We were lucky to catch up with Sonya Fulmore recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Sonya, thanks for joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

The entire action of creating this business and believing in it is probably one of the most significant risks I have taken. I started the brand with my last $500 during the pandemic. And to be completely transparent, bills were due, and I was not receiving unemployment like the rest of the world was. Still, I was willing to leap into a field I have always been passionate about.

It was also risky because many people did not completely understand my vision or the impact I still believe my brand’s potential to have. While most were focused on getting rich quick paths at the time, I knew it may take more time and redirecting to build. I would not trade it for the world, though. Even in the developing stages, my business has impacted many positively.

This will be my third time launching, which is different because I have the direction of God. I have taken a significant risk in starting and restarting the business. However, this same risk is a requirement in the practice of living freely and becoming what God has called me to be. I have faith that my brand will change lives, so that is what I lean on, and because of that, the risk is worth taking.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?

I am a purpose-driven curator of all things love, community, and freethinking. The Element Hous brand aims to create better communities by using a holistic and positive psychology approach with the production of natural and preventative alternatives.

As a child, I always wanted to help children growing up in toxic environments cope with their realities once I became an adult. Life had other plans for me out of high school, which placed me on a different yet fulfilling and eye-opening path. I have worked nearly every job imaginable relating to service and creativity. Now that I am here, I see the purpose in it all. Element Hous is a collaborative representation of my journey, the good and the bad, and the healing.

I have a huge soft spot for those in need, mainly because I understand the impact it can have on your mental health. Within the black community, we suffer in silence for multiple reasons we never speak about. My outlook on life changed after witnessing my mother undergo a mental breakdown years ago. Thankfully to God, she is back in a healthy space mentally, receiving all the resources needed to live a life of abundance. With her in mind, I created this brand to offer holistic alternatives, to supporting mental health as a preventative or treatment. My observation was that when people can implement simple practices, they are more receptive to taking the steps needed for healing.

Element Hous, formally known as The Element Company, provides products and soon-to-be services, all geared towards holistic wellness and lifestyle. Our lineup includes guided journals, aromatherapy, affirmation cards, organic household products, and more. With this, we’re offering a luxury yet affordable experience within healing, replacing unhealthy habits or products. Every item released is handcrafted or written by me, telling its own story.

I am most proud of my willingness to never give up on the vision God’s given me. In most instances, I will never be able to fully express how important I believe my brand to be for my community. I hope your readers can relate and connect with my story, brand, and intention in the most compelling way.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

It may sound cliché, but being yourself will get you exceptionally far within the wellness industry. My healing abilities and passion for counseling my community with a psychological background have come from within. This is who I am as a person, friend, lover, and stranger. I naturally pour into others, even when I am not trying to or when it may not have always been delivered perfectly. I am naturally creative and love to work with my hands to cultivate things. So when you put the two together, Element Hous truly honors my inner child, representing myself and what I stand for.

My second best word of advice is to always be willing to learn. Never ever lose your student mindset. Life is a constant cycle of evolution. You will be left behind if you are not open to change and learning new knowledge, techniques, and practices. To steward others in healing, you must be willing to study and understand your audience. As the world around us changes, so will demand and product ideas.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

So much literature and content have impacted me over the years. It is hard to pinpoint a particular book; however, most recently, I am currently re-reading Feeding the Soul by Tabitha Brown. Her story is so inspiring and her content is so warm yet direct. It’s almost like talking to your grandmother or aunt. Her wisdom of life translates into my business mindset and how I approach situations.

I also admire and follow speeches, interviews, and documentaries from Steve Harvey, Diddy, Jim Rohn, Oprah, Les Brown, Dame Dash, Sarah Jakes Roberts, B Simone, and so many more. Their approaches are different, yet all have changed and shifted my mindset toward becoming a better woman, personally and in business.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @elementhous & @thera.bae
• Twitter: @thera.baee