Meet Sonya Costello

We were lucky to catch up with Sonya Costello recently and have shared our conversation below.

Sonya, we’ve been so fortunate to work with so many incredible folks and one common thread we have seen is that those who have built amazing lives for themselves are also often the folks who are most generous. Where do you think your generosity comes from?

I got my service heart from my mom. I always tell her how grateful I am for that. When we were kids, she delivered for Meals on Wheels in Tampa, Florida, and often took us along. The joy on their faces is a memory I’ll always cherish. They appreciated the food, a friendly smile, and a short conversation. My mom later worked full-time for Meals on Wheels, retired, and then returned to work part-time. She’s been one of my greatest teachers.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I am the CEO and founder of Be Love Movement and Sonya Costello Systems Consultant. The Be Love Movement centers on a simple yet profound goal: to spread more love and remind everyone of its abundant presence in our world. This ethos of love permeates everything I do—from the stickers that sparked Be Love, to my yoga classes, events, and one-on-one client work.

Bringing people together in community, business, celebration, and life is my passion. I thrive on creating connections and witnessing the joy and love they bring. Whether organizing a music festival, wedding, or life celebration, I find magic in the behind-the-scenes work that enriches people’s lives.

Teaching yoga is one of my passions. It brings me joy to create a space where people can breathe, slow down, and be present. I often remind my students, “There are no goals in yoga, only to breathe.” My hope is that this message brings a smile and a sense of unity.

Working with one-on-one clients as a systems consultant, I help them streamline their businesses and find more time to do what they love. Each client’s needs are unique, but the goal is always to bring their magic to the world.

Additionally, I co-founded Empowerment Collective AVL, an event series in Asheville, NC, celebrating the journeys of accomplished women. These events go beyond networking; they are inspirational gatherings that foster meaningful exchanges and build a supportive community. This year, we’re expanding with more events and initiatives to further support women in leadership.

I’m excited to revive the Be Love Movement, reminding everyone that we are not alone, we are loved, and we are love.

I live in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville, NC, with my sweet 18-year-old cat, Bella Joy, my spirited 3.5-year-old dog, Bailey Love, and our newest addition, 3-month-old Kora Moon. I am also a bonus mom to an amazing kiddo, Luke Zeppelin, almost 13 years old, who I call my “love light”. For over 20 years, I’ve been deeply embedded in my community and look forward to continuing to give back and make an impact.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Reflecting on my journey, the three most impactful qualities I’ve embraced are trustworthiness, courage, and resilience.

Trustworthiness is the foundation of everything I do. Whether managing a music store, handling large sums of cash at a club, supporting new business owners, or teaching yoga, trust has been crucial. Without mutual trust, there’s no foundation, no place to build or grow. Trust begins with self-awareness and self-belief. Know who you are, like who you are, and love who you are, and others will trust you too.

Courage is essential for personal and professional growth. It’s about stepping out of your comfort zone, showing up consistently, and embracing that you won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. True courage comes from being authentic and daring to be yourself.

Resilience is key to navigating life’s ups and downs. Life will be both beautiful and messy. Learn from both your wins and losses. You are stronger than you think. Embrace your emotions and keep moving forward.

For those starting their journey, surround yourself with inspiring, supportive people. Entrepreneurship can feel isolating, but you’re not alone. We all share similar fears and struggles. Find a community where you can be vulnerable, feel validated, and be cheered on. This support is one of the greatest gifts we can give each other.

Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?

My biggest growth areas have been setting boundaries and trusting myself. For years, I sought answers and validation outside of myself. As an empath, I felt deeply and mistakenly thought there was something wrong with me.

Taking time to rest and recover from burnout taught me to trust my intuition. When I slow down and listen, it’s always spot on.

I’ve also learned to set and maintain boundaries, moving away from constant caretaking. This is an ongoing practice. Now, I prioritize taking care of myself—putting on my own oxygen mask first—so I can give from a full and loving cup.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sonyacostello.com/ and https://belovemovement.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sonya_lyn_costello/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sonya.costello.5
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonya-costello/

Image Credits

Sarah Johnston
Julieta Fumberg