We had the good fortune of connecting with Sonya Ni’cole Millen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sonya Ni’cole, what is the most important factor behind your success?

For me, the most important factor behind my success has been consistency, hard work, and knowing how to pivot when the industry changes. I’ve never been afraid to evolve. I started as a singer with my twin sister Sabrina, very young while growing up in jersey, modeling and acting, and then along the way a content creator — and honestly, every piece of that journey was preparing me for this moment. Each skill I picked up along the way plays a role in who I am now and how I show up for my myself, brands and my audience.

When media started shifting into a digital-first space, I didn’t resist it — I leaned in. I saw early on that platforms like TikTok weren’t just about trends. They were becoming powerful tools for connection, storytelling, and commerce. That’s when I pivoted into the world of TikTok Shop. I’ve been in this space since the very beginning of live selling, and I’ve grown into this being part one of my career paths & now serving as a lead host and manager where I also train and guide others.

But at the core of everything is the same foundation: I work hard, I stay consistent, and I don’t give up even on the days when it feels tough. I study what’s current, I keep my creativity sharp and I lead with intention. My success didn’t happen overnight it came from years of building, learning, adjusting, and always showing up ready to grow. Everything I’ve done from modeling to acting to singing to selling was always part of the plan. I just had to trust the process.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

My background is in music, acting, and modeling. I’ve been in the entertainment industry since I was 9 years old. Performing, creating, expressing — it’s always been a part of me. Today, that same energy flows into what I do as a TikTok Shop host, creator, and mentor. I take many of the skills I grew up learning into this field and it’s helped me grow faster and appreciate every step ive made in my life and career. It may seem like a different lane, but to me, it’s all part of the same journey: storytelling, connecting, and bringing energy to every aspect of entertainment.

What sets me apart is my ability to pivot and pour all of those experiences into this new digital age. About three years ago, I moved back to Los Angeles after years of auditioning and working on sets. That’s when the opportunity to join TikTok Shop presented itself. I said yes — and I’ve been building ever since. I started as a host, learned the platform inside and out, and worked my way up to becoming one of the top hosts in the country and a coach to others in the space.

Was it easy? Absolutely not. This industry is fast-moving and constantly evolving. There were mistakes, moments of doubt, and lessons I had to learn along the way. But what carried me through was my resilience and my refusal to give up. And I encourage others to be open to evolving and growing. To never settle. I’ve seen so many people walk away from their dreams because they couldn’t see themselves in something new — or were too afraid of failure. I didn’t let fear stop me. And if you have a passion and dream you cannot let anything or anyone steer you away from your goal. I’m most proud of not giving up. You cannot live in doubt it will bring you down. You don’t win when have fear.

Helping brands grow, mentoring new hosts, and seeing others win because of something I shared — that lights me up inside. I love that I get to be a part of this new era of commerce, creativity, and connection. And I feel I am just getting started.

Now, I’m launching my own cosmetics brand that soon will be featured on TikTok Shop, and I recently started hosting my own fashion-focused TikTok live show on my official channel, @MissSonyaNicole. You can also find me on YouTube at MissSonyaNicole, where I share beauty tips, on-camera confidence coaching, live selling strategies, and behind-the-scenes moments from my life as a creator and entrepreneur. And for more about me, my journey, and the products I offer, you can visit my official website at www.MissSonyaNicole.com. This is just the beginning — and I want the world to know that evolving is powerful, and your next chapter could be your best one yet. One of the things I say during lives on TikTok is making the moment in front of you a moment to remember, the here and now & to take each step forward and don’t look back. You got this!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Somewhere peaceful to reset. I’m taking them straight to a beach, Santa Barbara or Malibu. I’m all about a good ocean view and starting the trip off with calm vibes, brunch by the water, catching up on life. I love the water even though I cannot swim-it’s calming to hear the waves.

Then we’ll go to a spa for facials, mani-pedis. I cannot forget a massage as well.! Afterward, I’m taking them to one of my favorite smoothie or açaí bowl places. I love fresh, healthy snacks that taste good and make you feel even better.

One day is just for fashion — maybe Melrose, The Grove, Fashion is in my DNA, and I love classy looks, so I’d definitely make it a whole day.

I love art, culture, and anything that inspires, so we’d head to a museum or a beautiful botanical garden — The Huntington or even the Getty.

When it comes to food — I love trying new restaurants with great reviews, so we’ll be hitting the best spots—at least the ones we think are good! Love Thai food so definitely one day for an amazing Thai dish!

It’s NFL season, we’re going to a game. I love football. I really love it. I’ll be in my Eagles gear (yes, Super Bowl champs) and screaming like I’m coaching from the sidelines. There’s nothing like game day energy in person. It’s so much better!

Sunday Funday would be the perfect ending to the week — football, good food, good people and laughs, and reflecting on an amazing time.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to thank my parents. They instilled in me the values of resilience, hard work, staying grounded and keeping God first and faith. They’ve always believed in me, even when the path wasn’t bright, and that foundation has kept me grounded through every pivot and transition.

I also want to thank the many people throughout my life who encouraged me along the way — from my incredible vocal teacher, Mr. Rexdale, who reminded me never to put myself in a box, to one of my longtime mentors Steven Barry at Lake Transfer Productions who helped guide my sister and me during our time as The Millen Sisters. He once told us, “It’s not about how many hits you have, but how many people you’ve touched,” and I’ve carried that with me ever since. It’s a reminder to lead with my heart, and not ego. Rastafribraid, thank you for always being there. It’s been nearly ten years since ive been a model/influencer for the brand and they were my first social media contract and I cannot thank them enough for their encouragement, support and love they’ve shown me through the years.

One of my best friends also deserves a thank you. He pushed me to pivot into digital media and to try TikTok at a time when I honestly didn’t think there was space for me there. But he saw it before I did, and that encouragement literally has changed my life.

Every person who has poured into me with love, light, and inspiration I don’t forget those conversations. They’ve helped fuel me to keep going.

And lastly, I want to thank The Geeky Greens/we.shop.LIVE the team I currently coach for on TikTok Shop. Thank you for believing in me, trusting my voice, and giving me a platform to help others grow. I’m grateful for every part of this journey.

Website: https://Misssonyanicole.com

Instagram: Misssonyanicole

Linkedin: Sonya Ni’Cole Millen

Facebook: MissSonyaBeauty

Youtube: Misssonyanicole

Other: Tik Tok: Misssonyanicole

Image Credits
Photos: megapixelhead

Hair: Rastafribraid x Fashion Source Wigs

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