From a necessity to a life-altering purpose, Sonia Macias, a Mexico Lash Master, the visionary behind Kona, has built a thriving beauty brand that goes far beyond aesthetics. What began as a means to earn income has blossomed into a powerful platform for women’s empowerment, driven by Macias’s unwavering commitment to consistency, continuous learning, and community building.
“I started because I needed to earn income, but I stayed because I discovered I could transform lives,” shares Macias. “Seeing how a woman becomes empowered through her image and her work inspired me to keep growing in this industry.” This deep-seated passion is the cornerstone of Kona’s philosophy.
Macias attributes her remarkable journey to one key principle: consistency. “You can have talent, but if you’re not consistent and disciplined, you won’t get very far. That has been key in my journey.” This discipline extends to her dedication to continuous improvement. She constantly studies, invests in courses, and surrounds herself with mentors and peers who contribute to her growth. “I also like observing what’s happening in other countries to bring the best to Kona,” she adds, ensuring her brand remains at the forefront of beauty innovation.
The true fuel for Macias’s drive comes from her tangible impact on others. “The transformation stories of my students, clients, and distributors. Knowing that what I do helps them gain financial independence and confidence keeps me going.” This focus on empowerment is evident in Kona’s ethos. “I don’t just sell products or services. I build community, inspire, and share my real experience. My brand isn’t just pink on the outside—it has purpose within.”
A pivotal moment in Macias’s career was seeing her brand expand internationally. “The day I saw my brand in another country for the first time. That’s when I realized how far my dream had come.” Her journey hasn’t been without its challenges, notably losing everything during the pandemic. Yet, her resilience shines through. “I didn’t give up when everything seemed lost. That I rose from the ashes,” she reflects, a testament to her unwavering spirit.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Macias offers invaluable advice: “Get prepared, don’t compare yourself, and know that success doesn’t come overnight. Believe in yourself, even if others don’t at first.” She acknowledges the inevitable criticisms but approaches them with grace. “Of course, like everyone. I always listen, analyze, and respond with empathy—but also with boundaries. Not everything can be solved, but it can be handled with respect.”
Kona stands out in the beauty industry for its commitment to “personalized techniques, smart products, and everything related to conscious, safe, and efficient beauty.” Macias emphasizes the importance of integrity, stating, “Don’t do anything you wouldn’t use yourself. I always aim to give my best, even if it takes more effort.” This authenticity builds genuine client relationships, rooted in consistency between words and actions.
Macias has witnessed a significant shift in the beauty industry’s perception. “The mindset. Before, many saw it as just a ‘temporary job.’ Today, it’s a career with purpose, growth, and respect.” Her personal favorite is her skincare line, meticulously designed for daily use.
A leadership and mindset course proved particularly impactful, helping her to “see my business with an entrepreneurial vision.” She identifies ego and toxic competition as major industry hurdles, advocating for collaboration: “There’s room for everyone. If we collaborated more, we’d go further together.”
Looking ahead, Macias anticipates an even greater merger of beauty and technology. “They’ll merge even more. From apps that analyze skin and lashes to AI that personalizes services. Those who don’t keep up will be left behind.”
If she weren’t leading Kona, Macias envisions herself as a motivational speaker, passionate about sharing her experiences to empower other women. Balancing her demanding career with family life is achieved through careful planning, clear priorities, and self-love. “I know when to say ‘yes’ to work and when to say ‘no’ to be present with my family,” she shares, highlighting how entrepreneurship has given her freedom while challenging her to be more organized. “I learned I can be a mom, wife, and entrepreneur without losing myself.”
Sonia Macias and Kona are not just shaping the future of beauty; they are shaping the future of women, one empowered transformation at a time.