We’re looking forward to introducing you to Sonia Hou. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Sonia, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is a normal day like for you right now?
As a mother of two, my day begins at 6:30 a.m., preparing my children for school, packing their lunches, and driving them to drop-off. I then dedicate my morning and afternoon to managing both my jewelry brand and my work as a food content creator. In the afternoon, I pick up my children, prepare dinner, and handle their evening routine. Once they are settled for the night, I return to working on my businesses.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a celebrity jewelry designer and founder of SONIA HOU Jewelry – the world’s first culturally inclusive jewelry brand, where modern designs honor diversity and celebrate global cultures. I’m also a As a food micro-influencer @HouToCook, where I create stylish videos that showcase both my unique recipes and jewelry! My seafood boil recipe even went viral on TikTok (nearly 1 million views)!
I have been designing jewelry for over a decade, and is known for her timeless chic designs, and modern Asian-inspired pieces. This brand has been worn by many celebrities, featured on CNBC, PEOPLE, POPSUGAR, FORBES, COSMOPOLITAN, INSTYLE, INSIDER and major TV shows like NBC’s Today Show, Wendy Williams and ABC’s The View.
Based in Los Angeles, I am a Chinese American jewelry designer and fashion enthusiast, and always had trouble finding stylish, reasonably priced jewelry that was safe on my skin and long-lasting. I would shop at major retailers and overspend on jewelry made out of cheap metals that would cause her allergic skin reactions.
So in 2012, I started to create demi-fine jewelry which falls between fine jewelry and costume jewelry, focusing on fashion-forward designs made of quality 18K / 24K gold, sterling sliver and gemstones at affordable prices.
I am known for having the U.S. Olympic athletes wear my jewelry at the Winter Olympics ‘18. Most notably, I designed the “good luck” FIRE earrings that celebrity U.S. Figure Skater Mirai Nagasu wore when she made her historic triple axel jump at the Winter Olympics ’18 – she was the 1st American woman to ever land a triple axel at the Olympics.
POPSUGAR considered her FIRE earrings a “part of U.S. History.”
In 2021-22, SONIA HOU Jewelry was featured on PEOPLE, THRILLST, INSTYLE, POPSUGAR, NBC NEWS and BUSINESS INSIDER as one of the AAPI-Owned Fashion Brands to Support. She also made it on FORBES Next 1000 list – Class of 2021.
In 2023, SONIA HOU Jewelry provided jewelry in the JOY RIDE movie, and was worn by actress Ashley Park.
Follow @SoniaHouJewelry @HouToCook on Instagram/Tiktok!
SONIA HOU Jewelry is a proud AAPI, woman-owned company.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
My parents taught me as a kid to believe that if you work hard at your passion, anything is achievable in life. As long as you love what you do, you will succeed.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes in 2020, I ALMOST gave up due to the COVID pandemic – when sales tanked. But each challenge has pushed us to think more strategically, adapt quickly, and stay true to our brand values while finding innovative ways to grow.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I believe in continuing to push through the inclusive angle for jewelry, as I feel there is a noticeable lack of diversity and inclusivity in modern, stylish jewelry design. As times have evolved, so has the importance of representation—and I wanted to create a brand that reflects that. SONIA HOU Jewelry is the world’s first culturally inclusive jewelry brand, blending modern aesthetics with global cultural influences to celebrate diversity.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
I honestly feel most at peace when I’m working towards growing my business, expanding sales channels and launching new marketing campaigns. I am passionate about what I do, so it doesn’t really feel like work – more like a hobby sometimes
Contact Info:
- Website: https://soniahou.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/soniahoujewelry AND instagram.com/houtocook
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonia-hou-jewelry/
- Twitter: x.com/soniahoujewelry AND x.com/houtocook
- Facebook: Facebook.com/soniahoujewelry AND Facebook.com/houtocook
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@soniahoujewelry AND YouTube.com/@HouToCook
Image Credits
Credit: SONIAHOU.COM / @SONIAHOUJEWELRY / @HOUTOCOOK
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