Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sonya Riviere. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Sonya , we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
Looking back, resilience became a part of who I am. I was a teen mom, and pregnant with my first child my senior year of high school. I was determined to complete high school, and receive my diploma, which I did. Becoming a teenage mom was the one of the most challenging moments of my life. I carried shame, guilt and fear because I was the first in my family to be a teen mom and not be married.
Although I was a teenage mom, I still wanted to give my daughter the opportunities that I had growing up, which in part was stability, the best schools, extra curricular activities and a two parents. Which I quickly came to realize that I would be raising her as a single mother, and that taught me resilience early on. At the same time, I had my own dreams of becoming a hairstylist since middle school and I was determined and persistent to continue to pursue my own goals which required even greater strength and determination.
Through the challenges of being a teen mom, I learned resilience, responsibility, and accountability at an early age. Ive also learned to adapt, keep moving and never give up! Today resilience remains one of my strongest qualities and I embrace challenges because that is where learning and growth add and build to your character.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a freelance hairstylist for Sonya Riviere llc, and I also am a part of IATSE Local 798 for Hairstylists & Makeup Artists where I work as a gig worker for Theatre, Film and Television.
As a self employed artist I love having the freedom to be creative and keep my options open. My work takes me to different spaces from film, bridal, house calls, events, commercials, and the list goes on. What excites me, is that I get inspired by my surroundings and the people I meet. I love to learn and eager to challenge myself and grow personally, and as an artist.
In 2025, I have been really focused and passionate about generating passive income, which has led me to dedicate myself full time to build and grow my online business, S. Riviere Hair Collection. At S. Riviere Hair Collection, we offer a range of hair extensions to meet the diverse needs of our customers. We offer Luxury hair extensions that are exclusive to S. Riviere Hair Collection, such as Raw South Indian Single donor hair, Russian/ Slavic hair and a range of clip in extensions in a variety of textures.
I am in new territory learning about digital marketing and social media which I have not been extremely active on in the last few years. There is so much to learn and I am enjoying the creative process. This month of September 2025, I just adeed our CHANDANI Luxury Raw Indian Faux Loc extensions to our collection. CHANDANI Faux Loc Extensions, are handcrafted from our Raw Indian hair, that is sourced directly from the sacred temples of South India. Every bundle of our Raw Indian hair is sourced from a single hair donor, completely unprocessed and is the purest hair on the market. S.Riviere Hair Collection is trusted by hairstylists, brides, and professionals.
At S.Riviere Hair Collection, we take pride in continuing to refine and grow our line to make sure our products bring value and excellence to our customers.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Three important qualities that have helped and continue to help me are resilience, positive mindset, and determination.
My advice to anyone chasing a dream is to not give up! Visualize what you want, and stay focused. I personally create a very detailed vision board every year before my birthday. My new year starts on my birthday! Tune out noise and people that aren’t serving you. Protect your peace. Be kind, smile, ask questions. Seek a mentor that is invested in your growth. Listen to positive people that will uplift and give perspective, such as Neville Goddard, Jim Rohn, Stormy Wellington, Napoleon Hill, Wayne Dyer, Louisa Haye, there’s plenty more… Stay healthy and work out. Be mindful of what you put into your body and be mindful of the words that you speak. Are you being positive or negative? Journal, and meditate. Be open minded, and embrace challenges, because it’s growth and preparation for something greater ahead. Keep a positive mindset and outlook.
Practice discipline and consistency. You are an inspiration to people who pretend to not even see you. Keep moving and keep shining, you got this! By the way, I practice everything I listed above, daily! (Wink wink)
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?
I would love to collaborate with Salon Owners, or any person or business that is seeking a high quality, luxury hair supplier. Please connect with me via email [email protected]. My ig @srivierehair @sonyadriviere.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sriverehair.com
- Instagram: @srivierehair
- Facebook: S.Riviere Hair Collection
- Youtube: s.rivierehair
- Yelp: Sonya Riviere Hairstyling and Extensions
