Not Just A Marketer, A Navigator
ABOUT
I'm Sonja Thorsvik, here to help you reduce stress so you can focus on what you're great at.
Monkey fist started in 2012 as a remote, contractual company since day one. imagine what you could accomplish with the right help.
Hello!
My Professional Path
My path to founding Monkey Fist Co. wasn’t a straight line—it was a journey across continents and industries. With a Master’s in International Education, I spent years guiding students at Loyola Marymount University and St. Mary’s College, helping them explore the world and develop international programs. That love for storytelling and connection led me into marketing—first bringing a local newspaper online, then managing digital communications for PassageMaker Magazine, and eventually collaborating with iconic brands like HGTV, BMW, and the Washington Nationals.
All of these experiences became the foundation for Monkey Fist Co., where I bring a global perspective and innovative marketing together to help brands stand out. From the early days of blogging to today’s cutting-edge AI discovery tools, I’ve continually adapted to the tech landscape and stayed curious about how humans consume and digest content. That means my clients don’t just get a “marketer”—they get the benefit of someone who has been there from the start and is always ready to help them navigate so they can make their next best move.
Since the 1900's the stats remain the same. After just one year 20% of businesses fail, 50% after five years and the number keeps growing. My mission is to help 100% of companies stay 'open for business'.
My Mission Includes Your Brand
100%
Freelancing does not have to mean a few hours of work here an there. My longest client to date is 11 consecutive years. Sure, there have been one event successes. Other long-standing contracts have been 7 years, 5, and 3. We are a team.
Longest Client To Date And Counting
12 Years
From online marketing to in-person shows and events I've had the pleasure to watch my clients succeed as they should.
Businesses I've helped Make Their Mark
62+
In 2025 57% of the American workforce will have spent some time participating in the gig economy.
Percentage Of The American Workforce Is Gigging For Gold
54%
And 30% of Fortune 500 companies report the use of freelancers as 'essential elements' to their business.
Companies Who Hire Freelancers In The USA
48%
(hint: the answer is yes)
Can I Really Trust A Freelancer Though?
"She put us on the digital map"
“Sonja put us on the digital map. She handled all of our social, web, and newsletters. Our online rankings went from page 10 to 1 which helped gain new clients fast.”
B. Harries, Owner, BGC | G&G
"Whatever she does, works"
“Sonja is like a Queen of the Orient. In a matter of months, our social engagement with through the roof! Whatever she does, works - AND she has Good Karma.”
A. Hockett, Owner, You!Healing International
About Sonja
who will you be working with?
watching:
DRINKING:
READING:
CRAVING:
marvel movies on netflix
dark roast coffee, as is
buy this not that
more passport stamps
Currently
listening:
acquired podcast
BASED:
united states
self-described:
forever curious nerd
"We won best in show right out of the gate"
"Our team looked professional, our marketing material was top notch, AND we won best in show right out of the gate. No complaints here. Sonja is awesome to work with."
J. HERTWIG, CREATIVE DIRECTOR DAEDALUS YACHTS
"Everything gets done on time"
“Sonja is a rockstar and a pleasure to work with. Shows are stressful but she always maintains a positive outlook and everything gets done on time.”
C. Stevens, american business solutions
Why Name The Business Monkey Fist?
My Norwegian Grandfather, renowned across oceans for making Monkey Fist knots (that thing with me in the photo), while away at sea, always made sure I had one with me.
A family tradition to tie the smaller versions he made on everything from key rings, to backpacks, to luggage. They were the inspiration for it all.
As this company evolves, so does its content, branding, and inspiration. But the mission remains the same: loyalty + dedication to those in the Monkey Fist family.
VIEW PORTFOLIO
The idea of Monkey Fist Co. was born in a basement one night while searching for yet 'another job' after I left my 1st career. I knew zero about owing a business or entrepreneurship. Learned how to build websites and SEO by reading coding books at Barnes & Nobel hoping I didn't get kicked out. Glued photos onto cardboard paper to make a business card. Got a contract. Let's see if I'm crazy shall we...
