About Designs by Sonya
Hi Y'all! I'm Sonya.
And I'm so glad you stopped by.
As a full-blooded Texas country girl, I truly appreciate you taking the time to explore our collection of unique treasures. With so many businesses vying for your hard-earned dollars, it means a lot that you're here.
In the South, we usually start conversations by getting to know each other — often discovering connections before diving into business. While that's a bit more challenging with an e-commerce setup, I'll do my best to share a little about myself and how my journey led me to create these one-of-a-kind designs.
My approach to creative design is distinct and deeply personal. I don't just create — I enhance. Like an ancient alchemist, I carefully gather bits and pieces from the world around me, transforming them into something uniquely my own. This knack for enhancement has shaped my life and my designs in unexpected and meaningful ways.
A GIFT BEYOND MEASURE:
Every time I begin working on a design, I'm filled with excitement, eager to see how my God-given talents will evolve. The process is unpredictable, and I never quite know how each design will turn out. But one thing is certain: every creation is a testament to the inspiration I receive from God. Without His guiding hand, I wouldn’t be able to craft these unique florals and cards for you and your loved ones to enjoy.
Experience the magic of Designs by Sonya, where each creation is a testament to the power of transformation, the legacy of hard work, and the beauty of divine inspiration. Because at the end of the day, each design is more than just a product — it’s a piece of my heart.
May God Bless you and your family,
A FAMILY LEGACY OF HARD WORK AND CRAFTSMANSHIP:
Deeply rooted in a family of sharecroppers, hunters, farmers, carpenters, blacksmiths, dairy farmers, dog trainers, and pastors. My parents left the country-life for a more secure life in the big city. I was born and raised in Houston, Texas. I was fortunate that my parents missed their family; therefore, I was able to get away from the big city often and experience life in the country.
As the oldest grandchild on my dad’s side and the fifth on my mom’s, I was lucky to spend time with my grandparents and great-grandparents. Visiting "the country" with my parents was always a cherished adventure. My family raised their own food, from animals to vegetables, ensuring that every meal was fresh and homegrown — eggs, bacon, homemade biscuits and gravy for breakfast, hot rolls and hearty meals for lunch, and another feast for dinner.
I witness the everyday resourcefulness of my grandmothers, who quilted blankets to keep warm, sewed clothes from flour sacks, and handcrafted Christmas presents with love and care. I was surrounded by hardworking hands that shaped every aspect of daily life and learning the value of dedication and craftsmanship. It was in these moments that I learned the value of creating with what you have and the joy of making something special from simple materials.
At a young age, I thought this was all done for me, their little princess, little did I know — they did this everyday.
My family worked from dawn until dusk, focused on survival and feeding the family, with little time for the finer points of Emily Post’s etiquette. However, an unexpected twist came when one of my uncles in the military met and married the love of his life — a "proper woman" from the original thirteen colonies.
As a Yankee, she introduced our Southern family — especially me — to the world of etiquette at an early age. Most importantly, she taught me the art of making a bow out of ribbon. Little did she know, she was creating a designer obsessed with details. I made my first bow at ten and never looked back.
DISCOVERING MY PASSION FOR DESIGN:
In the late '70s, as I prepared for graduation, I found myself dissatisfied with the generic cards offered by my school. Determined to be different, I crafted my own from a wedding collection — a bold and unheard-of move at the time. Yes, I faced criticism, but I was determined to stand out. My mother supported my endeavor wholeheartedly, even if it meant spending my their money to do it.
After college, as I entered the world of business, I discovered the joy of sending handwritten notes, always on Crane stationery. I loved the personal touch of thank-you notes and cards, but I often found that the cards available didn’t truly speak to me. This led me to start designing my own — beautiful, intricate cards where I could pour my heart into every detail.
In the early '90s, as a member of the Dallas Summer Musicals Guild, I had the opportunity to design invitations for our "Cast Parties." I was always striving to be different, challenging myself to top the previous invitation, which pushed me to get really creative. It was about making each piece stand out and ensuring it left a memorable impression.
I often received comments from others who didn’t understand why I didn’t just buy a card from the store — remarks like, “It’s just a piece of paper.” But for me, the joy and appreciation I saw from those who received a handcrafted card or invitation was priceless. As Mary Kay always taught us, "Make everyone feel important," and designing these personal pieces was my way of accomplishing that goal. HINT: It still works today!
To me, a card is more than just a piece of paper; it’s a reflection of who we are and a way to offer special, heartfelt expressions to our family and friends. It’s about creating connections, celebrating uniqueness, and sharing a piece of ourselves with others.
.A JOURNEY OF CREATION:
In the mid '90s, I began renovating a spacious older home, eager to fill it with pieces that reflected my personal style. I set out to find silk flowers to decorate my newly renovated space, but nothing quite matched the unique vision I had in mind. It wasn't about affordability; I wanted something truly special and reflective of my taste.With a busy full-time job, I didn't have the luxury of scouring the entire state of Texas for floral arrangements. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I took my Waterford vases to a designer, hoping they could work their magic. While the designs they produced were lovely, they still fell short of my vision.
Studying these designs, I realized that with a little tweaking, I could create something truly perfect. Determined to bring my vision to life, I set out to find the perfect florals. However, I encountered another roadblock — I couldn't find exactly what I was looking for.
But where there's a will, there's a way. Living in Dallas, I knew that Market Center was a hub for products found around the world. So, I go shopping. Finally, I have found a place to purchase the products I needed to create the fabulous designs that danced in my head. As well as, igniting a spark of many more new ideas.
Armed with newfound determination, I began designing my own silk floral arrangements. Finally, creating pieces that perfectly reflected my unique style and personality. And, most importantly, finding an outlet for my creativity. Little did I know at the time, the beginnings of Designs by Sonya.
HONORING LOVED ONES THROUGH DESIGNS:
In 2000, I faced the heartbreaking loss of my mom at the young age of 58. At 39 years of age, my world was certainly shaken. After her service, when the fresh flowers were gone, I was determined to honor her memory with something beautiful and lasting. I couldn’t bear the thought of plastic flowers on her grave — she deserved the very best. So, I began crafting cemetery arrangements that were just as thoughtfully designed as those in my own home. Over time, I learned to create headstone saddles, treating them with the same care as a centerpiece for my table. My mom’s flowers became a standout feature in the cemetery — a fitting tribute to her remarkable life.
When my father passed away in 2016 from Alzheimer's, I continued this tradition, creating floral arrangements for both of their graves. Each visit to replace the flowers is a chance to honor their memory with something grand and distinctive.
Over the years, I’ve said goodbye to many dear family members and friends, finding solace in the ability to craft floral designs for their memorials. Today, I continue to care for the family cemetery, replacing arrangements and feeling the presence of my loved ones in every petal and stem.
May God Bless you and your family,