Check out our interview with talented TV host and Entrepreneur Sonia Isabelle.
Sonia began her career as a television reporter and eventual news anchor for local affiliates including ABC and NBC. Sonia was a 5-Time Emmy nominee as a news anchor as well as receiving 3 Associated Press Awards and presented a Folio Award by the Fair Media Council. While at the ABC affiliate in Connecticut she was voted the best local TV reporter by Connecticut Magazine, named top local TV personality by the New Haven Advocate, and was listed as one of the top 20 Noteworthy Women by the New Haven Business Times.
Sonia has left the world of news to host the daytime talk show The Juice on the national health and wellness network Z Living. Currently she hosts the nationally syndicated hit entertainment show Celebrity Page which brings viewers inside access to red carpets, celebrities, and pop culture. When not working in front of the camera, Sonia is producing ad campaigns and content through her production company LUSHPOP such companies as Tiffany & Co, Revlon, Estee Lauder, Tom Ford, Vogue, Ralph Lauren, Victoria’s Secret, Coach and many more.
Follow Sonia @sonia.isabelle
Hi Sonia, please tell us a little about you?
I’m a TV host and entrepreneur. I host Celebrity Page, a nationally syndicated entertainment show which focuses on the positive side of pop culture. I also co-own a production company, LUSHPOP Productions. We produce ad campaigns and content for beauty, fashion and lifestyle brands.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Determined, Rebellious, Innovative
Who has been the biggest influence on your life?
It’s impossible to narrow it down to one person since I view all life experiences as influential. There’s a lesson for me in every exchange, every interaction and every life change, whether it be positive or negative. In fact, the most influential experiences have probably been the negative ones since they’ve taught me who I truly am.
Name one your strengths?
Resilience
What advice have you gotten from other female reporters?
I got a lot of advice when I was first starting out about how competitive this industry can be, which only made me more determined to have a career in it. I remember one female co-worker stressing the importance of work/life balance. This business, particularly news, can be very demanding, especially when it comes to working odd hours. She told me to leave plenty of room for things that bring me joy outside of work, and to be mindful of not letting my career consume me.
Did you always want to be a reporter?
I developed a passion for storytelling at a very young age. As a kid growing up in Brooklyn, New York, my dad would record me interviewing people walking by on the street. I remember being 7 or 8 years old and having a strong determination to become a TV reporter.
What advice would you give someone else looking to have a career as a TV reporter?
Be authentically and unapologetically you. I’ve found that true success and joy come when you’re no longer trying to live up to others’ expectations of you. There are also so many resources now for aspiring TV hosts to create their own content. Combining that creativity and innovation with one’s authenticity is the best way to stand out.
Tell us about your work on hit entertainment show Celebrity Page?
I’m so grateful to be a part of an entertainment show that focuses on the positive side of pop culture. I’m able to interview celebrities and other influential people about their lives and passion projects, which always makes for an interesting and often light-hearted conversation. I get to work with some really great people too, which makes it even better.
And about your work in news?
Prior to becoming a lifestyle host, I started my career as a TV news anchor. Working in news was such an incredible training ground for me and everything I’m doing now. I reached a point in news where so much of that industry didn’t resonate with who I am as a person. I was searching for something that would help me tap into my creative side, but also allow me to share higher vibrational content and information.
Tell us the feeling of being a 5-Time Emmy nominee as a news anchor as well as receiving 3 Associated Press Awards and presented a Folio Award by the Fair Media Council? That’s amazing. Congrats!
It’s always so exciting being recognized for your work. For me, that recognition was confirmation that I was on the right path and that I needed to keep going, regardless of how challenging the industry can be at times.
Do you still get nervous?
Thankfully I’m at a point where the nerves are somewhat rare for me. I do still get nervous though when I’m presented with a new opportunity or challenge. It’s always a bit scary when it’s something you’ve never done before… but once you conquer it, you also conquer the nerves and it sets the stage for you to level up.
What is fun and rewarding thing about being a reporter? And what is not?
Every day is different in this business. You never know who you might be interviewing or meeting, or what interesting location you might be shooting out of. I love the fact that it’s never predictable. That said, being on camera requires a lot of ‘maintenance’. I think I’m a minimalist trapped in a high maintenance person’s body. I’d love to simplify the whole process of being camera-ready, but I just have to accept it’s probably not going to happen for me.
How would you describe your fashion style?
Edgy glam
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself as a more expanded version of who I am now. I’m in such a great place right now, so I just see myself expanding on that—- continuing to grow my production company and allowing for even more exciting projects and people who are aligned with my life and goals.
What music do you like?
I’m such a music lover in general that I’m pretty open to most genres. It’s gotta be something that either moves me, or makes me want to move.
How would your best friend describe you?
Playful and adventurous, a true partner in crime
If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
“The Life Hacker” because I’m on a constant mission to upgrade my life and live well through intention and mindfulness.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
It’s definitely not your traditional entrepreneurship book, but I would recommend ‘Becoming Supernatural’ by Dr. Joe Dispenza. It teaches you, through meditation, to essentially reprogram your mind, giving you the opportunity to become a more expanded version of yourself, without limitation.
What is your own definition of happiness
The freedom to live on my own terms, creatively and without judgement. I’m currently at a place in life where I have a great deal of flexibility when it comes to my schedule and how I live my life in general. I think that freedom truly allows you to find the people and experiences that fit with who you are as a person.
What is your favorite healthy food?
I mainly eat an organic plant-based diet, so healthy food is my obsession. A few of my favorite places for “healthy fast food” and protein powders/supplements are Sakara, Urban Remedy, WelleCo and Moon Juice.
And your favorite cheat food?
Chocolate anything.
What are your makeup bag staples when traveling?
Westman Atelier foundation stick
NARS Orgasm eyeshadow palette + blush
Perversion eyeliner by Urban Decay
Melt Cosmetics lipstick in Summer
Becca Highlighter in Moonstone
3 things you can’t leave home without?
Everything. I swear I take my entire existence with me when I leave the house. I’ve gotten much better at streamlining all of that, but when I narrow it down to 3 things I’ll let you know!
What’s your favorite quote?
“Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside dreams; who looks inside, awakes.” -Carl Jung
What’s next for Sonia Isabelle in 2021?
More fun episodes of Celebrity Page, continuing to grow LUSHPOP Productions and also a new project that I’m excited about that will allow me to expand on my experience as an entrepreneur.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
Sunshine, good friends, good music, preferably a beach.
What do you think of Social Media?
I think as long as it’s approached with a realistic and balanced perspective, it can be an extremely powerful business tool. It’s really a matter of taking control of how you use it, rather than allowing it to control you. I don’t take any of it too seriously. I like to experiment with it, but then also create boundaries with it.
Where our readers can follow you?
You can follow me on Instagram: @sonia.isabelle, Twitter: @SoniaIsabelleTV Facebook: @soniaisabelle
Photo Credit: LUSHPOP Productions