2012
Launches the Monkey Fist Co. Facebook page. This feature had only been out for a few years at this point. Marketed for construction companies, sail makers, holistic shops, and doubles prices. The photo makes me smile because anyone who has known me up until this point knows I was born with a camera in my hand. Brings all friends and family to NYC for the one year mark.
2013
Monkey Fist Co. hires first interns and starts expanding the brand. Designs an Instagram class (built by post-it notes). Creates first 'freebie' download to begin email marketing funnels (photo below). Offers same idea to clients.
2015
2015
2014
Markets for more industries including real estate, shipping and fitness. Launches the "Healthy Techie" campaign to encourage stretch breaks and brain food options for techies. Begins writing press releases for companies to get in to magazines and online publications. Heads to Palo Alto, CA to see the original Apple Store (nerd alert). Steps on a Catamaran for the first time ('this will be a pivotal moment' said in my best British narrative voice when there is a movie made about all this.)
"The Only Time You should look back is to see how far you've come"
Moves operations to Bali for a few months at the height of the co-working revolution. Teaches a Personal Branding Workshop. Signs on 4 new international clients. Spends rest of year between France and USA mastering the art of Networking. Updates branding colors.
2016
humble beginnings!
happily making it all happen!
A glitch in the matrix, company loses all work and and has to rebrand (don't ask). Changes over everything and learns new website platform. Starts marketing on a hush hush marketing project with the inventor of Google Maps in Switzerland.
2017
Contracted to do a in-person event production & marketing, which expands services significantly - wins my client the 'Best In Show Award'. Goes on to win a 'Best Marketing Agency' award from the state. Starts creating more video.
2018
Signs on 2 major clients: one is Americas Favorite Boat Brand, the other owned by a former producer at Summit Entertainment. Does more in-person shows, joins a Mastermind club, ups the game by hiring out a helicopter for photoshoots to make the magic happen. World Premier's a Yacht at a show. Pops Chamagne.
2019
By beginning of year, COVID-19 has taken more than half of Monkey Fist Co.'s business away as events are no longer allowed globally. This is the craziest year yet. Has to let go of all interns, VA and copywriter. A devastatingly hard year on the soul. Formulates a new plan while working from The Bahamas. Good news: Longest client is still with us - 8 years later...
2020
Monkey Fist Co. gracefully ads digital products and corporate group coaching. Isn't it fun! Spends months in The Bahamas and then South Africa. Finishes the year writing up a new proposal to break into the Travel & Hospitality industry while on a layover Germany. Eats a pretzel to celebrate.
2021
just keep going
what a decade!
2022
Monkey Fist Co. Celebrates 10 Years! I'm so proud! Works from the West Indies for a while. AI starts taking over - (see generated photo below) which also replaces some human work... Pivot time! Does another event production in Miami after not being able to for a while. I didn't know if I would miss it... I did. Oh, and we got the Magazine Cover.
2023
Starts second sister brand with the best name ever: 'Gigging For Gold' to help inspire fellow self-employed go getters. Main focus was a Podcast entering the top 30 list of podcasts world-wide in entrepreneurship in the first 5 months. Fact: 65% of businesses are gone after 10 years. 11 years in - Now we're a big stat baby! It's still not easy, but not stopping any time soon. Reminder: A body, mind and spirit in motion: stay in motion.
Sonja takes herself to Portugal like a fiery Sagittarius does, naturally. Leaves laptop at home.
2024
Reestablishes a presence in the USA and starts working on events again full throttle. One key element to making an event successful are the media teams that do photo/video/audio (hint, this is how I got my first client back in 2012) so to them I am forever grateful. Works with a 5x award winning Podcaster, 5-Star Hotels on the water, artists, chef's, and threw VIP parties for companies looking to impress their donors. Ends the year consulting on top secret project in the yachting industry.
Get $500 For A Referral!
know someone who needs marketing help?
If you refer them to Monkey Fist Co. and they book a service, I’ll send you $500 as a thank-you.
No gimmicks. Just tell them to mention your name on the contact form.
