Written By Helen Siwak
Photography Alfonso Arnold
…it was the Indian tradition of ‘encouraging’ children to sing and dance in front of relatives that that gave her strength and courage.
Early morning call-times are inevitable in the television industry, but when you are morning reporter Sonia Beeksma, that 3:15 am alarm can wreak havoc on your personal life and your skin. So when she bounced into our 9 am Estée Lauder photo shoot with a radiant glow and smile on her face, I had to remind myself that she was full of energy as it was actually early afternoon in her world.
Known in Vancouver as a media personality (television, radio, MC) and budding floral designer, she is also a familiar face having played the role of ‘reporter’ and ‘news anchor’ on at least a dozen of locally shot television series including fan favourites Lucifer, iZombie, and Supernatural.
Born in India, her family moved to Canada when she was eight years old. As the youngest of four she admits that she may have been spoiled, gesturing ‘just a little,’ but it was the Indian tradition of ‘encouraging’ children to sing and dance in front of relatives that that gave her strength and courage. “Thanks to the powerful and apprehensive performances…I got over stage fright at a very young age,” she says and laughs. Always very outgoing, Sonia danced professionally through most of her teen years and sang at church and credits White Rock Christian Academy for shaping her into the woman that she is today.
A career in Broadcasting was a natural fit for this go-getter and within three years she was “shocked and honoured” to be acknowledged by the British Columbia Association of Broadcasters with the receipt of the Broadcaster of Tomorrow Award. In 2018, she is part of CTV Morning Team and “is fulfilling another dream. Joining CTV last fall was probably the best decision I made in terms of my career. I love the people, and I love the show.”
While she jokes that she “doesn’t find my job very challenging,” it is this positive approach that has kept her moving forward, and when it comes to her daughter and her faith, she wants acknowledges that she has been blessed. “I have been entrusted with an amazing little human being that looks up to me, and I want to be the best example that I can.”
When choosing a model for the Boulevard campaign, Estée Lauder sought a Vancouver woman who epitomized their brand in both beauty and brains. Founder Estée Lauder famously said “I didn’t get here by dreaming or thinking about it. I got here by doing it.” Sonia is a woman who is definitely ‘doing it,’ but she does admit that sometimes a thick skin is needed, not only for protecting your sanity but in having the ability to remain professional and be able to deliver the story whether it leaves a smile on your face or not.
Sonia settles onto her chair, closes her eyes, and gives in to the relaxing magic of Estée Lauder’s Multifaceted Re-Nutriv Ultimate Diamond eye applicator, as guided by the expert hands of Jason Hadikin. As the Executive Educator for the brand, Hadikin is on-set to ensure that Sonia’s personality is captured by not only the make-up but that she experiences the process. Between the make-up chair and stylist Sarah D’Arcey’s pull rack, the banter is fun and light-hearted, and very quickly she is off to change into her first look for photographer Alfonso Arnold.
Very much a Vancouver woman, Sonia finds the city captivating, albeit very expensive, but “loves the essence of a big city with a small town feel.” For someone who is constantly in motion, our west coast city offers a touch of tranquility, especially when she needs to slow down. Whether this is found in a quiet cafe serving the perfect Americano Misto with almond milk or feeling the wind in her hair as she cycles along a quiet road, she knows that at home is where she loses time – especially when lost in a hug with her young daughter.
Sonia Beeksma is embracing her current status as Vancouver’s ‘It Girl’ knowing that it may not last and even if it is only Warhol’s proverbial 15 minutes of fame, she knows it will be time well-spent leading her into whatever the next stage of her life holds.
Curious Imaginings