Sonya Dove
Sonya Dove has always been someone we feel magnetized too. Not only is it for her talent and humble, British nature, but its her raw, real and open energy. As one of the industries most decorated, iconic names living today, Sonya is someone that is a household name – and if you don’t know her, we highly recommend stalking her a bit, because you are truly missing out.
Sonya, whom is a long-time Global Ambassador for Wella Professionals recently was able to work with Sophie Turner – Game of Throne’s – and stated ” I was honored when Wella asked me to make Sophie’s hair blonde from Copper. It has given me the opportunity to work with Christian Wood her stylist and also gave me the chance to spend time with her, as she is an incredible woman.”
Get to know (and fall in love with) Sonya more by reading her feature below.
What does a “typical” day look like for Sonya?
A typical day is usually getting up and jumping in the shower and getting ready to teach a class for a day, or doing a shoot, or show or video. When I am at home it’s getting up to do some office work in my house, pay bills, conference calls etc. Then hopefully going for a bite to eat with my boyfriend or he loves to cook at home.
Tell us your life story in 3 sentences
I left school with no qualifications, which my parents were not happy about. Discovered hairdressing and started to prove to the world that I was worthy of something which has provided me with passion, the love to succeed, hard work and never giving up. Now I cannot believe how blessed I have been to travel the world, whilst meeting the most amazing people and changing peoples lives on my way.
In a world of social media, awards and being declared amongst the best, how do you remain so humble?
I always believe anyone can be me, maybe its my British upbringing. I always remember how I started and where i came from and I always like to relate to my audience.
What was the best piece of advice you were given early in your career?
Best advise I was given is, if I am fearful about anything just to do it time and time again and the fear will go away. So I like to try anything even if I don’t feel confident about it.
Do you believe assisting is an important step in any hairdresser’s career? What do you look for in an assistant?
Assisting to me is crucial because you can learn so much on a one-on-one situation. If you are lucky enough to assist more than one person, you can take the ideas that suit you most and add to your own personal portfolio.
For part of your career, you built your brand with you and a partner. What was it like after the split and how did you find your own identity in that process
I remember when Christopher decided to go on his own, I truthfully considered not even staying in the industry and was thinking what else I could do because of my never-ending lack of confidence. It was my work friends around me that said I was mad and with their support and my family I stayed in the business. I remember my first big shows were so scary and I put my heart and soul into them. They were a huge success and I have never looked back.
We know that one of the things you find complete and utter joy in is dancing to house music while in nature. Why do you think it is important to find that thing that fills your soul?
When I teach or I am on a stage I like to express to the audience we are in a career of always giving out whether it be to clients, your staff, colleagues, then we go home and do the same to our partners, children, friends and animals.
It is VERY important to give back to yourself and do what you love.
Yes mine is dancing to house music in the nature. I am actually very lucky because my partner knows all the parties worldwide and because he used to be a DJ all his friends are DJ’s so I actually go to music festivals as often as possible. We both love to travel, as well, to new places.
What would be one hair pick-me-up you have when going to burning man?
Taking an oil or shine spray is the best because your hair actually does not get dirty because the dust is alkali and this dust acts like dry shampoo. It needs moisture more than anything.
If you weren’t doing hair, what would you be doing?
I actually wanted to be a nutritionist, as I love to recommend natural things to people if they are not well, like ginger in hot water for nausea etc. I was not able to make the right grades for this profession so someone asked me why I wanted t do this and I replied that I love to help people. So that person – Christopher Doves mother -suggested hairdressing.
Biggest accomplishment of your career
Biggest accomplishments is hard – I have been blessed with many. Here are a few.
Leaving my family in England to come to the USA.
Doing my first huge show on my own at the BTC Color show in New Orleans for Wella and getting a 10-minute standing ovation from the audience.
Winning numerous awards in the industry, which I never thought I would like the Stylist Choice awards, Favorite educator and NAHA wins.
