Sonja
Agencies
Mother Agency (MA): Massardo Model Management
Toronto: Ciotti Models
Montreal: Together Model Management
Seoul: A.sset
Tokyo: Aube Model Management
Answers to Q&A
What INSPIRED you to become a model?
Modelling was never in my radar until two years ago. At that time, I just wanted to experience what a professional photoshoot would be like. I also never knew what I truly looked like without glasses in front of a camera. It was a bit intimidating, but the photographer who led the shoot was incredibly encouraging. I just expected to leave with some good photos and a new perspective of myself. However, towards the end of the session, the photographer suggested that I reach out to local modelling agencies. He said I had potential and offered to take digitals of me as well. So that’s what we did. A few weeks passed and I finally had the courage to email some agencies. Surprisingly, quite a few got back to me and wanted to sign with me right away. That’s how I became a signed model in Canada!
What are you most excited about when it comes to modeling?
Because every country’s market is so different, I always look forward to the results after shoots to see what creative direction they’ve gone with. I love when brands get experimental and take artistic risks. When people come together and work on the same wavelength but bring a variety of ingenious ideas, that’s when my excitement for modeling truly happens. For example, during an editorial shoot, I sometimes incorporate acting into my poses. By using dynamic facial expressions, movement, and a strong sense of emotion, I can more effectively convey the theme envisioned by the director. As a model, my job is to help bring their imaginations to life and I love being the key person that ties the whole shoot together.
Can you share with us some advice you have for models wanting to get into the industry?
When modeling abroad, it can be difficult to maintain friendships and meaningful connections, because contracts can be pretty short. For me, I’ve been lucky enough to have made some amazing friends during my first contract and I’ve kept in contact with them ever since. When I was in a country where the opportunities didn’t pan out as I had hoped, the pressure and disappointment were overwhelming, and I struggled to stay motivated. However, it was my support system that truly made a difference. They checked in regularly, encouraged me to take care of myself and reminded me that setbacks are a part of the journey. I realized how much their presence mattered.
Now, whenever we end up in the same country, we always make the time to hang out with one another. So my advice is to be open, understanding, respectful and friendly to the people you work and live with. You never know who you’re going to bond with; they might even become some of the most important people in your lives.
share a fun fact about yourself!
Just recently, I fell in love with capturing moments in my life. I'm compiling all the videos of my adventures before I turn 30, so I can look back and appreciate how crazy my path has been. Each experience, challenge, and connection contributes to my journey, and I want to look back and remember not just the highlights, but also the lessons learned along the way. My YouTube channel is @s.o.n.j.a.k.u, where you can follow along with my modeling work and travels! The most unique experience I’ve had so far is eating a scorpion in Thailand and you can see my reaction to that in my Thailand Adventures Vlog!