By Business & Finance 
Business & Finance asked entrepreneur, Sonia Deasy, about her leadership journey and the challenges she has faced along the way.
By Sarah Freeman
Being the founder and CEO of Pestle & Mortar has been one of the most rewarding and challenging journeys of my life. Leadership is about much more than making decisions—it’s about balance. It requires strategic thinking, empathy, and the ability to inspire a team to work toward a shared vision. Turning an idea into reality while navigating the complexities of business has been a profound learning experience, filled with opportunities for both personal and professional growth.
Do you think leadership is a very different experience as a women?
As a woman in leadership, I’ve encountered environments where I was one of the few women at the table. These situations were never intimidating to me, and I credit my upbringing for that confidence. Growing up with four brothers, I had a very male-dominated upbringing. Yet, my parents never treated me or my sister differently from our brothers. We were raised equally, with the same opportunities, responsibilities, and expectations. This strong foundation instilled in me a sense of self-worth and resilience that allowed me to navigate professional spaces with confidence. I didn’t see myself as “different,” and that mindset freed me to focus on my goals rather than external biases.
I’ve also learned that diversity in leadership is vital. Bringing different perspectives to the table drives innovation and leads to solutions that benefit everyone. Leadership is not about conforming to one way of thinking but about embracing a variety of ideas and approaches to create something extraordinary.
The journey to success is rarely linear. I firmly believe that success and failure are deeply intertwined. In building Pestle & Mortar, we’ve encountered challenges that sometimes felt insurmountable. However, every setback has taught us valuable lessons, helping us grow stronger and more prepared for the future. These experiences have underscored the importance of resilience. The ability to recover from adversity, adapt to changing circumstances, and remain focused on long-term goals is the cornerstone of entrepreneurship. Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back; it’s about learning, evolving, and applying those lessons to drive future success.
Can you describe how you navigate difficult scenarios and people
When it comes to navigating difficult scenarios and people, empathy and clear communication are my most valuable tools. I strive to understand others’ perspectives and listen actively to their concerns. Transparency is critical in these situations; it fosters trust and creates a space where all parties feel valued and understood. I approach conflicts with a problem-solving mindset, seeking solutions that align with our core values and ensure the best outcomes for everyone involved. Leadership requires staying calm under pressure and focusing on solutions, not just problems.
Can entrepreneurship be taught?
Entrepreneurship is often seen as an innate skill, but I believe it’s a mix of teachable tools and inherent qualities. Business strategies, market analysis, and operational expertise can be learned. Education provides a strong foundation, equipping aspiring entrepreneurs with the skills they need to succeed. However, intrinsic traits like passion, resilience, vision, and the drive to innovate are harder to teach. These qualities are what fuel perseverance and differentiate those who succeed from those who don’t. While technical knowledge is important, the internal spark to create something new and take risks often comes from within.
Is the culture of giving back and of looking out for society in general a lost cause?
The culture of giving back and contributing to society is far from a lost cause. At Pestle & Mortar, we are deeply committed to sustainability and ethical practices. We believe that businesses have a responsibility to do good—not just for their customers but also for the broader community and the planet. This ethos is woven into the fabric of our company, influencing everything from the way we design our products to the partnerships and initiatives we undertake. Our commitment to sustainability is not merely a business strategy but a reflection of our core values.
Giving back is about more than just making donations; it’s about creating tangible, meaningful change. At Pestle & Mortar, we focus on supporting our local community because this is where we can make the most immediate and impactful difference. Contributing on a granular level allows us to see the results first hand, which makes our efforts deeply rewarding and impactful. Whether it’s donating money to local sports clubs, sponsoring a charity that gives young people the opportunity to travel abroad and witness different ways of life, or supporting other grassroots initiatives, our goal is to foster eye-opening and transformative experiences.
These efforts are not only transformative for the individuals we support but also for our team and community. By providing young people with opportunities to see and understand challenges beyond their everyday lives, we help broaden their perspectives and build empathy. These are experiences that shape character and inspire action.
Beyond skincare, my professional interests extend to wellness and holistic health. I’m fascinated by how lifestyle choices impact overall well-being and how natural remedies can enhance health. At Pestle & Mortar, this philosophy informs our approach to skincare—our products are designed not just to treat skin concerns but to support a holistic approach to health and beauty. Personally, one of my greatest passions is Reformer Pilates. It’s a remarkable way to strengthen the body, improve posture, and find balance both physically and mentally. Pilates has become an essential part of my routine, helping me stay centred and energized amid the demands of leading a growing business.
How do you spend your downtime?
In my downtime, I cherish the moments I spend with my family. As a mother of five, family time is incredibly important to me. Whether it’s cooking together, taking walks in nature, or simply sharing stories around the dinner table, these moments ground me and remind me of what truly matters. Alongside these activities, I prioritize self-care practices that help me recharge. Reformer Pilates and mindfulness play a big role in helping me maintain focus and clarity, ensuring I can approach both work and life with renewed energy.
Looking back on my journey, I’m struck by the realization that leadership, entrepreneurship, and life itself are all about balance. It’s a delicate dance between embracing challenges and celebrating victories, pursuing goals with determination while taking the time to reflect and recharge. Building Pestle & Mortar has been an incredible experience, and I remain deeply committed to our mission of delivering simple, effective, and sustainable skincare solutions while staying true to the values that guide us.
At the heart of everything I do—whether in my professional or personal life—is a desire to create a meaningful impact. Whether it’s through the products we develop, the community we foster, or the lessons I pass on to my children, I strive to leave a positive imprint. Leadership, after all, is not just about leading a business. It’s about making a difference in the world around you. And for me, that’s the most fulfilling part of the journey.
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