We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sonia Perez a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Sonia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

My inspiration came from a very special and intimate place — my morning moments with God.

Every morning, I would sit quietly, talk to God, and pour out my heart — my dreams, my fears, my gratitude. It was in those sacred moments, in that peaceful connection with Him, that I felt this powerful and divine guidance so clearly in my soul.

It wasn’t just an idea — it felt like a calling. Like God was gently but firmly telling me… “This is what you were born to do.”

Everything became so clear. The purpose, the vision, the reason why Sweet Penelope had to exist. It was a beautiful mix of my love for my daughter, Penelope, my passion for family, and my desire to create something that would bring families closer together — something elegant, meaningful, and full of love.

That’s when I knew… this wasn’t just a business — this was my purpose.

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 back background and context?

My name is Sonia, I’m 40 years old, and my story is a journey of passion, faith, and love.

I’m a Cuban girl who, since I was very young, found in fashion and design a way to express myself — a space where creativity had no limits. I remember using recycled materials and whatever I could find to create little pieces that reflected my personality and imagination.

At 22 years old, I made one of the hardest and bravest decisions of my life — I left Cuba on a boat, without telling my family, chasing a dream I had carried in my heart since I was a little girl: the dream of freedom and a better life. Coming to the United States wasn’t because anyone told me to — it was a dream placed in me by God since I was a child.

Like many immigrant stories, my beginnings were not easy. I faced challenges, loneliness, and a completely new world — but I was always so grateful to God for every single door He opened along the way. I started working cleaning houses while studying Cosmetology — something I had learned with my mom back in Cuba.

After almost three years of living here — barely knowing how to say “Good Morning” in English — Marriott gave me an opportunity that changed my life. I started working at The Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne, first in housekeeping, and later in the spa as a cosmetologist. For me, it wasn’t just a job — it felt like the university that God had chosen for me… a place where I would learn, grow, and prepare for the next chapter of my life.

And it was there, at The Ritz Carlton, that I met my husband. Today, we’ve been married for 14 years and have two beautiful blessings — our son Sebastian and our daughter Penelope.

I am Catholic, and I truly believe my faith and my love for my family have been my greatest pillars. They have given me strength, courage, and the hope to keep going — even when things felt impossible.

Sweet Penelope, the brand I created, is a reflection of everything I love and believe in. It’s more than just fashion — it’s about family, connection, elegance, and sustainability. We design matching swimwear and resort wear collections for moms and daughters (and the whole family), to help them create unforgettable memories together — while looking and feeling beautiful.

What makes Sweet Penelope special is not just the product — it’s the heart behind it. Every design, every detail, every piece has a story, a purpose, and so much love poured into it.

And if I’m being completely honest, I would love to tell you that I’m a woman with a degree in Fashion Design — but that’s not my story. The truth is, every design, every idea, every creation I bring to life doesn’t come from me alone — the credit belongs to my Heavenly Father. He’s the one who inspires me, who gives me the ideas, and who guides me in every step I take. I talk to Him about everything — about every new collection, every challenge, every dream.

That’s who I am. That’s what Sweet Penelope is about. A little bit of fashion, a whole lot of heart, and an unshakable faith that with love, family, and God — anything is possible.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Oh wow… I honestly don’t even know where to begin because my resilience comes completely from God. In my life, there’s absolutely nothing I do without first putting it in His hands.

And I won’t lie… it’s not easy. Being a mom, a wife, an entrepreneur, a dreamer… sometimes I feel like I’m carrying a 50-story building on my shoulders. There are days when I feel exhausted, when things don’t go as planned, or when challenges feel overwhelming.

But that’s exactly where my true strength comes from — and I know it’s not from me, it’s from God.

I’ve never been a woman who gives up easily. I love setting goals, I love feeling productive and useful. But when I reach that point where I feel completely drained — physically, mentally, and emotionally — I simply look up to the sky and say:

“My Father, I know something beautiful will come out of all this, but I need your help to carry my cross and to walk this journey in the best way possible.”

That’s what resilience means to me… it’s not about being strong all the time — it’s about knowing exactly where to run when I feel like I can’t do it alone.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

Sweet Penelope was truly born from a moment of faith and courage in the middle of uncertainty.

When the pandemic hit, like so many people, I found myself reflecting a lot about life, about my dreams, and about what really mattered to me. One day, I heard on the news that because of the pandemic, they were waiving the penalty fee if you wanted to withdraw from your 401K.

And I promise you… in that moment, it felt like the heavens opened just for me. I looked up and said to myself, “Sonia, this is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.”

I still smile when I remember what I told myself… “Sonia, imagine you just arrived from Cuba and don’t even know what a 401K is. Take that money, trust God, and He will guide your steps and your purpose.”

That’s exactly what I did. I withdrew my 401K and put every single dollar into building Sweet Penelope — a brand inspired by my daughter, by family, by love, and by my deep desire to create something meaningful and beautiful that celebrates family moments.

Looking back, I know it was never just about money — it was about faith, courage, and trusting that when God puts a dream in your heart, He will also open the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sweetpenelopeswimwear.com
• Instagram: Sweet Penelope Swimwear
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071793173322
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonia-perez-a038124b/