We recently connected with Sonia Ballantyne and have shared our conversation below.

Sonia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with education – we’d love to hear your thoughts about how we can better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career

Entrepreneurs are meant to be entrepreneurs. Our current educational system fails to provide an environment that encourages students to pursue entrepreneurial endeavors. A useful addition to our educational system would be to offer a curriculum that teaches students hard life skills and creates opportunity for them to gain real business experience. This is essential for combating one of the biggest obstacles for entrepreneurs, doubt! Growing up, my father was an example of this educational structure for me. I watched him build, fail, and succeed with numerous businesses. His experiences and support of my endeavors throughout my childhood are what normalized risk taking. It was the encouragement I needed to start the multiple businesses I’ve had before the age of 25, which included selling candy at school, candle making, and becoming a mobile nail technician to name a few. Betting on myself wasn’t taboo in my household. Surrounded by entrepreneurs I was confident in my abilities and work ethic to pursue my passions! I wish this journey was normalized for all future and current entrepreneurs.

Sonia, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hello, my name is Sonia Ballantyne and I am the proud founder and owner of Sonia’s Vokalized Kreations (SVK). Since my youth I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit. SVK derives from passion, personalization, luxe, and superior customer service. We streamline the process of gift-giving and provide each client with a quality experience.

There are two unique features of my company. First, over 75% of the items that make up the arrangements are from small domestically owned small businesses. This is critical to the identity of the SVK brand, By showcasing these premium products in my kreations I offer my partners another marketing avenue for their brands and keeping my brand very unique. Secondly, we have launched our own line of SVK branded- which cater to the woman on the move- but also further ensuring that SVK arrangements are like nothing else on the market. When you purchase an SVK kreation you are giving your client, friend, or loved one a one of a kind experience.

My brand is known for our ability to say everything our clients want to convey through a custom arrangement. “Gifts That Speak For Themselves” is not only our slogan but it’s our daily mission. My commitment to luxury, kreativity, and exceptional quality is what sets us apart from others as a business owner. Whether a client is spending $50 to $200, I guarantee opulent kreation every time!

I am settling into my role as a gift influencer. I have an amazing team and we are assisting businesses and corporations around the globe elevate their customer experiences and enhancing their employee appreciation efforts.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

SVK was originally started over 10 years ago. It ran strong for two years and then the 2008 recession happened. I was 27 years old and forced to make a tough decision, which was to close my doors and file for bankruptcy. However, it turned out to be one of the best “setbacks”. I pivoted and decided to finish my undergraduate degree at Mount Holyoke College. My time at MHC was not in vain. This “obstacle” was what I needed to evolve and grow. I was also concerned about being a non-traditional student, but with my age came experience and knowledge that helped me to navigate school better. The course work was intense, but I loved it and chose to lean into it. It was an opportunity to develop a new outlook, build networking skills, and hustle smarter which I pour into my day-to-day business operations!

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

My clients have been the best source of new business! The mission is to give each client a memorable experience from start to finish by “kreating” a wow factor on both ends (client and recipient). When a person receives their “kreation” they are overwhelmed by the attention to detail and uniqueness which reminds them that SVK is the ONLY option when it comes to giving someone a gift that “speaks for itself”. Check- ins with past and current clients are crucial for maintaining relationships. Customer loyalty is everything. I want them to know they are valued and truly a part of something special!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.svkreations.com/#/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/svk_2k/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/svk2k

Image Credits
Jazz Will Point Click Photography Ke’er