Stopping into SONAS is like stepping into a steampunk dream on the way to Burning Man. Whether one thinks they can pull off wearing his unique clothing or not, Gerry Kelly makes customers feel like anything is possible.
Name: Gerry Kelly
Title: Owner of SONAS Boutique. Badass fashion designer.
Where do you live? Fairfax
How long have you lived in Marin? Five years
Where can we find you when not at work?
Running with my dogs on Bald Hill; having a family dinner at my favorite restaurant,
Sorella’s in Fairfax; or sipping a half cafe Americano at the Coffee Roastery right by my store. (I drink quite a bit of coffee, so I like to mix decaf with caffeinated so I don’t get too jittery.) Otherwise and whenever possible, at a good local festival with friends.
If you had to convince someone how awesome Marin was, where would you take them?
I’d take them hiking on the Dipsea Trail from Mill Valley to Stinson Beach or to Roys Redwoods Preserve in Woodacre. I’d then hit up Fairfax for some food (Sorella’s, of course), followed by a good night out… Maybe Peri’s for some live music or Mac’s at 19 Broadway for some comedy; there’s always a party going on somewhere in our town. Perhaps then a chilled walk around Sausalito with a coffee on Sunday afternoon to clear the head.
What is one thing Marin is missing?
Affordable housing. lol. And a good restaurant open past 9pm.
What’s one bit of advice you’d share with your fellow Marinites?
If you haven’t checked out the sunrise from the top of Bald Hill, you’re missing out.
If you could invite anyone to a special dinner, who would they be?
I’d love to have dinner with Sammy Hagar; he’s an amazing entrepreneur and bonafide rockstar who came from humble beginnings. I’m sure he’s got some class stories, and I could definitely learn a thing or two from the guy.
What is some advice you wish you knew 20 years ago?
The power of compound interest and the importance of having a mentor.
What is something that in 20 years from now will seem cringeworthy?
The way certain animals are treated.
Big question. What is one thing you’d do to change the world?
Have more entrepreneurial education available in schools for younger kids, and have mandatory classes on personal finance.
Check out the latest styles Kelly has created at sonasdenim.com or @sonasdenim on Instagram.
Queried and edited by Nish Nadaraja, a member of the founding team at Yelp, who serves on the San Anselmo Arts Commission and attempts to play pickleball at Fairfax’s Cañon Club.
