About the Author

Dr Sonia Noel is a passionate and industrious creative artist and with a fresh New World perspective on style and life. Sonia Noel is celebrating over 20 years in the fashion industry. She enjoyed a brief stint as a high school teacher in her hometown Bartica. It took a combination of navigational skills to out- Small town girl with a big dream who believed it was possible. She celebrates her Amerindian roots, but she is no "woman of straw" yet she utilized this indigenous South American creativity and cosmopolitan Caribbean flair, to craft a unique fashion aesthetic that is identifiably, the Sonia Noel brand. Her determined spirit pushes her to drive creative industry enterprise forward and she has become an exemplar and mentor to young creative, not only in Guyana, but throughout the region. She is a proud mother of two beautiful and intelligent daughters Mariska and Shonta and grandson Jaidyn is a blessing to her life.She has been presented with many awards locally, regionally and even internationally, for entrepreneurship, philanthropy, cultural ambassadorial services, advancing creative enterprise, promoting competitive- worthy fashion design and youth empowerment. Well-known names who wore her designs are Maxi Priest, Miss Universe Leila Lopez and Michelle Williams former Destiny's Child member. Originating from a hamlet, she pioneered, persevered and eventually positioned her brand as a sought-after regional trendsetter, with international appeal. From her early collections, in Georgetown, relying on her geographic, architectural and Afro-Amerindian references, she has evolved into the quintessential Guyanese designer, influencing, impactfully, the Caribbean aesthetic, having shown in the major capitals of the region, she has gone on to the metropolises of the world, where there is an active Diaspora influence - London, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Washington, Boston, Texas, New Jersey, Miami, Spain, China, India New York, Toronto, Montreal. Sonia Noel is a true "woman of substance"! Sonia Noel is the founder of Guyana Fashion Week, The Women's Association for Sustainable Development, The Women in Business Expo, Guyana Model Search, Designers Portfolio and the Sonia Noel Foundation for Creative Arts. Her work was featured in numerous publications in the Caribbean and around the world. She is a John Maxwell Team Speaker, Coach and Trainer.