Meet Sonya Hensley

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sonya Hensley. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Sonya, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?

My optimism comes from the beauty of life. The sky ,nature, animals, children, senior individuals that I have always befriended. The pure lusciousness inherent in food, clothing, artworks, music the human touch, and traveling the world.

I was a bookworm growing up in a household with limited funds and a single parent. Playing outside in nature, making fortresses and food from sticks stones and mud. Watching the diligent march of ants , watching the spinning ferocity of huge spiders on the cornerstones of my building made me forever curious.
I read every book I could get my hands on. I borrowed records from older individuals in my orbit. Delighted to watch endless documentaries. I am always excited to learn new things about how sentient and insentient beings survive and thrive together in harmony.
I have remained childlike in wonder with every country I travel. I love exploring the customs, streets, and local delights, so far I’ve been to 59 countries . I would gladly travel to 59 more if given the opportunity. Life is full of endless blissfulness and vibrancy. I feel tremendously fortunate to be a part and a witness.

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 from Louisville, Kentucky. I was trained as a dancer, singer, actor, writer. I produced my debut album “The Essential ” and three singles, “You Don’t Know” , “None of My Business “, and “East of You”. They were Grammy considered entries . I have worked as a professional actor , singer , choreographer for film , television, theater, and toured internationally . Working with artists such as; Les Paul, Jimmy Buffet, Harry Belafonte, Lena Horne, Ricky Martin, Raphael Martos, and many others. I am
currently focusing on writing my memoirs, and presenting my artworks . I’ve painted for many years and feel now is the time to present my art to the public. I have expanded my career naturally to include choreography for other Grammy Award winning artists projects

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Three most important qualities were:
Discipline: I learned from ballet, modern, tap, and jazz dance training . I also include voice, acting, and screenwriting classes.

Passion: This has kept me reinventing my career and mining skills I wasn’t aware I had throughout my life . Passion is the fire that allows me to break through all adversity with a sense of joy.
Research and Study: These practices have allowed me to be confident in any situation and in any room with persons of all status, cultures, and backgrounds .I can always pinpoint a topic of compatibility and joy to break the ice , before we get to the serious business at hand

How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?

My current challenge is starting over after a very long relationship ended. I am looking at new partnerships in business , new places to live , new areas of interest. It is overwhelming at times and so very full of decision making . The other challenge is letting go of all things that no longer fit or serve my vision for my future. I am learning to trust and navigate with ease and not continue moving through life with the typically practiced “on my grind” mentality. That has been my mantra for decades. It is quite different to simply allow one’s self to be, resonate, and follow what my body needs, ie rest, a walk nature,or a talk with and old friend . It is really soothing to ground energetically with mother earth and know absolutely that the universe has got my back. All of my good work ,deeds, and thoughts are my foundation, and know it is enough. My favorite hobby of rollerskating has served me tremendously during this transition and has allowed me to alchemize all fears, and negative emotions, in a positive healthy way for my my mind and body.
My daily Buddhist practice gives me peace and focus daily. I am most grateful.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Sonya Hensley-photographer
Album “The Essential ” cover and poster photos -Ric Ricard

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