Sonia Luther was born and grew up in Isleworth West London. She went on to study BSc Hons Optical Management at Anglia Ruskin University before going onto to work as a dispensing optician manager at a well-known high street eyecare optical companies.
Whilst working in UK and Ireland she decided to become self-employed and that opened up a series of new opportunities that allowed her to demonstrate her skills better. She undertook further studies and achieved a MSc in Computing and is currently studying MA Law aspiring to become a Solicitor.
Sonia went on to become a TV presenter for Loveworld TV on sky for a show “Business Intelligence” showcasing individual’s entrepreneurial achievements. The highlight of the series was when she had the opportunity in 2017 to interview Ken Olisa OBE HM Lord Lieutenant for greater London.
Her second highlight as a tv presenter was being invited to an event at the home of Anil Agarwal founder and chairman of Vedanta Resources Ltd in London and having a special moment with him where he told her that she can achieve anything in life and all she must do is think BIG!
What is your current position?
I work as an Optician.
What are your proudest achievements?
I have had quite a few achievements over the years, but I really feel the proudest is yet to come.
What inspires you?
I am inspired by my courage and believe in myself when others refused to - Observing greatness being demonstrated around the world through individuals is a catalyst for me to always be improving and growing. As a female from an Asian background that has been hard. I’ve had to break the norms and walk ahead without support on many occasions only to find that people had been waiting for someone like me to bring them the light and courage to show them that it can be done.
What has been the biggest obstacle in your career?
Being intelligent yet sometimes doubting my abilities to reach higher as I feel I may not be ready only to be confronted by fools who are in positions, they did not qualify for. I feel many people may understand this!
Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?
I have not had a mentor to guide me and most times it has been a challenge, so my biggest influence in life comes from a scripture which talks about faith and hope. Heb11:1 “Faith is the confident assurance that something we want is going to happen. It is the certainty that what we hope for is waiting for us, even though we cannot see it ahead”.
What is the best aspect about your current role?
Helping people with their eye care needs and being able to advise them with the best options and educate them about their best personal solutions.
And the worst?
Sometimes we see young children due to situations out of their control suffer from eyesight problems that could have been avoided if the parent /guardian had been vigilant and concerned to bring them for an eye health check-up sooner.
What are your long-term goals?
To be a serve as a member of parliament and open a foundation that provides help and assistance for vulnerable children.
If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?
I would encourage more women, ethnic diversity to enter the world of Politics and Policy making.
If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why?
Chanakya – The royal advisor, pioneer of political science, economics, and management in ancient India. I would enjoy listening and learning from his wisdom and the come back to the present time and be a star!
