What is Sonderful?

We interview and video record (on Zoom or in person) individuals and couples telling the stories of their lives to be preserved as a legacy for their kids, grandkids, other family members (as well as future family members!) and friends. 

The idea for Sonderful came from talks Donna (see bio below) had as a kid with her father. They would sit on random benches, watch all the people walking by, and marvel at how they knew nothing about them, and wish that they did…Sonderful is our effort to shine some light on some of those lives, and bring those cherished conversations to life. 

The bench in the Sonderful logo is in honor of her father’s memory, and the company's name comes from the word Sonder, which means "The realization that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own."  

Donna Schenker Holly | Founder

Prior to starting Sonderful in 2021, Donna was President and co-owner of The Investment Institute (TII), now known as Academy for Institutional Investors, an educational membership organization for institutional and private investors. Donna spent eight years as an advertising agency producer in New York, developing TV and radio commercials for national clients. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Florida (Go Gators!), studied psychology in a post baccalaureate program at Hunter College, gets back to her hometown (Miami, FL) as often as possible, and is now, along with her husband, studying the development and care of chickens and hound dogs in her own backyard, after a culture-shock producing move to Roswell, Georgia after 19 years in Manhattan.    

Andrew Schenker l Video Editor

Andrew (Donna's brother!) is a filmmaker and photographer based in Florida. He has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Documentary Filmmaking from the University of Central Florida. Andrew spends most of his time refining his style, searching for new spots to shoot, and learning new technical skills. His passion has allowed him to work with many small businesses, travel to countless locations, and expand his perspective of the world. Fueled by a love for adventure, Andrew strives to find opportunities where he can push his storytelling skills.