MENU
SEARCHAfter experiencing the forced slow down caused by COVID-19, Sonya Dove has found many things to like about this "new normal," including the time she has spent connecting to the people she cares about.
Sonya Dove at Wella's TrendVision Awards
If you’ve been working, constantly, for your whole career, what is it like when you’re forced to come to a grinding halt? Sonya Dove(@sonyadove), a leading light in the professional beauty world, says what she has learned from the COVID-19 imposed work interruptions has been illuminating.
“I’ve taken a good look at myself and how I can better myself as a human being,” says Dove, a Wella Global Ambassador and member of the Ulta Beauty Pro Team. “I’m not going back to work like the Sonya Dove of before. I was a work-a-holic and I could never find a work/life balance. Well, I found it now.”
For years, Dove has been seen on stages around the world, educating on hairdressing technique, while also running a salon, creating collections, mentoring, winning awards and serving as brand ambassador for pro beauty brands. When it was clear that coronavirus was going to clear her appointment book of both clients and commitments, Dove took one of the last flights out of Los Angeles to Mexico, to a second home in San Miguel Allende. And she’s been there, ever since.
VIDEO: An Interview with Sonya Dove
“I need to integrate this new way of being into my old way and do it better,” she continues. “I do want to have time off. I’ve spent hours on the phone, staying connected to my friends and family during this time, and I want to keep it up, that connection, I don’t want it to stop.”
A people-person, Dove says being in isolation has also reminded her what she so values in her career as a stylist. “I want to be there for other people, to have compassion; I love people and that is why I got into hairdressing.”
Watch Dove and friends as she joins Sam Villa to rally support for the Professional Beauty Association’s COVID-19 Relief Fund, during the Socialathon, on Sunday, May 15.
More Sonya Dove Interviews:
We have interviewed her to hear about her favorite things, we’ve announced her work with Ulta Beauty, we’ve spoken to her as she judged Wella TrendVision and we’ve covered her as she inspires the industry.
In an industry with so many options and opportunities, we asked artists what made them niche down and select a specialty. Amelia Fugitt (@ameliahairmakeup) says choosing to focus on transformations has transformed her career.
In this content series, we're focusing on artists who found a niche that really speaks to them and work for their career. Henry "Tribes" Amoloja (@theweightedcape), is based in Dallas, TX, and practices sensory-friendly barbering.
In an industry with so many options and opportunities, we asked artists what made them niche down and choose a specialty. Texas-based artist Kimberly Michelle has always loved focusing on healthy hair and scalp, and headspa rituals was a natural evolution.
In an industry with so many options and opportunities, we asked these artists what made them niche down and choose a specialty. See Caidy Brasure's perspective on specializing in editorial and special occasion styling.
In an industry with so many options and opportunities, we asked these artists what made them niche down and choose a specialty. See Shonda Harvey-Gayle's perspective on specializing in extensions.
In an industry with so many options and opportunities, we asked these artists what made them niche down and choose a specialty. See Stacey Ciceron's perspective on specializing in natural texture.
Get to know Jerwin Carlos, a fun-loving hairstylist and a member of Ulta Beauty's Artist Collective.
Check out these beautiful holiday and winter nails, created by the talented nail artists of our MODERN SALON 100 of 2025. Top-tier inspiration!
As we prepared this year’s MODERN SALON 100, our annual recognition of standout artists, we invited salon owners to nominate rising stars on their teams. The response was tremendous, filled with heartfelt praise for talented professionals.
Meet Jill Buck, a dynamic celebrity hairstylist, Davines North America Color Ambassador, and devoted mom whose creative flair extends seamlessly from the salon to the screen.
It's our 10th year of recognizing the most passionate and inspiring gamechangers in our industry! See who made this year's list.
Get to know Ulta Beauty Design Team member and Elite Stylist Beto Sanchez!
Alli Webb, the beauty entrepreneur and founder of Drybar, is back with a new haircare line inspired by lessons learned, and an embrace of her natural texture. After some difficult years, Webb decided to stop trying to control things and instead, find the magic in the mess.
Laura Gunter is a respected hairstylist, educator, and creative force based in Marietta, Georgia. With more than a decade of experience, she’s built a dynamic career that bridges artistry, mentorship, and industry leadership.
Eyre features deep, midnight hair color hues with metallic accents and her models are framed by darkness and caught in shadow, emphasizing their powerful presence.
Happy Women's History Month! Here's a woman who's making history in our industry today: Carolyn Aronson of leading haircare brand It's A 10.
From rethinking traditional assistant and apprenticeship programs to helping stylists avoid burnout and build community, this interview with Vee Vargas, a finalist for the NAHA Inspiring Salon of the Year, will inspire you.
