“YOU have the most beautiful hair I have ever seen”; “ OMG your hair is gorgeous”; “Can I take a pic with your hair?” If I had one dollar for every time I heard those compliments, they would amount to a substantial figure. Maybe I should start asking for a dollar, lol.

You stand out when you are different but that sometimes can be intimidating if you are not sure of who you are. From an early age, I did not mind people referring to me as different and I have witnessed many benefits. I have had many memorable and proud moments this year at the Florida International Cultural and Trade Expo (FITCE).

My foundation and Women’s Association for Sustainable Development organised the group of women who exhibited in the Women in Business Expo to participate at FITCE. During one of the presentations, John H. Dickson, Senior Adviser to the World Trade Center, remarked that he was impressed with the delegation from Guyana and mentioned the products from Intricate Creations by Melba La Gaude.Vice Mayor Dale Holness received one of her exclusive displays and expressed to me that he is elated to display it in his office.

The representative from UNA, Eileen Davis –Jerome, did not leave FITCE without securing her pieces. She could not contain her excitement and encouraged Melba to extend the teaching of this art form because it promotes a clean and beautiful environment. Her work stood out because it was different.

Melba has been creating masterpieces using upcycling and recycling for 18 years, but her reorganisation came when she participated in the first Women in Business Expo at the Pegasus in 2015. “To think that trash can be converted into such breathtaking decorative pieces that will add a creative touch to the home of office,” Melba said, while introducing her pieces to a friend who told her she does not deal with trash. That comment added fuel to her passion and years later that friend must be saying “WOW,” because she is seeing and reading about her work everywhere.

One of the things I admire about her is her willingness to share. She collaborated with my foundation to host a workshop for people living with disabilities to learn this art form and they enjoyed it. We intend to provide meaningful employment to this neglected group of people; training will be ongoing, so as the demands increase this group will create some the pieces. ”I got very emotional with the response from the people and it touched me when they mentioned my work from the stage during a presentation.This exposure has motivated me to take upcycling and recycling to the next level; and I am thankful for the people who had faith in my vision. “As Bob Marley said, a king is not a king in his own land,” Melba said.

Sandra Craig was another exhibitor who stood out because her fruit-flavoured bar-b-que sauce was different. She met lots of people who are interested in distributing the products around the world and she travelled back with an empty suitcase. Although Rebekah Abdool was not there in person, her brand, Beckey’s Blessings, was a hit. She has pineapple-flavoured achar, pepper sauce and dip. It was not just the normal peppersauce so people were intrigued. A couple who live in Canada but are from St Vincent and Barbados got some achar and peppersauce. The next day they sent a friend to get more to take for friends in Canada.

At FITCE we could not do sampling, but at the Miami Carnival we did and you had to be there to experience what took place. People were there from all over the U.S. and beyond. Every Caribbean country was present; people were sampling the products with phulourie and it was crazy. For people who did not like hot peppersauce, they fell in love with the pineapple dip which had a hint of pepper. I know of mango achar, never heard of pineapple, but when they tried it they wanted it was and the same for the peppersauces.

One woman from Texas exclaimed that she will be bugging us to get it online soon. People also made suggestions for the products to be in various supermarkets, so they have access. One of the things I observed was people who said they did not like hot sauce, but tried it and liked it because it was not just hot, but had flavour. She had mild products for the people who enjoy less spicy food. Again, the reaction to this product stemmed from fact that it was different.

Natasha David created a stunning indigenous headpiece for me to wear on Carnival Day and I received so many compliments because it was different.
I am proud of all these entrepreneurs and others who are reinventing themselves and who decided that no matter what, they would try something new . If you have never heard of some of the products, visit our pop-up shop on October 26 at the Pegasus and you will not be disappointed.

One of the projects I am immensely proud of is Women in Business Expo, because of the positive impact it has had on many lives and the testimonials are many. I know one day I will be able to do more for these women. We all had challenges making this trip a reality and I must thank all the people who supported our fundraisers.

Thank you to the Ministry of Finance and Minister Jordan for supporting by waiving taxes on the airline tickets for our group. Special thank you to Minister Raphael Trotman for his usual encouragement for the association and his contribution to this trip. I believe one day we will be able to do more for these women and I encourage people to come on board for women in Business Expo 2020. Registration is now open for women in Business Expo.
Check the Sonia Noel Foundation page for info or call 684-8129 as we continue to celebrate this beautiful journey called life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.