testimonials
Kind words from people I’ve worked with.
I feel extremely lucky to have worked with various businesses, artists, creative people over the years.
Thank you. Here are some kind words and testimonials below.
“Sonja's greatest asset is the ability to utilise her diverse film and graphic artist experience and her highly imaginative creativeness to follow through and deliver outstanding work. Sonja is one of those rare artists who is capable of participating and contributing in many various art forms. Her capabilities on a practical level as well as her perceptive and intuitive approach reflects a high understanding of the finer aspects and cultural significance of art.”
-Albert Falzon, Director & Filmmaker
“Sonja is incredibly professional and an absolute pleasure to partner with. She brings a thoughtful, calm energy to every project, making the entire process feel collaborative rather than transactional. She listens carefully to the brief and then elevates it by weaving in her own creative, artful perspective. The outcome with Sonja is always more than just content creation - it becomes a story, a moment. She has ability to strike the perfect balance between staying true to the Marimekko brand and expressing her own distinctive personal style. We absolutely love working with Sonja and look forward to many more collaborations to come."
-Elly Winther, Marimekko
"What stands out most about Sonja is not just her talent, but the way she approaches her life and work as a kind of cultural offering. She’s the kind of person who leaves every place, every collaboration, and every community better than she found it. Whether she’s developing original visual narratives or facilitating dialogue between disciplines, Sonja brings a perspective that is both deeply human and globally minded. She is a truly multidisciplinary artist, moving fluidly between fashion, fine art, surf culture, filmmaking, and photography."
-Justin Misch, Morning Of The Earth
“Sonja is an incredible networker and has connected with Australian brands, creatives, photographers and videographers across the coast. Her impressive and extensive portfolio is evidence of that. She is renown in the Australian surf community for her iconic look and surf style.
She has introduced me to many valuable connections in the surf industry, and has generated income and opportunity for my photography business. I would not have had that work had it not been for Sonja. She is boundless with her energy and incredibly generous with her introductions and creative spirit.”
-Tirion Eilir Haf Jenkins, Photographer
“Since 2023, Sonja has collaborated with Bennett Surf — a company established in 1956 - across a range of projects and creative initiatives. Throughout this time, Sonja has consistently proven herself to be an invaluable asset to our brand.
She brings a high level of initiative, creativity, and artistic direction to everything she does. Her professionalism, strong work ethic, and well-rounded character have made her a pleasure to work with. Sonja is both highly intelligent and exceptionally organised, and she always approaches tasks with dedication and enthusiasm.”
-Tom Bennett, Bennett Surf
“Sonja Vahasaari has been a true pleasure to work with on various projects. She has consistently demonstrated exceptional creativity and delivered high-quality work, both in her capacity as an influencer and as an artist for Atmosea, as well as in her role as a surfer.”
-Maria, Founder of Atmosea
“Sonja has been a competitor in various surf competitions here in the Mid North Coast area. All these events have Australia wide entrants. As a competitor in all these events she has readily availed her professional skills in graphic design of logos and T-shirts. A team player in the day to day management of these events, Sonja has presented as an enthusiastic, cooperative, sensitive and highly intelligent person. In 2023, Sonja organised an Art Exhibition showcasing her works in conjunction with two short films focusing on our local community. This event was to raise awareness of mental health - money raised went to Headspace. She has cemented a tapestry of business and communal accolades for her sharing of expertise in the realms of multi-media in the business context.”
-Roger Fergusson, President of Mal Club
“Sonja is an exceptionally talented surfer, model, and designer - and someone who brings passion, creativity, and a strong sense of purpose to everything she does.
Her presence is uplifting and impactful. She's fun, full of energy, and brings a rare mix of professionalism and playfulness that makes her a joy to be around. She also has a deep commitment to community and environmental values, which shines through in her work and the way she lives.
I've had the pleasure of working with her through my business, Surpaste, and every collaboration has been inspiring, seamless, and genuinely enjoyable. She's the kind of person who makes a real difference - and I truly believe Australia benefits from having her here.”
-Tahlia Bourke, Surfpaste
“Over the years I have had the great pleasure of working with Sonja on a number of occasions. She is a spark of life and a fresh breath of air to those she encounters. It is rare to meet anyone with such an enthusiasm and love for life. She cherishes those she collaborates with and the way she looks at the environment she is contributing to is with earnest care and consideration for all of the elements that are involved in the production of quality creative pursuits.
Her swimwear label contributed to the local Australian surf community, with built to last board shorts that I have been wearing for years. Her passion for creating a supportive network of other creatives and establishing herself as a core mover within the surfing world is truly inspiring. She's been a talented video creator as well as an author, with works that have moved me toward creating a better life for myself and those around me.
Truly, I see Sonja as one of the most self motivated, limitless, individualistic humans I've come across in my time. A person who values meaning over effort. That some things need to be done a certain way. Not the easiest way, not the cheapest way, but the best way. With high regard to the social and environmental impacts that her efforts influence.”
-Raury Taylor
“I met Sonja in 2022, thanks to her amazing, locally owned small business Savari. When I first came across Sonja, her swimwear brand was still known as Savari Jam. I immediately fell in love with the product, as well as Sonja's approach to being aware of her environmental and social impact. Supporting her business felt as though I was a part of a community that held similar values to myself.
When the Northern Rivers area struggled through floods that same year Sonja/Savari was raising funds for the local communities that were struggling and I did not hesitate to purchase more items, not just because I loved the product, but also because I wanted to help and trusted that my contribution would be received by the right people.
Since Savari has paused production, I feel like I'm part of an even smaller community of women ho exclusively own "vintage" Savari & Savari Jam and really love that I am able to continue to support her in her dreams.
She truly embodies the Australian spirit with her sense of self awareness in the community, and her awe and appreciation for Australia's beauty.”
--Kimberley Haynes
“I have had the privilege of knowing Ms.Vahasaari over the past three years. Her unique combination of artistic excellence and practical problem-solving abilities directly aligns with Australia's identified skills priorities in the creative industries sector - particularly in multimedia design, educational content development and cross-cultural communication.
Ms. Vaehaesaari possesses a rare ability to synthesize diverse cultural perspectives into compelling visual communications. Her creative work has consistently exceeded project objectives while maintaining cultural sensitivity. Her project management capabilities are exemplary. She has successfully delivered complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives on time and within budget, often in challenging environments. This includes managing teams of local artists and other stakeholders from diverse groups.
Ms. Vahasaari's children's literature work, including her series on environmental stewardship, demonstrates her commitment to education and social responsibility. Her experience working across diverse contexts has developed exceptional intercultural competencies. She understands how to navigate cultural nuances while maintaining integrity —skills highly relevant to Australia's cultural and economic development.
She is unfailingly honest in her professional dealings, approaches challenges with determination and creativity and consistently demonstrates respect for diverse perspectives. Her collaborative approach and genuine commitment to community benefit reflect the values that strengthen Australian society.
Ms. Vahasaari's profile directly addresses several of Australia's identified skills needs: Her multimedia expertise supports Australia's growing creative economy. Her proven ability to develop innovative learning materials addresses skills shortages in educational design. Her cross-cultural communication skills contribute to Australia's multicultural harmony. Her creative problem-solving approach supports Australia's innovation agenda.
Her combination of professional excellence, creative innovation and personal integrity makes her exactly the type of skilled migrant who will contribute meaningfully to Australia's continued prosperity and cultural richness. Australia would be fortunate to welcome someone of Ms. Vahasaari's caliber and I am confident she will make significant contributions to our national community.”
-Mr Simon Buckley
Director, Design and Program Advice Section
Development Effectiveness and Enabling Division
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade