RECEIVING the 28COE Beauty and Fashion Award in Ghana was a fitting tribute to my celebration of 25 years in fashion. I travelled from South Africa to Kenya to Ghana and I will always remember what emotions I felt when the plane touched down at Kotoka International Airport in Accra. The invitation to receive an award from 28COE was significant but not the only reason I was experiencing these feelings.

28 Credentials of Entrepreneur “28COE” is a platform for world entrepreneurs, and I believe it ought to be hosted globally. It is an Entrepreneurial Platform to Network, Brand and Leverage. With its head office in Malaysia, it is one of the largest communities of entrepreneurs and professionals across 70+ countries.

The objective is to help aspiring entrepreneurs Network, Leverage and Brand. 28COE works to make a healthier start that creates more entrepreneurs, educate individuals accelerate innovation and strengthen economic growth and create ecosystems that lead to cross-border collaboration and initiatives among investors, policymakers, researchers and entrepreneurial support organisations.

28COE is the world’s most influential community of entrepreneurs. It also encourages its members to become mentors to young Kidpreneurs and Teenpreneurs who aspire to realise their potential in business and professionally.

Its mission is to cover those untold success stories and its vision is to provide exceptional service and VAS to fellow entrepreneurs.

My friend Alize Utteryn nominated me for this award because she believes my contribution is beyond fashion and beauty. Many people would think this should have been the highlight of my trip to Ghana, but if you were reading this column, you would realise that visiting  Elmina Castle was my biggest highlight.
Although I had the continent of Africa on my vision board for 2023, I started thinking that it was possible after Princess Tshepi Motloung, who came with the Royal Delegation, told me about African Women in Trade, then I received an invitation letter from Oliver Fortune to participate.

The event was at Cape Town City Hall, Cape Town, South Africa. Themed: “Building Strong and sustainable Value Chain”, this event was meant to raise awareness on the importance of tailored transformational education geared to grow women and Youth businesses, building participation in Intra–Africa Trade, promoting collaborations and meaningful partnerships with global markets and investors as well as support for women and Youth entrepreneurship in Africa.

The conference included keynote addresses from experts and well-experienced speakers. Panel discussions, entrepreneur fair, cultural events, networking opportunities and concluding with Award Gala dinner. It was an honour to be among the esteemed lineup of speakers at the dinner, including genius minds like Dr. Akanimo Odon, Africa’s Business Strategist, International Education & Research Expert, Knowledge Exchange & Sustainability Professional, Multi Award Winning Author, Producer and Poet, International Speaker and Career Coach.

Over the few days, I met entrepreneurs from many countries on the continent and discussed possibilities of partnerships and collaboration. I was able to discuss the Women in Business Expo in Guyana and was able to invite some ladies to the event in March. I received a wonderful welcome in Capetown, which set the tone for the other legs of my trip. Latoya Barton, who has been part of the Women in Business EXPO, was already there when I arrived because Delta airline’s lateness made me miss my connection. I was happy when she decided to join because the invitation was extended to all the other exhibitors too. Many wanted to participate, but the time frame made it difficult, but there will be many other opportunities in the near future. I love attending these events because you can have meaningful connections that develop into a lasting business and professional relationship like Princess Tsepi and me.

“I met Sonia Noel in Guyana in July 2022, when we were invited for the Emancipation Day celebration, by the Chairman of the Guyana Reparation Committee.
On our welcoming dinner, we met a number of very interesting people, but with Sonia and a few others, we just magnetically gravitated towards each other.
We took photos and got to know more about the businesses we are involved in and right there and then, I knew I wanted to discuss more business collaborations with her.
The fascinating thing about Sonia is her Fashion sense. Her very distinct outfits make it easier to start the conversation.

Needless to say, we made a positive connection which was sealed by a gift of one of the books she authored together with other great women from other countries. The book is titled “Women Across Borders”. When she handed me the book that she signed, the other part of me wanted to show my excitement, but then I remembered, ooppss I am in Guyana as a guest, so I better keep my composure. It was one of the great moments of our visit to Guyana.

Fast forward, in October, we met again in my country South Africa, Cape Town. She made it to the conference.
Remember I mentioned earlier about her magnetic personality? Aha! As soon as she arrived at the conference at the City Hall, I thought one of the celebrities had entered the room. Alas! It was Sonia working her signature Modelling Walks, with an outfit that was sweeping the floor behind her assisted by long blonde hair braids that were ankle length. Did I mention the very intriguing Clock Handbag? Yes… All of this made her the centre of attraction and at this time I just had to be the Camera person as people wanted some photos with this towering, beautiful woman.

Sonia, made great business connections in all the three cities that she toured while in South Africa. One thing for sure is that this was the beginning of great things with this collaboration of Naledi Ya Tshepi (Pty) Ltd and Sonia Noel Inc and other businesses joining the two continents. The future is exciting!”

You rarely have a real-life Princess that is as humble as my sister Tshepi. Many people do know where Guyana is, although we are receiving more publicity because of the oil discovery and I am happy I could have shared info about my country.
Whether you have an official title as an ambassador, we all are in a way because when we travel, whatever we do reflects on our country. I cheer for the many more collaborations and partnerships that will benefit many between the two continents as we celebrate this journey called life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.