and makeup business. He later made his salon into a booth rental salon vs. a commission-based salon, there again, was my push to become what I knew I always wanted to be… after a few years, he closed his salon and we all went to Salons Of Volterra in West Fort Worth. Again another push, because I’m such a procrastinator. Ha! Stayed there for about five years. Until the most life-changing event happened, the unexpected passing of my father. I couldn’t stay at Volterra, I had way too many memories of cutting my dad’s hair there and it brought me sadness knowing that he would never walk through those doors again… that’s when Novak hair salons came in, my very good friend Lina who is my roommate now at Novak told me about this room that would become available. I prayed and asked for signs to make sure I was making the right decision.
In a way, it was almost like my dad opening those doors for me from heaven because he knew how much of a procrastinator I was. I am so grateful for the family that Ben and Justin crated at Novak. I’m surrounded by the amazing talented motivated artist. I feel like as an artist, we are never done learning and I’m so blessed to be part of a salon who strives to better their stylist and we all learn from each other as well. My roommate motivates me so much. My father’s passing has been the hardest thing I had ever been through in my life but his life has taught me so much. He successfully made his American dream come true. And the respect he earned from our small town of Decatur was amazing, his funeral proved it. The number of people that attended his service was a testament to his love for life and the kindness he spread. I strive to be at least half the person he was.
Great, 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?
I wish I could say it was all smooth sailing but it wasn’t. Some of the struggles we’re having to start from scratch when I started working at Le Dukes. At the time, I didn’t have social media and Toni & Guy didn’t let you take your clients with you. So, having to start over was a struggle but by working hard, I was able to get back in the game. And never saying no, I couldn’t do that. And took in every client I could.
Please tell us about Hair and Makeup by Sonia.
My business is about making people feel and look beautiful. I do it all, hair and makeup, color, extensions and so on. I’m not sure what I’m most known for, I love all things beauty so that’s hard to say. What I’m most proud of is never giving up and being a hard worker like my parents thought me. I don’t think anything sets me apart, I would like to go and say we are all equal in this business and I’m always learning from everyone in my industry.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
That’s a hard one because I have many, but one of my favorite memories as a child was when dad had to make dinner for us because mom had to work late, well, let’s just say that didn’t turn out so good. Lol.
Contact Info:
- Address: 250 W Lancaster Ave
Fort Worth, TX 76244 - Phone: +1 (817) 337-8686
- Email: soniastillbeauty@gmail.com
Suggest a story: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Starting a new project or business: One of our core goals at Voyage is to help small-businesses and creatives thrive. Having a strong online presence can play an important role and so we’ve partnered with some incredible designers and would love to help you launch a stunning, custom-designed website for your brand or project. Let’s Connect >>
