In this episode of Weird Finance, Paco talks to entrepreneur and founder of Unique Markets, Sonja Rasula about her curiosity and how it leads to asking financial questions, taking risks, knowing which rules to break, taking decisive action, and why people don’t spend money on themselves.

In 2008 Sonja Rasula (@sonjarasula) self-funded Unique Markets by risking her entire 401k and never looked back. Since then she’s become one of just 2% of women-owned businesses in the US to hit $1 million a year, is proud to be the only AAPI-owned national market owner in the country, and has been credited for fueling and leading the 'shop small' revolution for over 13 years. Her large-scale, modern pop-up markets showcase hundreds of small businesses and emerging designers, attract celebs to families to TikTok influencers, and have taken place in over 10 cities around the US.

Sonja was just named "The Millionaire Maker" by Forbes, and '1 of 30 Women Entrepreneurs Changing the World' by fashion mogul Eileen Fisher.

Also, this episode also features The Price Report, a short segment with Michael “Frosti” Snow, where he takes us on a journey, examining the cost of one thing in the hopes that it helps us have a better understanding of well, everything. This week we’re exploring bananas, a deliciously vibrant and tropical treat.

A special thanks to the talented and generous Ramsey Yount, for producing this episode. To my new friends, Samantha McVey and Anney Reese, the hosts of the Stuff Mom Never Told You Podcast, for lending us their voices. The theme music was written and performed by Andrew Parker, Jenna Parker, and Paco de Leon.

Please enjoy!

Listen to the episode on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform. 

Created and produced by: Paco de Leon and Ramsey Yount

Hosted by; Paco de Leon

Editing, Sound Design & Mixing by: Ramsey Yount