Hello! I am Victoria, founder of SONO, a luxury Italian grooming salon and boutique in Espoo, Finland.

For as long as I can remember, dogs have been my greatest companions. My first dog, Jerome, a purebred Collie, filled my childhood with love. When I was 12, my mother gifted me my very own dog—Candy, an English Cocker Spaniel. Those early years, shaped by the unconditional love of my dogs, planted the seeds of a lifelong devotion to these beautiful creatures.

In my early adulthood, I lost my mother. It was one of the darkest chapters I have ever faced, leaving me feeling unanchored and lost. Seeking a fresh start, I moved to Norway, and in many ways, it felt like a rebirth—a new place, a new language, and a new way of living. I fell in love with Nordic life: the breathtaking landscapes, the deep forests, the mountains, and the quiet, profound beauty of its culture.

Then, as if sent by fate, an Irish Setter puppy entered my life—my mother’s favorite breed. He became my shadow, my most loyal friend, and my companion in the Norwegian wilderness. Though he is no longer with me, he will always be a very precious dog to me and will always hold a piece of my heart.

Determined, I searched for grooming schools but found none in Norway. Expanding my search, I discovered Iv San Bernard, an Italian Grooming Academy, and soon after, my journey to Italy began. I completed my training and returned to Norway, where I became the first groomer to introduce spa treatments for dogs. At that time, these treatments were a complete novelty, sparking curiosity and attention from local media. Eventually, I was invited to speak about these innovative services on a morning TV show.

Later, life took me to Venice, Italy, where I spent several years working in luxury retail at La Perla. My time there refined my understanding of high-end service, quality, and aesthetics. Though seemingly different from grooming, this experience became a crucial part of the puzzle, teaching me the intricacies of craftsmanship, style, and personalized service—elements that now define SONO.

Starting from 2021, I am very proud to say that I have been further developing my grooming skills at one of the best Italian grooming schools, under the guidance of Maestros Silvia Parisi and Nicola Cerolin—true legends in the Italian grooming world. Learning from such inspiring professionals has helped me refine my techniques and deepen my understanding of the craft, always striving to improve and offer the best care for the dogs I work with.