Life and Work with Ratna Soni

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ratna Soni.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I got here today one experience, one lesson, one day at a time. My story is nowhere being complete as I continue to grow to reach the next goal each day.

I grew up in a traditional Indian family therefore, I had a very linear mentality. Meaning finishing school, getting a higher level of education, marriage, kids, etc. I finished college and the obvious next step was to find a job. After a few months at a job in Cleveland OH, I knew I needed a creative outlet as I had always been interested in art, photography, drawing, etc. I decided to move to Chicago a day after my 24th birthday to attend the Pastry course at the Art Institute of Illinois for one year. My goal was to start a business making creative, artistic custom cakes. After a couple of successful cakes and far more disappointing cakes, I soon learned that this was not the right creative outlet for me. Needless to say, I hung up my apron.

In the meantime, I had a part-time job at a medical management company and my corporate career was progressing well so I concentrated on that for a few years. After going through some personal challenges about 2 to 3 years ago, I decided to start a bridal makeup business as an outlet. I was very hesitant as I had failed at my baking business a few years prior. However, this time it felt different. In spite of being unsure and scared, I decided to get certified, Once I was certified the next step was to build my kit and then get my first client, For me that happened simultaneously. I had a friend of a friend request to do a trial with me. This was a classic case of fake it til you make it. The only thing was, I was not faking it. I felt it with every part of me that I can do it and I’m good at it. Around the same time, I had the opportunity to build my makeup kit as The Makeup Show was in town that weekend. I immediately got a ticket through a makeup artist acquaintance who just happened to have an extra ticket. I was able to build my full kit (with a makeup light) and book my first wedding within a few weeks.

I did the bride’s makeup along with 5-6 bridesmaids my very first time. And if you know South Asian Weddings, there are usually multiple events. After the third day, I was exhausted, relieved (that I didn’t screw it up), happy, overjoyed and satisfied.

I’m still friends with my first bride and a few of her bridesmaids today. As the months went by, I connected with more people and advanced my skills. I progressed into doing hair, makeup, draping and jewelry placement for south Asian brides. I continue to improve and grow from each client because like I said, in the beginning, my story is no where being complete.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Nothing worth having in life is absent of obstacles and challenges. If it was a smooth road, I would still be on a linear path like I was before,

Of course, growing something from the ground up requires sacrifice. Some obvious challenges are waking up at ungodly hours (2am), missing out on social events, physically being exhausted, balancing corporate life with my business etc.

But some of the toughest challenges have rooted from my clients forcing me to take my services to the next level. This ranges from the actual hair and makeup to my customer service. As I complete each wedding, I reflect on the whole experience from my bride’s perspective. I then implement the changes for the next wedding. I always learn something new.

As I give this advice to other women, I listen to it myself as I am still growing in my journey and am far from where I envision it. If you can conquer your thought process and elevate your thinking to the next level, I promise you the right circumstances will follow. If you stay prepared you’ll always be ready for the next opportunity

So, as you know, we’re impressed with SoniStyled – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I specialize in hair design and makeup for South Asian Brides. I provide a full set of service for the south asian bride from makeup/hair to draping and jewelry placement for her and her bridal party.

I am proud of when a bride looks at herself for the first look and is overjoyed and emotional. More than that, I am proud that I’ve been able to make my brides feel calm during an extremely hectic part of their life. When they’re in my chair, I connect and get to know them. This helps me to maintain my relationship with them, which I believe is extremely important in any business.

What sets me apart from others is that I genuinely care that my brides have a positive and great experience with Sonistyled. I am not looking to rush out of the room and leave. I will stay and put in the extra effort to take pictures, make sure nothing is out of place.

Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
I don’t feel I had one experience that set me up for success later in life as I was growing up. I lived a very linear lifestyle. It wasn’t until I moved away from familiar circumstances that I realized I could find success in something unfamiliar and non-traditional. I am nowhere near being successful but I strive to meet my definition of success each day.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sonistyled.com (Coming soon!)
• Email: ratnasoni21@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sonistyled/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoniSTYLED/?fb_dtsg_ag=AdzUh2_Ik1KlkZO_kkKYeulvgeLkRQiLOoYMvsa-yOubrg%3AAdzYH9o6nL7p4GXTLeDEp-JxmOosV0Ps3yLgOUYe3YxXKg

Image Credit:
Rag artistrypics

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