Today we’d like to introduce you to Sonni Kate Nye.
Sonni Kate, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My story really begins in my early 20s, living in Austin and battling severe anxiety and depression. I reached a low point that led to multiple hospitalizations and suicide attempts. At 23, I made the decision to truly take control of my life and begin healing. That moment of transformation became the foundation for everything that came next.
At 21, I became a licensed Realtor, and during that time, a mentor encouraged me to get involved with eXp Young Professionals. I stepped in when they needed a female leader, and within weeks, I became a co-founder. Over four years, we grew it to 4,000 members globally with 14 state leaders and programs like live events, one-on-one coaching, and a bi-weekly speaker series — all while I was also studying acting in New York City.
After stepping down, I joined the Young Professionals of the Coastal Bend as a Board Member and created a monthly Coffee Chat series focused on fostering belonging through real, honest conversations — tackling topics like ‘Ambition vs. Authenticity.’
That journey of authenticity led me to pageantry. After a year of personal growth, I placed Top 19 at Miss Texas USA in May 2025 — and just this October, I was crowned USOA Ms. Texas 2026. Now, I’m honored to represent my beautiful state, bring Coffee Chats to communities across Texas, and prepare to compete nationally. It’s proof that healing, purpose, and leadership can coexist — and I’m just getting started
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not at all. My biggest struggle has been battling depression and anxiety. There were times when even leaving my apartment felt impossible — I was living in a big city, surrounded by people, but felt completely alone. I would spend days in bed, trapped in my thoughts, convinced I didn’t belong in this world.
What helped me through were the incredible people I chose to surround myself with — those who stood by me, believed in me, and never gave up hope even when I had. Their support became my foundation for healing and growth.
Another challenge was navigating professional spaces as a young woman. There were moments when men took advantage of my kindness or spoke over me in professional settings, making me feel small or unheard. Those experiences, while painful, taught me the importance of boundaries, confidence, and using my voice. Today, I make it my mission to ensure other women feel empowered to do the same.
There were also people — both professionally and personally — who I really valued, but who tried to tear me down. That kind of betrayal hurt deeply, but in the end, their treatment only fueled me to work harder and rise above it.
As I was building my career and leadership roles, I was also a full-time student studying acting in New York City. I was constantly running on little to no sleep, juggling school, real estate, and launching a national young professionals organization. It was a lot — mentally, emotionally, and physically.
Looking back, every struggle shaped me into the woman I am today — and I wouldn’t trade the journey for anything.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m currently USOA Ms. Texas 2026, and I wear a few hats — I’m an actress, a model, and an entrepreneur. One of my proudest accomplishments is co-founding a global organization for young professionals that grew to over 4,000 members. That experience taught me how to lead, build community, and create spaces where people feel seen and heard.
Today, I carry that mission forward through my Coffee Chats — monthly gatherings across the state that spark real conversations among young professionals. We talk about everything from “Ambition vs. Authenticity” to the challenges of leadership and self-worth. My goal is to build belonging in every room I walk into.
What sets me apart is my ability to lead with both vulnerability and strength. I’m not afraid to talk about the hard stuff — mental health, rejection, failure — because I believe those are the things that connect us the most.
My motto is: “Whether you’re young in age, young in the business, or young at heart — you belong.” That’s what I live by, and that’s the energy I bring into every space I step into.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is to let go.
It sounds simple, but doing the real work to let go is anything but easy. It means that when you walk into a room — whether it’s an interview, a meeting, a performance, or a pageant — you leave the personal at the door. The argument you had that morning, the coffee you spilled on your shirt, the negative thoughts running through your mind — you let it go.
That’s how you show up fully. Authentically. It’s a lesson I learned on Day 1 of acting school, and it has stayed with me ever since. Letting go doesn’t mean you ignore your emotions — it means you choose to be fully present in the moment, and that’s where your light shines the brightest.
It’s a practice I carry into everything I do — from mentoring young professionals to performing on stage to representing Texas as USOA Ms. Texas. And it’s made all the difference.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sonnikate.com
- Instagram: @sonni.nye
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sonni.nye
