The Journey to Sonhe Collective: From Hospitality to Home-Based Business

Hi there, and thank you for stopping by! My name is Kayla, and I’m the founder of Sonhe Collective, a home-based business located just north of the Gold Coast in Queensland. Whether you’re here to browse or you’ve made a purchase, it honestly makes my day every time my site gets a visit or an order comes through. It’s such a rewarding feeling to know people are connecting with what I do.

A Leap of Faith into Small Business

My story is one that started in the world of hospitality. For most of my working life, I was immersed in that bustling industry. I was always the “people person,” enjoying the social interactions and fast pace of hospitality. It never occurred to me that I might one day step out of that comfort zone and pursue something entirely different.

But deep down, I always dreamed of running my own small business. I could never have imagined I’d leave my job behind, but after having our second child in 2023, I took the leap and started Sonhe Collective. It was one of the scariest steps I’ve ever taken, but it was also the most rewarding.

Starting a business from scratch brought about many fears, but the biggest one was whether or not I would truly love what I was doing. Would I feel the same excitement and satisfaction I’d had in hospitality? But here I am, and I can honestly say, I’m so glad I took that gamble. Every day I get to work on my business feels like a fresh adventure. From creating and making to meeting amazing customers, I love every aspect of this journey.

A Personal Touch in Every Product

I’m a bit of a perfectionist, which is both a blessing and a curse! It means I’m always striving to ensure that every product I create meets the highest standard. It’s so fulfilling when I hear back from customers who love their purchases and offer feedback on what they liked (and sometimes what they didn’t like). I believe that feedback is the best way for me to learn and grow, and I’m always looking for new ways to improve.

Balancing Business and Family Life

On top of running Sonhe Collective, I’m a full-time mum to my 10-year-old son and 2-year-old daughter, and I’m also a wife to my husband of 20 years. Life can get busy, but I absolutely love spending time with my family, and they’re my biggest supporters. I’m incredibly grateful for the circle of family and friends who are always there to cheer me on, and they keep me grounded through all the highs and lows of business ownership.

My Advice to Aspiring Entrepreneurs

If there’s one thing I’ve learned on this journey, it’s this: If you’ve got a dream, go for it! Taking that first step into the unknown can be terrifying, but it’s also one of the most rewarding things you can do. When you push yourself out of your comfort zone, you surprise yourself with what you’re capable of. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth every moment of growth and progress.

Starting Sonhe Collective was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes me—and to share it with all of you!