Our Founders’ Conversation
Marie
Pamela, your journey has been so inspiring—both your career as a whole and the shifts you’ve made in the last few years. What has been the most exciting step in your path?
Pamela
Reclaiming the narrative and not succumbing to the game or others' expectations or pressures. It was the best choice I’ve made in a long time, and I feel free—it's finally just fun being me...
Marie
From our first conversations, to you joining Sonsie as a co-founder and co-owner, I have been struck with the similarity of our values and beliefs. What has been your favorite experience with Sonsie so far?
Pamela
I love sharing in the development together; a similar perspective, but from generations apart… We are women juggling love, children, passion, and beauty… It’s a journey, and I'm excited every day about what's next!... For each other and for Sonsie.
Be Sonsie to me means…
Be Sensible,
Be Sensual,
Be Supportive,
Be Strong.
Marie
I love that.
Pamela
And for you, what makes Sonsie a game-changer?
Marie
I think people are tired of brands overpromising. Sonsie embraces the idea that we are all at different places along the journey and that’s OK. I want to make decisions today to take care of myself tomorrow, and I feel that’s an idea that people resonate with...
Pamela
You are so young… I think you speak for a generation of women who are forward thinkers, who care about sustainability and maneuvering in a world that has so much access… and in an over-saturated industry, influencers, and products—I'm curious how you have stayed so grounded?
Marie
That’s such a wonderful compliment, thank you. Honestly it started with my family: all the women around me were always natural, confident, and embraced their differences. I think these are the things that make us all special, and if Sonsie as a company can be a platform for inclusivity, self-love, and sustainability, that’s pretty cool because we are all building this together. That’s special.
What about you? Are there any women who have really inspired you?
Pamela
I have had great, fun, colorful women in my life... but also my sons, and others who have helped me to challenge beauty. We are all works of art.
Marie
One of the ways I feel we align is our commitment to natural beauty—to looking like ourselves. Do you think societal standards are shifting?
Pamela
I think it's important to be who you are … but also who you wish to be.
What does she wear? What music does she listen to? Wherever we are in our beauty journey, just stop and look… check-in. No regrets and no judgment—just the choice to be who you are right now in the moment.
What is your definition of beauty?
Marie
Just living your truth, authenticity, accepting that perfection doesn’t exist. Finding peace in the journey, and being confident and deeply rooted in who you are.
Pamela
While identity is subjective, and the world is pitting people against each other—how do you find peace?
Marie
My family is my peace, it really is the most important thing to me.
Pamela
Being a new mom, what do you wish for and want to instill in your child?
Marie
This might be the toughest question, but I think in the world we live in, the ability to preserve a child's innocence is truly a gift. We want to do that for Zoe as long as we can.
Pamela
How is it juggling family and business? Do you still feel inspired? Or tired?
Marie
Harder than one would expect! Obviously our baby is the number one priority, but she also inspires us to create, travel, and do more.
And you have such an impressive mix of projects. What inspires you? What empowers you?
Pamela
I like a creative challenge—I surround myself with options … writing, journaling, drawing, painting, dancing … yoga. You don't know what you are good at or even enjoy till you try—the unexpected is a life force.
Marie
That is so true. The unexpected is definitely a life force. As a creative person I was always inspired by the idea of traveling and living abroad, and when I lived in New York, I was so surprised by the realization that I missed home as much as I did. I noticed how connected I feel to being in nature, shopping at local farmers markets, little things like a long walk and fresh air. Real acts of self-care.
Pamela
What led you to want a skincare line with these values? The ethos, the focus on minimalism, and self-acceptance… It's rare.
Marie
I started with myself first; I wanted to develop a better relationship with the things I was consuming, be it food, work, skincare. That was the beginning of Sonsie—just wanting a routine that was simple, thoughtful, and gave me confidence both in myself and in the products.
How does Sonsie fit into your everyday life?
Pamela
I use it whenever I see it!
Marie
Same. This conversation has been wonderful, Pamela. I have two final questions: what are recent challenges you’ve navigated, and what are you most looking forward to this year?
Pamela
Just to believe in yourself, pave a new way with endurance—sometimes, with success comes fear of losing it … I remind myself and my kids that there are ups and downs, and lots of people in our ears … to think original thoughts is a practice, but this is usually what we are remembered for.
Let's hope the road ahead is fun and we can bring hope to beauty in a new way … Simple, earthy—but inspirational.