Sonya doesn’t just step into a room — she claims it. There’s a magnetism to her presence, a kind of quiet command that doesn’t beg for attention yet refuses to be ignored. She’s not here to play by anyone else’s rules, and that’s exactly what makes her impossible to pin down. In an industry that thrives on labels, Sonya slips between them with ease, choosing instead to define herself on her own terms.
What sets her apart isn’t just her undeniable style or the way she carries herself with that razor-sharp mix of confidence and curiosity — it’s her refusal to dilute who she is. Sonya moves through her world with intention, embracing contradictions that others might shy away from. She’s at once bold and introspective, fierce and vulnerable, polished and raw. It’s this duality that makes her not only fascinating to watch, but also deeply relatable.
There’s also a refreshing realness to Sonya that cuts through the noise. She doesn’t sugarcoat her journey or dress it up with perfection — she owns the highs, the lows, and everything in between. It’s an honesty that resonates, especially in a time where authenticity is often traded for aesthetics. For Sonya, being true to herself isn’t just a choice, it’s the baseline. And that’s exactly why she’s become someone people look to not only for inspiration, but for representation of something real.
Sonya’s story is one of self-definition — about creating space rather than waiting to be given one, and about showing up unapologetically even when the world isn’t ready. She’s proof that power doesn’t have to be loud to be revolutionary; sometimes it’s in the stillness, the subtlety, the refusal to compromise.
In our conversation with Sonya, she opens up about what drives her, how she navigates the push and pull of visibility, and what it really means to live without limits.
“My journey actually started with modeling as someone with vitiligo. At first, it was about representation—showing up in front of the camera so others with skin differences could see themselves too. From there, content creation became a natural extension. It gave me the space to share more than just images—it allowed me to share my story, my love for beauty, fashion, fitness, travel, etc. and the message that confidence and self-acceptance are what truly define us.”
Who is Sonya and how did your journey as a content creator begin?
How has your journey with vitiligo shaped your personal definition of beauty?
“Vitiligo taught me that beauty isn’t about perfection—it’s about authenticity. For the longest time, I felt pressured to “fix” or cover up my skin. Now, I see beauty as the way you carry yourself, the confidence you radiate, and how you make others feel. My vitiligo isn’t something I fight against anymore—it’s part of my story, and it makes my version of beauty uniquely mine.”
Was there a turning point where you went from wanting to hide your skin to embracing it as part of your identity?
“Yes. The turning point came when I realized how exhausting it was to keep hiding, both physically and emotionally. I was tired of living for other people’s comfort. The day I stopped covering my skin wasn’t instant confidence—it was small, gradual steps. But once I saw how freeing it felt, I couldn’t go back. It was like choosing to breathe fully again.”
How do you balance showing vulnerability with staying strong for your community of followers who may look up to you?
“I remind myself that strength doesn’t mean hiding the hard days. It’s about being honest while showing resilience. Sometimes I share the lows—because my community deserves realness. Other times, I focus on empowerment. It’s a balance, but I think being open about both sides creates a safe space where others feel seen and supported.”
Have beauty brands been supportive in including people with visible skin differences, or do you still feel a gap in representation?
“We’ve definitely seen progress—brands are starting to include more diverse models, including those with visible skin conditions. But if I’m being honest, there’s still a gap. Representation shouldn’t be a “special campaign” moment—it should be the norm. True inclusion happens when people with differences are seen not as exceptions, but as part of everyday beauty.”
When you strip away the products, the content, and the industry noise—what does beauty mean to you personally?
“To me, beauty is peace with yourself. It’s not about makeup, filters, or trends—it’s that quiet confidence when you look in the mirror and feel content with the person looking back.”
What’s the most powerful message you’ve received from someone who saw themselves in your content?
“I’ve received several messages from people who have shared how my journey had inspired them to learn how to love themselves better, and embrace their skin and body in all its forms. It reminded me why I keep going—because even the smallest act of courage can inspire someone else to do the same.”
You’ve worked with many brands in your career, from skincare, makeup, and even lifestyle brands like ASICS. Is there a brand in your wishlist that you would like to work with in the future?
“I’d love to work with Fenty Beauty & Rare Beauty on a global scale. Rihanna and Selena both built a brand that’s synonymous with inclusivity, and I feel like our missions align—showing that beauty exists in every shade, every story, every skin.”
Comparison culture is ruthless—how do you protect your peace while working in a space that thrives on perfection?
“I protect my peace by constantly grounding myself in my “why.” I remind myself that I didn’t start this journey to compete; I started it to connect. I also take intentional breaks from social media and focus on things offline that bring me joy—like my cat, Noisy, spending time with loved ones, sports, travelling, my hobbies, or just existing without the pressure to post.”
“The best would be- meeting people from all walks of life, being able to connect with them on a deeper level- and working with some of my dream brands on campaigns and activations. The worst would be dealing with unsolicited comments and hate, especially when it’s between creators competing with each other. But even those moments have built resilience and taught me not to measure my worth by strangers’ opinions. At the end of the day, I always believe that our biggest competition is ourselves- and comparison will get you nowhere. ”
What has been your best and worst experience as a content creator so far?
Being a content creator in the beauty space, you’ve surely tried hundreds of products. What are 3 products that have blown your mind and have earned a permanent spot on your vanity table?
“A hydrating essence/serum/moisturiser that keeps my skin plump and calm, especially when it feels sensitive, a buildable yet skin-like foundation that lets me even out my complexion without ever feeling heavy, and a lightweight, invisible sunscreen that protects without leaving any white cast! ”
What’s the biggest difference between your AM and PM skincare routines—and which one are you more likely to skip when life gets chaotic?
“My AM routine is light and protective—cleanser, serum, moisturizer, and SPF. My PM routine is more restorative—think double cleanse, treatments, and richer creams. If life gets chaotic, I’ll admit I sometimes skip the longer PM steps, but I never skip sunscreen in the morning.”
Your audience trusts you to filter through the noise—how do you actually decide if a product deserves to make the cut?
“I test everything on myself first. If a product doesn’t feel good, work well, or align with my values, I won’t recommend it—no matter how trendy it is. I think trust is built by being selective and honest, not by promoting everything that lands on my desk.”
Beyond content creation, what are your future plans—do you see yourself launching your own brand, creating your own podcast, or moving into another creative space?
“I definitely see myself expanding beyond general content creation. I’d love to create something bigger that can live outside social media—whether that’s a brand, a platform, or a podcast where conversations about beauty, identity, and representation can reach more people. My long-term goal is to continue reshaping narratives and leaving behind something meaningful- especially through philanthropic work. ”
CREDITS
ECCO SHOES
FRED JEWELRY
SACOOR BROTHERS
TGV CINEMAS, SURIA KLCC
MAKEUP ARTIST: SAMANTHA FERNANDEZ
PHOTOGRAPHY: CHRISTABELLE YONG