Sonja Grasser is a retention marketing strategist, single mother, and founder who rebuilt her life after a difficult divorce by betting on herself. Leaving corporate America to start her own consulting business, she sought something deeper than titles or security — she wanted independence, flexibility, and purpose. Her journey reflects courage, clarity, and the belief that women can shape their futures when financial stability and mental strength come together. Her story resonates with millions in our Humans of Fuzia community, reminding us that resilience can rewrite everything.
What inspired you to start your journey as an independent consultant?
I realized that what I truly needed was independence — both as a professional and as a mother. After my divorce, I had to rebuild everything from scratch: my finances, my confidence, and my sense of direction. I wanted flexibility to be present for my son while still providing for us. Walking away from corporate roles allowed me to create a work environment I could control and truly own. Starting my own consulting practice put me back in the driver’s seat.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced along the way?
One of the toughest parts of corporate life was navigating environments where politics sometimes mattered more than impact. I often felt unable to fully use my expertise, because stability depended on fitting in. As a consultant, I finally had the freedom to speak openly and deliver results without worrying about internal agendas.
Another challenge was balancing motherhood and work. There was constant guilt — being “on the clock” when my child needed me. Creating my own business allowed me to prioritize both without apology. And yes, it was scary to leave a steady paycheck, but I realized that the security I thought I had wasn’t always real. Betting on myself has been worth it.
What milestone makes you the proudest so far?
Seeing my client roster fill quickly — and noticing that many of my first clients are still with me almost two years later — means everything. They stay because they truly see value in what I do. Building something sustainable, based on trust and results, is one of my proudest achievements.
Do you work alone, or do you have a team?
I started solo, but after the first year I brought in an assistant to help with some hands-on tasks. I still handle all strategy and consulting myself, but having support for operational work frees my time and energy. It was a big — and empowering — step.
What are your thoughts on women in leadership and empowerment today?
Women often carry added expectations, especially in countries where protections are limited. We juggle careers, caregiving, and emotional responsibility. Yet, I’m continually inspired by how women transform setbacks into strength.
Financial independence and mindset work are powerful — when those two align, nothing can stop a woman. I had to rebuild my life as a single mom in a new country, with no family support, yet mindset work grounded me. Women naturally understand that our thoughts shape our outcomes — and we lead with empathy and humanity, qualities businesses increasingly rely on.
How do you personally define success?
Success isn’t a title or revenue number. For me, success means having the freedom to live my life fully — feeling mentally grounded and financially stable enough to be the best version of myself for my son and everyone around me. You can have a multimillion-dollar company and still feel empty. True success is peace of mind combined with independence.
“Challenges don’t break us — they shape us. When women learn to trust themselves, build stability, and strengthen their mindset, there’s truly nothing that can hold them back.”
Connect with Sonja Grasser:
Sonja Grasser, MBA | LinkedIn
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