Sonia Chhinji is one of the founding forces behind Woodlot, a health, beauty and wellness company. Sonia and her partner Fouad Farraj are on a mission to create plant-based essential oils, candles, soaps and lotions for those who value clean-burning, natural products. Founded in 2014 in their kitchen, Woodlot has grown rapidly and is now stocked in over 400 boutiques, and online stores worldwide. Through this babe and her partner’s creative touch, Woodlot has become much more than a brand and has created a movement for embracing a natural lifestyle.
What does babes supporting babes mean to you?
Empowering, supporting and never judging the women in your life. We’re all in this together and we all have our own path and each path is important and unique. A quote that recently resonated with me by Maya Angelou is, “Each time a woman stands up for herself, she stands up for all women.”
If you could choose your nickname, what would it be?
I’m not big on nicknames, I’m the friend that calls you by your full name. But if I had to stick with a nickname it would be Sonz.
What’s your spirit animal?
A tiger.
What’s your proudest babe moment or achievement?
We recently launched a skincare line and it was a steep learning curve but seeing the products on shelves in shops and receiving emails from women explaining how much they love adding our products to their daily ritual has been a nice feeling.
What’s the most unexpected thing you have in your purse or wallet?
A box of matches and bundle of Palo Santo.
Tell us about a time where you were faced with a situation that you could have been unkind, but chose to be a babe instead?
I’ve learned over the years that being a babe always outweighs being unkind. I don’t believe that being unkind is an option, so in situations where I prefer to be unkind I put on my compassion hat, I meditate, I breathe and walk away from the situation.
What product would you seriously stockpile if you found out they weren’t selling it anymore?
AMATERASU Liquid Eyeliner.
If you had a yacht, what would be the name of it?
Olive juice.
What was the best piece of advice you received when you were first starting your career?
Never give up. Also, learn to strike a balance between your personal and professional life.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received now that you’re in your career?
A no isn’t a no forever. Always keep doors open.
Red, white, or rose?
Rose all day.
When I dance I look like….
Dance like no one’s watching 😉
What’s your favourite destination to visit?
I love visiting B.C.’s Gulf Islands. We’re so lucky to be surrounded by so much natural beauty. I also love visiting New York.
What’s your favourite meal to eat?
Home cooked Indian or Lebanese food.
What’s the most fulfilling part of your career?
I get to work with smart people and create products, like Woodlot candles, that people enjoy and bring into their homes.
Where’s your favourite place to draw inspiration from?
I love jumping on my bike and riding over to Third Beach, it’s so magical to have access to the Seawall and be so close to the mountains and ocean.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Nachos.
What quality are you working on yourself right now?
Not taking things so personally.
What’s the biggest hurdle you’ve had to overcome in business?
Not taking things personally. When you love what you’re creating and you open it up to critique, it can hurt when you hear no a few times. But I’ve learned that hearing a no is not a forever no, and that timing is everything.
Coffee meeting or drinks meeting?
Coffee.
If you’re going out for a cocktail you’d order…
Something with peaty whiskey, I love the Penicillin at The Diamond in Gastown.
What’s your favourite movie?
Love Actually.
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Keep up with Woodlot on Instagram @woodlot.
Introduction written by Lindsay Pearce.
Photography by Ryan Pugsley.