Sonia Begonia: Redefining What a Bay Area Influencer Looks Like

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Q: How do you feel the influencer culture in the Bay Area differs from the Beverly Hills scene where you spent your 20s, and what unique “NorCal” values do you bring to your brand?
SB:
I think my sweet spot lives right in between. Beverly Hills taught me how to dream big, and the Bay Area taught me how to build those dreams sustainably — and that balance is the core of my brand. 

Q: Can you tell our audience one of your most memorable moments of your career?
SB:
Walking into the Emmys was surreal. I remember looking around and thinking, “How did my little corner of the internet lead me here?” Being named a top creator for RewardStyle was another huge pinch-me moment — it validated that the work I was pouring my heart into was truly paying off.

But the moment that really shifted everything was when I officially made more money in my creator business than I did in my tech job. It was terrifying and exhilarating all at once — like stepping off a cliff and realizing you can fly.

Attending the Gracies and meeting Kristin Wiig felt like full-circle magic, especially as someone who has always loved comedy and storytelling. And collaborating with brands like Disney and Walmart? The younger version of me would never have believed it.

Each of these moments reminded me that betting on yourself — even when it feels scary or unconventional — can truly change your life.

Q: You’ve hosted major influencer activations at iconic locations like the Park James and the el PRADO Hotel. What is your secret to creating a “high impact” lifestyle event that translates into meaningful brand engagement rather than just pretty photos?
SB:
The secret is designing the event backward — starting with the story, not the aesthetic.

Pretty photos are easy. High-impact engagement comes from clarity of purpose. Before anything else, I ask, “What does the brand actually want people to feel, understand, or do after this event?” Once that’s clear, every detail — from the location and guest list to the programming and pacing of the night — is built to support that outcome.

Q: The Bay Area is known for its high cost of living. How has your “boujee on a budget” philosophy resonated specifically with local women?
SB:
I’m all about looking and feeling your best without spending a fortune — especially in the Bay Area. You don’t have to spend $5K to look like $5K. There are so many “looks for less” that are just as fabulous and empowering.

Q: You balance being a Beverly Hills and Bay Area influencer. How do you tailor your content so that it remains authentic to both audiences simultaneously?
SB:
Honestly, I don’t try to blend the two worlds — I let them coexist.

Beverly Hills and the Bay Area are very different culturally, but the throughline in my content is me. Whether I’m in a polished Beverly Hills moment or a more laid-back Bay Area setting, I’m still telling the same story: ambition, humor, career growth, and figuring it out in real time.

I tailor context, not my values. In LA, that might look more fashion-forward or glam; in the Bay, it’s more grounded, tech-adjacent, and community-driven. But the voice, honesty, and intention always stay the same.

At the end of the day, authenticity isn’t about fitting into one aesthetic — it’s about letting people see the full picture and trusting that the right audience will grow with you.

Q: Having established yourself as a leader in the Northern California influencer space, what is your next big goal for the Bay Area community?
SB:
My next big goal for the Bay Area is to build real infrastructure for creators and brands to connect in a way that feels intentional, elevated, and community-first.

I’m working toward launching an official event production and planning business that helps Bay Area brands partner with influencers at scale — especially around large, high-impact events where storytelling and visibility really matter. The Bay is full of innovation, but creators here don’t always receive the same access or spotlight as other markets, and I want to help change that.

Q: What is one word of advice you can offer to young women who want to reach your level of success?
SB:
Consistency. Show up even when it’s quiet, uncomfortable, or when no one is clapping yet — that’s where the real magic happens.

Q: At the start of your career, what do you wish you had known?
SB:
That it’s okay to fail. Failing doesn’t make you a failure. Pick yourself back up and keep going.

Q: Which woman inspires you and why?
SB:
I have so many! Everyone from my own mother to Kim Kardashian to Michelle Obama.

Q: What advice would you give to young women who want to pursue their dream and start a business?
SB:
Just go for it. Start now. Don’t wait.

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