We recently had the chance to connect with SonJoria Sydnor and have shared our conversation below.
Hi SonJoria, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Golf is something outside of work that is currently bringing me joy. I am a golf novice. My interest started in spring of 2024 and has recently peaked. My son was interested and since I had a few friends that play that connection was motivating. Now my 6 yr. old daughter is interested and I am even enjoying the driving range solo.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is SonJoria Sydnor, and I am an author and Family Wellness Advocate and Activist. I am the owner of Our Family’s Doing Yoga which is a company that enriches lives through fun, diverse, and engaging products and experiences. Our services and products are focused on representation for Black families while engaging and inclusive of all.
We partner with schools and community organizations to introduce wellness through literacy and classes.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
Becoming a mother shaped how I see the world. A co worker once told me that becoming a mother will allow me to experience many things I’ve previously experienced but through a different perspective and I agree. Becoming a mom has allowed me to be more mindful in moments that I previously didn’t appreciate. It requires more patience and also more grace for myself.
When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
When I was sad as a child, slowing down and reflection helped me feel better. Things like, sleeping, reading, and being alone. As an adult, I realize that I was trying to find a way to quiet my mind and that’s what yoga and mindfulness does for me.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Is the public you, the real you is such a funny question and I have a story about it. I was in New York a few years back for a speaking panelist opportunity. I agreed to share a room with a woman that I never met so we began sharing about ourselves. By the end of the night she referred to me as “on brand” which was an unfamiliar term at the time. She explained that I actually lived my brand message. That made me smile because I am what I teach. Peace, Love, Grace and Family
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
I don’t always tap dance to work. Most days I am overwhelmed, nervous or tired but I have never led a class, read my book to a group of students or spoke in front of a panel that didn’t leave me with a feeling so warm that I felt like I was glowing inside out. This is why I try not to overbook myself or grind too hard. I can’t advocate for a mentally and physically well community if I’m not mentally and physically well. My work truly brings me joy. It uplifts me and I hope that my students, clients and overall audience feel that glow when I am in their presence.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ourfamilysdoingyoga.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/blackkidsdoyoga?igshid=108b7otoad0ws
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonjoria-sydnor-b86b48102
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlackKidsDoYoga/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/OurFamilysDoingYoga
Image Credits
Photograpers
Stanico Church
Tyler Small
