SONJA RASULA
FOUNDER, CREATIVE DIRECTOR & COMMUNITY LEADER
In 2008 Sonja Rasula self-funded Unique Markets by risking her entire 401k retirement savings and never looked back. Since then she’s become one of just 2% of women-owned businesses in the US to hit $1 million a year, is proud to be the only AAPI-owned national market owner in the country, and has been credited for fueling and leading the 'shop small' revolution for over 13 years. Her large-scale, modern pop-up markets showcase hundreds of small businesses and emerging designers, attract celebs to families to TikTok influencers, and have taken place in over 10 cities around the US.
Sonja was named '1 of 30 Women Entrepreneurs Changing the World' by fashion mogul Eileen Fisher, Forbes called her “The Millionaire Maker”, and Los Angeles Magazine awarded her one of the coveted ‘LA's Most Inspiring Women’ awards.
Her podcast, SOS with Sonja Rasula, is the go-to for small business owners looking for advice and practical tools to help them succeed. Before becoming an entrepreneur, she was an editor, creative director and executive producer who specialized in content creation and conceptualizing and launching websites for companies such as Food Network, HGTV, Reebok, Sony, and Harlequin - she also starred on TV as an interior designer on HGTV’s Home to Go and TLC’s Trading Spaces.
“Don’t get it twisted... Rasula has been a champion of indie businesses before it gained traction as a movement, earning her the nickname of “small biz fairy godmother.”
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS & PARTNERSHIPS
Her inspirational story and candid, energetic storytelling has led to partnerships, corporate & keynote talks with: Nike, Toyota, Redbull, Airbnb, Mastercard, Disney Imagineering, Vistaprint, Quickbooks, Vistaprint, Constant Contact, Square, and many more.
Solo Ballroom Talk at SXSW on The Future of Retail (reached capacity within minutes, the fire marshall had to come control the line)
Keynote speaker at Quickbooks Connect and HOW Design Live
Solo speaker and Panelist at Girlboss Rally, Create & Cultivate, and AIGA Conference
For pr and speaking inquiries please email lauren@theuniqueempire.com
IN THE PRESS
Empowering Small Businesses
Watch Sonja tell the story of Unique Markets
Continuing her work to help creatives thrive, Sonja opened two more community-based businesses: CAMP and The Unique Space (an 18,000 sq ft building in downtown LA's Arts District that houses 18 private offices, communal space such as a full kitchen, meeting areas and an event space).
Sonja has now worked with over 21,000 small business owners across America, helping them to grow, thrive and take their businesses to the next level. The success of the modern pop-up markets has made Sonja one of the top retail experts in the country, as well as a trend setter and expert in the world of experiential design and production.
Sonja lives in the hills of Los Angeles with her husband, their dog and an always-growing shoe collection.
lights, camera, action!
New York Times Best-Selling Author, Justina Blakeney, and Sonja at a talk about entrepreneurship.
Sonja speaking on the main stage at Airbnb’s Open Conference
Sonja at a Meet & Greet at the Quickbooks Connect Conference
Joining the crowd after her solo talk on the Future of Retail at SXSW
