Meet Sonja Amelia

We were lucky to catch up with Sonja Amelia recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Sonja, you’ve got such an interesting story, but before we jump into that, let’s first talk about a topic near and dear to us – generosity. We think success, happiness and wellbeing depends on authentic generosity and empathy and so we’d love to hear about how you become such a generous person – where do you think your generosity comes from?

My generosity comes from a deep connection to my own journey of growth, resilience, and healing. I’ve faced struggles when it comes to my mental health (severe anxiety, depression, eating disorders etc.) in addition to the pain of losing loved ones, navigating trauma and more… these experiences have shaped me into someone who deeply understands the importance of support and connection. I know what it’s like to feel lost, alone or overwhelmed, and that’s why I’m passionate about creating spaces and tools that inspire healing and hope. I think generosity and kindness go hand-in-hand and it has become part of my purpose to give back to others as much as I can.

Whether it’s through my work as a holistic health coach, writing my poetry book, or hosting workshops, I find purpose in helping others navigate their own paths. Giving back—whether through sharing my story, offering wellness tools, or donating to meaningful causes—feels natural to me because I believe we’re all here to lift each other up and find healing together. Although we are all different, we are also one and the same.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I wear many hats, but at the core of everything I do is a passion for holistic wellness, creativity, and helping others on their journey of growth and inner healing. As a Certified Integrative Health Coach and practitioner of Reiki and Tao Healing Hands, I focus on guiding others toward balance and well-being through mind, body and spirit. I also host and curate wellness retreats that create space for transformation, community, self-discovery, and deep connection. You can learn more via my wellness page @risewithsonja.

Most recently, I’m celebrating the launch of my published poetry book, *Moments of Impact*, which is incredibly close to my heart. It’s a collection of raw, honest reflections on life’s struggles, resilience, and the beauty of finding light in the darkness. The book is more than just poetry; it’s an invitation for readers to connect with their own experiences and emotions in a way that feels healing and empowering. To celebrate its release, I’m giving away 100 free copies (10 each month) via @sonjapoetess. Additionally, 10% of sales and books gifted are going to mental health initiatives—a cause that’s deeply personal to me.

Beyond that, I’m continuing to pour more energy into building workshops and future retreats that combine mindfulness practices with authentic storytelling and tools for personal transformation. Whether through my coaching, my writing, or collaborative events, my mission is to help others connect to their inner strength, align with their purpose, and create healing within their own lives.

I’m excited for what’s ahead and am always looking for ways to expand my work in ways that inspire and empower others.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, I’d say the three qualities that were most impactful in my journey are:

1. Resilience
2. Empathy
3. Self-awareness

Resilience has been key in navigating the ups and downs of life, from personal challenges like overcoming anxiety and an eating disorder to professional risks like leaving stable jobs to follow my passions and travel the world. Resilience doesn’t mean never feeling defeated—it’s about finding the strength to keep going and trusting that every setback has a lesson.

If I were to offer advice, I’d say you can build resilience by embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. I truly believe there are no “failures,” only lessons. Rejection equals redirection, and I trust everything always works out as it is meant to—even if I can’t see it at first. Journaling, mindfulness practices, and surrounding yourself with supportive people can help you shift your perspective and keep moving forward. An aligned community has been HUGE for me in this regard.

Empathy has been the foundation of my work in wellness, writing, and my day-to-day life. I am an empath by nature, so I feel everything very intensely. It allows me to connect deeply with others and hold space and compassion for their stories, whether I’m coaching, writing poetry, or curating retreats.

My advice? To cultivate empathy, listen with intention. Practice putting yourself in others’ shoes without judgment. We must recognize infinite realities and perspectives are happening all at once, so it’s important to lead with an open heart.

And lastly, self-awareness has guided me in aligning my work with my values and purpose, while also understanding the parts of myself that need work and healing. It’s helped me recognize what truly fulfills me and set boundaries to protect my energy.

It’s important to take time to reflect on who you are and what you stand for. Tools like meditation, therapy, or even personality frameworks like Human Design can help you better understand your strengths and areas for growth. Stay curious about yourself, and don’t shy away from asking hard questions.

For anyone starting their journey, I’d say: take things one step at a time. You don’t need to have it all figured out right away. Focus on developing these qualities through small, intentional actions. Trust the process, and remember that every experience—“good” or “bad”—is shaping you into the person you’re meant to become.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Absolutely! Collaboration is at the heart of what I do, and I’m always looking to connect with conscious leaders who are passionate about making a positive impact in the world. Whether you’re a facilitator, co-host, photographer, chef, organizer, sponsor, or someone with unique expertise or creative energy, I’d love to explore how we can work together.

I’m especially interested in partnering with individuals and organizations aligned with wellness, creativity, and transformative experiences—those who share a vision for creating meaningful change and building communities that inspire growth and connection.

If this resonates with you and you’d like to collaborate, feel free to reach out! You can connect with me via Instagram at @risewithsonja or email me directly at hello@risewithsonja.com.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @risewithsonja // @sonjapoetess
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVu-zI5fLqc&feature=youtu.be

Image Credits

Aurielle Laredo
Devin Cruz
Aspin Mecham
Lauren McFarlane