We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sonni Koster a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Sonni, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
I grew up in a home where both of my parents were active duty military, and they taught us the importance of work, why we work, and why it’s important to work hard for what we want.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am an Air Force Veteran, and when I got out of the military, I decided I wanted to pursue my dream of Interior Design. After our twins were born, I was a stay-at-home mom, and I began researching everything there was to know about starting a business in Interior Design. I taught myself everything and built my business from the ground up. I had already had a bachelor’s degree from my time in the military, and attended Interior Design school short-term before I decided I wanted to purse a Graduate Degree in Business to help flourish my company. At that time, pursuing that degree was best for me my family. In my opinion, you do not always have to have a degree in what you have a passion for to be successful. I want other women, especially moms out there to know it’s not too late and even if we fail, at least we have no regrets gong after our dream.
Fearing failure for me was not something that scared me. Failing leads to growth and maturity, and I have no regrets. Shortly after I started my business, I was afforded an amazing opportunity to work with and appear a couple of HGTV shows. I grew a lot from those experiences, and from the clients that came before and after. I now recognize and stand by my worth as a Designer and quickly began to understand that a Designer/Client relationship needs to be a good fit for both parties. I want to work with Clients that understand the value a Designer brings to the table and that our creative mind behind the design process is something that cannot be bargained with. I love what I do, and I want to honor and give glory to God in all things, if that means I have to wait on his timing-then it’s his will not mine!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I think when it comes to Interior Design specifically, there has to be a natural eye one possesses. Sure schooling is great and beneficial, but schooling alone cannot give someone a natural talent for this career. Schooling is not always needed dependent upon the laws in your state. For me, it was not needed in my state, I regularly study and keep myself up to date on industry standards just like those who went to school. I continue to learn and expand my knowledge by studying design, and learning from other designers who are very inspiring. Grit and not being afraid to fail were and are important qualities to have in my opinion. You can only get so far if you’re not willing to grow.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
For me, my faith is everything and I am continuing to grow in my relationship with God. It is a daily struggle not to conform to common culture, and that’s something I pray about constantly. I want to continue doing what I love by bringing people homes they want to share and enjoy, but I remain strong in the fact that I will wait for the opportunities that God provides so that I can glorify him in all things and not change who I am for anyone!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.s2kdesigns.com
- Instagram: S2KDesigns
- Facebook: S2K Designs
- Linkedin: Sonni Koster
Image Credits
Headshot is TamSandPhotography in Lithia, FL All Interior Design Photos are credited to S2K Designs, LLC
