Today we’d like to introduce you to Sonler Alexandre.
Hi Sonler, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My lovely mother named me Sonler Alexandre, but I’m known artistically as Sonyè. My journey began in a Haitia household where creativity, imagination, and resilience were essential. As a child, I was drawn to martial arts, often mimicking the moves of legends like Bruce Lee and Jet Li from the TV screen. Financial constraints didn’t allow me to formally train at the time, but the passion never left. Art was the first healthy outlet that gave me a lane to express myself. It wasn’t until 2015 where I started to indulge in art again.
Years later, after losing a business and facing depression in 2014, I decided to rebuild myself from the inside out. I moved to Jacksonville, Florida, and committed myself to studying Wing Chun Kung Fu under Grandmaster Anthony Arnett. That decision changed everything. I grew not only as a martial artist but also as a man—eventually becoming a Sifu and mentor to others.
Alongside that, my artistic side blossomed. I began painting and showing work in featured art shows, exhibitions, galleries, a museum , including my first international juried exhibition in Washington D.C. and later in my hometown. I also became an entrepreneur, launching merchandise that fuses my art with lifestyle products.
Today, I stand at the intersection of martial arts, art, and purpose—empowering others to express themselves, defend themselves, and believe in the possibility of transformation by empowering them with emotional intelligence. My journey is about resilience, creation, and alignment with one’s personal legend.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Definitely not a smooth road—but a meaningful one.
I’ve faced my share of challenges, both internal and external. I found myself in the valleys of my life and hit the peaks several times haha. Early on, financial hardship kept me from formally studying martial arts as a child, so I had to rely on imitation and imagination. I can say wrestling in middle school was my first healthy outlet that helped me manage my emotions. It gave me a sense of discipline that I needed as a child. My coaches helped fill a void that was needed at that time. Later in life, I built a business that eventually failed, and in 2014, I found myself in a deep depression. That period forced me to reassess everything—my identity, my purpose, and my path.
Moving to Jacksonville in 2015 was a leap of faith. I didn’t have any family here, but I was determined to rebuild from within. It was pivotal moment in my life where I could breathe and see what Sonler is like on his own. During my tenure here in Jacksonville, I discovered the power of emotional intelligence in my journey of self – discovery. The opportunity to study Wing Chun under Grandmaster Anthony Arnett wasn’t just about fighting—it was about healing, discipline, and rediscovering my strength. It encourage me to embrace the journey of self-mastery through discipline.
As an artist and entrepreneur, there have also been moments of doubt—like wondering if people would connect with my work, or how to stay financially afloat while following my passions. But each setback became a lesson. The struggle gave my story depth and gave me something real to share with others who may be facing their own battles. It taught me how to budget, be resourceful, and create value for others. My transition into teaching martial arts helps cultivate a better me. It gave me the push I needed to be more intentional, responsible, and thoughtful of others. It was quite challenging at first due to me find salvation in my solitude.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
My brand, Sifu Sonler and Sonyè Locksmith, is a reflection of the many dimensions of who I am—artist, martial artist, writer, and servant to my purpose. At its core, it’s a lifestyle brand rooted in creativity, resilience, self-expression, and cultural pride.
I specialize in visual art and storytelling through multiple mediums—paintings, poetry, martial arts, fashion, and merchandise. From art shows to tote bags, wall canvases to coffee mugs, every creation is designed to unlock emotion, provoke thought, and spark personal transformation.
What sets me apart is the integration of martial arts discipline with artistic expression. I’m not just creating art to be seen—I’m creating art to free. The same values I’ve cultivated through Wing Chun Kung Fu—discipline, resilience, purpose—inform every brushstroke, design, and decision. My heritage as a Haitian-American also bleeds into my work, with vibrant energy and layered storytelling that honors history, struggle, and triumph.
One of the proudest moments for my brand was being featured in my first international juried exhibition in Washington D.C. and later showing work at the Ritz Museum in Jacksonville. In 2024, I was honored to donate artwork to support community causes to raise money for scholarships.
Through my websites www.sonyelocksmith.com, formless legend.com, and BonVybes, I offer original artwork, home décor, wearable pieces, and literary works that bridge art and soul. Whether you’re buying a tote, a canvas, book, or reading a poem—I want people to feel empowered, to feel seen, and to feel called to evolve. But the highest honor I have is teaching the youth, I have ability to empower them with emotional intelligence. I get the opportunity to instill confidence in them and make them aware of their own strength while teaching them self- defense. I get such a boost of energy hearing my students tell me how confident they feel, or when I see their growth as they overcome the challenges I place in front of them. The reviews their parents leave on Google truly speak to the impact of our work together.
It’s a privilege to lead these kids through exercises and drills because they are the future. Throughout class, we go over affirmations like:
• ‘Discipline equals freedom.’
• ‘Confidence breeds success, and success breeds confidence.’
• ‘Our strongest weapons are our minds and hearts.’
• ‘Strong mind, strong body, strong heart.’
I remind them they have two choices in this world: to be strong or weak—when I ask them which one they are, they shout back, “Strong!”
We even set the tone with words of the day like dominate and ownership to carry that mindset into their training.
These students give me a deep sense of pride and purpose. Empowering them is truly fulfilling work.
My brand isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about unlocking purpose and pursuing one’s highest potential.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I couldn’t have come this far without a community behind me. My martial arts mentor, Sifu Anthony Arnett, has been instrumental in shaping my mindset, discipline, and confidence. My martial art brothers and sisters who shaped me to be a better student and instructor. My family who taught me perseverance and purpose. My childhood friends who are always a call away to remind me that I’m never alone. My fraternity brothers where our bond is founded on the ideals of manhood, scholarship, perseverance, and uplift. My Alma mater Bethune-Cookman University where we, “ Enter to learn, Depart to serve”. That ideal is what I truly live and understand. I also owe gratitude to art curators, promoters
Art Impact International, F.A.M.E, NYC, FAU, Atlanta, City of Miami, and the Ritz Museum in Jacksonville for showcasing my work. Lastly, my students, clients, and supporters continue to inspire and push me forward. Their belief in me means everything.
Pricing:
- $3400 – Seeking the Bridge
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Sonyelocksmith.com
- Instagram: Son_ye
- Facebook: Sonler Alexandre
