IN 2016, acclaimed fashion designer and entrepreneur Sonia Noel had a vision to create greater opportunities and visibility for women entrepreneurs, particularly those starting new businesses and introducing new products to the market.
This month, that vision will take on a special meaning when the Women in Business Expo (dubbed Expo 30) stages a special anniversary edition at the Pegasus Hotel in Guyana.
The Expo according to Noel, was the first initiative of its kind in Guyana when it was launched and was created as a platform for women to showcase their businesses, introduce new products and services, connect with customers and fellow entrepreneurs, and gain greater visibility.
This special edition forms part of Noel’s celebration of 30 Years of Style, Purpose and Impact. Significantly, 2016 was also the year Noel launched Love Revolution. A decade later, both initiatives will be highlighted during a special October weekend, with the Love Revolution relaunch on Friday, October 23, 2026, followed by Expo 30 on October 24 and 25, 2026.
Expo 30 will bring together 30 entrepreneurs, including women who participated in the Expo during its earlier years as well as a new generation of business owners.
This year’s special edition is being designed as an engaging business, networking, and shopping experience, with pop-up shops, fashion displays, entrepreneurial stories and other special features throughout the weekend.
Visitors will have an opportunity to discover a diverse selection of unique, quality products and services, meet the entrepreneurs behind the brands and begin their Christmas shopping while directly supporting local businesses. It will also provide opportunities for participating entrepreneurs to connect, collaborate, exchange ideas and learn from one another.
A major partner in this special edition is the Pegasus Hotel Guyana, which has been connected to Women in Business Expo from its inception.
Noel expressed appreciation to the Pegasus for once again collaborating with her during this milestone year, noting that the relationship is particularly meaningful because of the hotel’s long-standing place in both the Women in Business story and her wider entrepreneurial and fashion journey.
Several participating entrepreneurs gained valuable exposure and opportunities for advancement for their businesses, products, and services through the Women in Business platform, and several have since grown and expanded.
Three of this year’s participants whom attendees will find at the Expo shared comments about the opportunities provided through this initiative. They included Natacha Livingstone from Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, the owner and designer of Tasha’s Creative Designs.
“I have been in the handicraft business for over 15 years, specialising in cultural design and hand-crafted Items. I create custom cultural jewellery, beaded body pieces, statement necklaces, earrings, headpieces, bracelets, and other cultural crafts – all handmade with love, tradition, and pride. My brand is built on the theme, ‘Elegance Rooted in Culture,’ celebrating Guyanese and Indigenous heritage,” she said.
Livingstone said that this will not be her first year participating in the Women in Business Expo, an event she says continues to have a tremendous impact on her business.
According to Livingstone, the Expo gives women entrepreneurs a real platform to be seen, to network, and to show the value of their craft beyond their communities.
“My biggest takeaway from the Expo is the power of women supporting women. The energy, the encouragement, and the opportunity to learn from other businesswomen is priceless. It reminds us that our cultural work matters and that there is a market that appreciates authentic, hand-made Guyanese craft,” she expressed.
Persons interested in her work can contact her on 6810637 or via tashacrawford724@amail.com
Leisa Gibson, the founder of Leisa Salon and Beauty Supplies, said she has participated in the Women in Business Expo since its first edition.
“When I started, I had just one haircare product. Today, we offer a variety of products for both hair and skin,” Gibson said, adding, “Being part of the expo has helped me grow as an entrepreneur and develop my business over the past 10 years. We have gained valuable exposure and opportunities to participate in events in Suriname, Miami, and across Guyana.”
Gibson shared how pleasing it was seeing the growth from showcasing one product to presenting a complete range.
Grateful for the opportunities and experience gained throughout this journey, Gibson said her business locations are at 6 Alexander Street, Kitty, and 6 Vreed-en-Hoop. Persons can also contact them on 643-3463.
Meanwhile, Malba LaGoudoue, the CEO of Genuine Products, a manufacturing business located at Lot 42 Stanleytown, New Amsterdam Berbice.
The products are lime-based, with a variety of fruit-juice concentrates which come sweetened and unsweetened, as well as barbecue sauces, lime pepper, achar, and tamarind achar.
With 35 products under her brand, 18 of them are Made in Guyana certified. Genuine Products are available at Massy Stores in Turkeyen and Providence. There is also an outlet at Lot 6 Kitty, Georgetown.
As someone who participated in the first edition of the Expo, the CEO said she expects it to impact her business, as she will be there to showcase the very best of her products.
