CARIBBEAN Month celebration was on my schedule every year before COVID-19 and it is exciting to do that again. Having the opportunity to reconnect with some old clients and meet new ones is a blessing. The start of the tour was challenging, with my flight plans going in the opposite direction, but because of my mindset, I was able to adjust. It was lovely having dinner in Guyana and then breakfast in NY with my two friends Nadira and Sara. Sara planned a beautiful picnic breakfast in the park not far from the airport, which took my time of the chaotic situation my travel agent created. That was one of the times I let go and let God not worry about if I would get there in time for my first event.
God made a way again and I could have lunch in Miami with another friend Leticia and make it in time for an event the phenomenal Lidca, Wilma and Yvette were hosting for me. I was the one Guyanese at the event and the love and appreciation I experienced was priceless. The response to my collection was great and we even had a fashion display. I have some new clients now, but I think my main reason for showing up there was to interact with a woman named Helen, but that I will amplify in another column.
Although I did not sleep for more than 36 hours, I did not feel tired because of the passion and love for what I do. Orlando was my next stop. Thank you to Guenet and Sammy Roberts for hosting this event, although Sammy was upset that no male shirts were in the collection. I must apologise to the guys and I promised to correct that soon.
The ambience that was created set the pace for a lovely Sunday chill with great conversations and exclusive clothing. I enjoyed looking at the ladies selecting their Sonia Noel outfits, modelling them for the others, and having fun doing it. The place was full of love and laughter, adding a certain energy coupled with Gia’s backstage influence to the evening. This was not the first event with Guenet and we will be hosting a big fashion event later this year, God’s willing. I then had the opportunity to meet my friend in the US for the first time because we were always missing each other and she even cooked.
Atlanta has always been one of my favourite places and the things that transpired on this trip reminded me why. Top on that list is an event for me sponsored by Caribbean International Shipping. What a wonderful evening this was, from all the feedback. I thoroughly enjoyed the chat with Kim Jonquile George and all the questions from the audience. Thank you, Kim and you look amazing in your Sonia Noel Design including jewellery.
We had a great audience, and some of the people I was meeting for the first time but did not feel that way.
I often mention how blessed I feel and that evening was a big blessing. I must thank Sharon Barnwell for sponsoring and putting together a team to organise. Thank you to the Guyana Association of Georgia, especially Merlyn Osborne (President of the Association), Marilyn Brown, Neville and Marrie George and everyone who supported it by purchasing outfits, books or jewellery. Thank you to Hadiya George for capturing these precious moments.
I had the opportunity to share my new collection, my books and my story with the most amazing people, and the tour still has a few stops. To God be the GLORY. I express my gratitude to everyone who made this trip possible and continues to support my journey as we continue this beautiful journey called life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.
