The conclusion of Sonia Noel’s Expo 50 has been described as “nothing short of an awesome experience for 50 emerging entrepreneurs and small businesses.”
‘The New Awesome You’ exhibition, in collaboration with Giftland Mall and Urban Life, at the Giftland Mall (Turkeyen, Georgetown) on August 21 and 22, which featured 50 enterprises and start-up businesses, saw both patrons and exhibitors benefiting from the event, which in turn saw persons enquiring about the date for the next expo.
Sonia Noel and some of the exhibitors at the event
The weekend expo featured a variety of emerging businesses, including spa services, catering, agro-processing, beauty products marketing company, seafood distributors etc.
However, unlike the Women in Business Expo, this event saw male exhibitors participating.
A exhibitor showcasing her products at Expo 50
The exhibitors present at the expo were all part of a mentoring session before the event.
One of the lucky participants of the expo stated that “being part of the Expo 50 was truly a remarkable experience. I have never felt a more dynamic and cooperative team as this one. This superb opportunity has boosted my confidence enormously in the areas of marketing, promotion, money management, and customer interaction. In addition, I was able to heighten my network by the connections I have gained from customers who purchased my products.”
Another, in her remarks, revealed that “being a part of Expo 50 is lottery won, because, as a young entrepreneur, I have gained a lot of knowledge in various aspects (learning how to work as a team, managing the little resources that were presented, dealing with facing my fears, because public speaking was one of my worst. I also learnt how to communicate and collaborate. The knowledge which I have acquired from no other than tenacious, considerate and multi-talented Miss Noel and fellow colleagues I can now put what I have learned into practise, so I can have the same impact on other upcoming entrepreneurs.”
A third shared that “the experience I had being a part of this amazing journey was overwhelming, meeting so many entrepreneurs who are gifted in so many ways, striving to reach the top was so inspirational to me. What I would love to see is more influential people like Ms. Sonia Noel coming out, working and pushing small business owners into their dreams, building their confidence, assisting in any small contribution, if necessary, and conducting workshops for small business owners on product marketing and managerial skills.”
Some of the small businesses present at the expo were La-Toya Barton, owner of The Book Hub; Kleon Spellen, owner of Hulk’s Fitness and Sports Centre; Neishana Baksh, a Henna Artist; Maverick Davidson, author of ‘The Awakened Soul’ book; and Tiffany Emanuel of Posh Styles and Habits/Allo’s Seasoning.
“This exposition has re-ignited my passion for entrepreneurial journeys, and listening to the impact on the startup and emerging businesses gave me great joy. This journey is challenging, and I made many mistakes along the way, and I feel blessed to share my story that they can learn from my journey” Sonia Noel expressed.
Meanwhile, many of the exhibitors are in discussion to foster partnerships and collaborations.
In celebrating her 50th birthday, Noel had hosted an entire month of events, ranging from a virtual church service to online chats with up-and-coming entrepreneurs and small business owners, blood drives, mentorship sessions, breakfast with the media.
Among the few events remaining on the agenda are a takeaway tea party, virtual event for authors and aspiring authors, and the God is Awesome service with bringing down the curtains.
