Sonia Jackson shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Sonia, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
As an artist working from home, my days are never exactly the same, but I do have a rhythm that keeps me grounded. I usually start the morning with meditation, which helps me center and focus, followed by affirmative prayer. Prayer opens me to inspiration and reminds me I’m never working alone.
Movement is important too. These days it’s mostly walking, with some light stretching or simple exercises. After that, I keep breakfast light. usually I have fresh fruit. A bowl of cherries, watermelon, a banana, or my favorite, a sweet Envy apple, gives me the right start. And water, of course. We never drink enough water.
Once I’ve taken care of my body and spirit, I sit down at my computer and dive into my projects. Right now, I’m balancing three major projects and a few sub-projects. I love my work so I can easily lose track of time. Whether I’m writing a new show, shaping a song, or reorganizing something I’ve already created. To stay on target, I set alarms on my phone. Sometimes the kitchen timer is better because it forces me to get up, move around, and rest my eyes and mind.
I think of my creative rhythm a bit like Walter Russell described, working in focused bursts, then switching to something new with fresh energy. Moving between projects keeps me excited, sparks new ideas, and helps everything flow more easily. It’s a way of staying creative without burning out.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! Let me introduce myself. I’m Sonia Jackson, a storyteller, performer, and creative who loves weaving spirit, art, and healing together. Over the years I’ve done shows like “Abbott Elementary,” “Obi-Wan Kenobi,” “Speed,” “THEM,” and “The Activated Man,” but what lights me up most is creating projects that bring people together and remind us of our shared humanity.
Right now, I’m celebrating the 20th anniversary of my play, now called “The Girls Talkin’.” It’s set in a bra shop where eleven very different women share their relationships with their lives and their bodies, in particular their breasts. I’ve also written and directed “She Prayed for Me,” a music video honoring my parents, the ancestors, and the power of prayer passed down through generations. It’s a gift to remind us all of the support we’ve gotten over the years. It’s my first project of this nature and has been accepted in several film festivals.
On the writing side, I recently released on Amazon, the paperback edition of “Prayers for Your Journey,” a book of original prayers meant to guide and uplift. And throughout the year, I host free Healing Prayer Parties, quarterly gatherings where we mix prayer, music, and storytelling to help us recharge, reconnect, and find balance together. Our next one comes up on September 21, 2025 at 4 P.M. on Zoom.
What makes my work special is the way I combine creative expression with spiritual practice. For me, storytelling is a form of prayer. It heals, inspires, and reminds us we’re not alone if we don’t want to be. Whether I’m performing, writing, or directing, my goal is always the same: to open hearts, lift spirits, and make space for joy and connection.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
A powerful question. I believe when we come into this world, we arrive perfect for who we are to be, at least in consciousness. We already have everything God gave us, factory-installed by the Most High. As children, we have a natural understanding of joy, abundance, curiosity, and wonder. We know who we are and, on some level, we know who we can become.
That was me for a long time—until I started looking at the world and letting it tell me who I was. I interpreted myself through what I saw around me, and it wasn’t accurate. Over time, that left me depressed and unhappy.
Once, when I was in management, I denied another manager his request for a raise for his secretary who barely worked (I actually saw her filing her nails at her empty desk), while other secretaries were carrying enormous loads. The VP overruled me without even asking why. In that moment, it felt like no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t make a real difference or bring balance. That was when I knew I needed a change.
Not long afterward, I was in a workshop with hundreds of creatives, I felt there was an answer there for me about who I was meant to be. Becoming an actor finally felt like doing the right thing. I was working 50–60 hours a week at my job, then another 15–20 hours rehearsing plays or performing stand-up. I was happy and the bookings started coming.
Even in the creative world, though, the outside voices didn’t stop. A whole new set of rules appeared about what I could or could not do. People told me I had to “pay dues” before I could get anywhere. Some advice was sincere and helpful, but a lot was just noise I took on instead of tuning out.
It took me time to find my way back to who I truly am. Even now, I practice reminding myself every day that I am enough, I am capable, and I am worthy of every good thing.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
One truth I’ve learned and want her to know is that we should always speak kindly to ourselves. We have to be our own cheerleader. I would tell my younger self: “Don’t give your power away to someone else to manage.”
There is a creativity within each of us that knows exactly what to do, whether we’re an accountant, a dancer, or a healer. Listen for it. Some call it intuition, others call it Divine Guidance, but it’s always there, waiting to help show you the way.
I would tell her, “The outside world will always have opinions about who you are or what you can or cannot do, but those voices don’t define you. You already came into this world whole, with everything you need. Trust your Inner knowing. Be patient with yourself. And never forget: you are enough, you are capable, and you are worthy of every good thing.”
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’ve had a lot of projects in my life, things I wanted to learn, things I wanted to express. I’ve written plays, revising and remounting them over the years. I’ve taken on challenges that stretched me, like climbing mountains, maybe not the biggest ones, but ones that pushed me to grow. New talents or skills have popped up I’ve taken on. The bottom line is, if I’m doing it, I’m committed.
But projects come and go. For me, one commitment that never changes is to becoming the best version of myself. Prayer and spiritual practice are at the center of that journey. They remind me that I already have what I need inside me and that I can keep growing into more. Who I am, who I am becoming, and who I’ve decided I want to be, that’s the lifelong project I’m most devoted to.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
Truth be told, I was born to make people laugh. Even when they want to cry, or while they’re crying. Laughter is fun, it uplifts us, and it heals in ways we sometimes forget.
When we laugh, our bodies flood with all those wonderful “ins”: endorphins, serotonin (which also boosts oxytocin), and of course, dopamine. The happy juice. Scientists have done plenty of studies on it, but honestly, we don’t need the research to know the truth: laughter just feels good.
Whether on stage, on screen, or in community, storytelling and performing give me a way to share the gift of laughter. If I can bring people laughter, lightness, and a sense of connection, then I know I’m doing what I was born to do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://soniajackson.com/
- Instagram: @SoniaJacksonVisions
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soniajacksonvisions
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoniaJacksonVisions
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sjackson5085
- Other: https://linktr.ee/SoniaJacksonVisions
Image Credits
CFreeman, Mandy Bics, SJackson
