We’re looking forward to introducing you to Sonya Hensley . Check out our conversation below.
Sonya , really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Integrity is the most important thing for me . Integrity keeps one trying to do their best for all concerned and it also fosters transparency in regards to conflicts. When Integrity is absent it’s like no speed limit, or guard rails . It is a choice that you cannot make for others,to act with intregrity .
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Sonya Hensley a multidisciplinary artist, creator, producer, writer. I create works of art with lyrics, spoken word, plays, on canvases, choreography, and through my creation of jewelry . I have traveled the world as a performer on my own right and as a supporting artist to many famous well known celebrities.
Having worked in all mediums of entertainment. I have been able to mentor some up and coming artists. I experience immense joy as a creator taking the seasons as they come . Some years are music , songwriting focused. Other years I am on screen and stage acting or embodying complex characters that are featured in these works. Sometimes I am simply in a vacuum of solitude peacefully painting, sewing , or making jewelry.
I have just debuted the first of a series . My “One Woman Show: The Scat Life” was a world premiere at Kentucky Performing Arts, the MeX theater, in Louisville, Kentucky. I received standing ovations on my opening and closing nights of my two day run . It was a dream come true. I am currently working on the second of this series which will be an interactive art project.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Lack of trust breaks bonds between people. Our stories, our shared experiences and conversations are so private. When this trust is broken carelessly it is a deal breaker. What can rebuild the bond is accountability and change of behavior. A conversation to honestly communicate will lead nowhere if it results in gas lighting, blaming or a nonchalant attitude regarding the offended parties feelings of betrayal. It might simply be a miss communication in the end . It could also be a fundamental difference in values.
Once the important conversation has happened there should be relief and a fuller understanding between the two parties,not repeated indifferent behavior.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering has taught me a type of gratitude that is full of joy. A compassion for others that is much more encompassing. Before suffering the tendency was to more easily judge others circumstances and positions of powerlessness. In suffering I have learned that I have the power to change any circumstance with my mind set and right action. The really hard things to change are the habits and beliefs that got us into the multiple messes in the first place . Accountability for one’s own actions is also learned through suffering.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
That question is hilarious to me because . I’m in entertainment. Ha and as a talent that is not what you need to think . It is very much a business . The entertainment is for your customers, patrons, sponsors. The joy I feel doing something I love and would do for free on an abandoned island is not entertainment to me . It is the air I breath and the privilege of being a human enjoying this amazing life on earth and in turn being inspired to emulate that through my art. It is the balm that heals all manner of traumatic experiences I have endured as well.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
My patrons, fans, customers, and colleagues ,I believe would miss the best that is yet to come from my creations and performances. I am most grateful that as a performance artist I get to continually evolve and elevate. I get to crystallize my craft and move throughout my mediums of choice with more ease as I get older and bolder. I know they would miss that , and for sure they would miss my crazy sense of humor.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sonyahensley.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sonyahmcg?igsh=MXNtbWFvYnFrcnFtbw==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Ab2YJMJep/
- Other: YouTube Channels:
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Sonya Hensley
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