In an inspiring journey from beauty queen to fashion mogul and tech innovator, Anya Ayoung-Chee has not only put TT on the global map of fashion but also carved out pathways for the Caribbean’s creative entrepreneurs. Her career transition from Miss Universe contestant to a celebrated winner of Project Runway and a visionary entrepreneur offers lessons for aspiring business leaders.

Here are five detailed business lessons drawn from Ayoung-Chee’s multifaceted career, showcasing how resilience, passion and a commitment to social impact can forge a successful entrepreneurial path.

Harness personal experiences to drive business innovation

Ayoung-Chee’s first fashion line Pilar,

named after her late brother, highlights a poignant blend of personal loss and professional creation.

This venture not only served as a therapeutic outlet but also marked her entry into the fashion industry with a deeply personal narrative that resonated with her audience.

Entrepreneurs can learn from Ayoung-Chee’s approach to infuse personal stories and passions into their businesses.

This not only enriches the brand's identity but also creates authentic connections with customers, setting a strong foundation for brand loyalty and emotional engagement.

Integrate social goals with business strategies

Ayoung-Chee has consistently used her platforms to uplift others, particularly through initiatives like Nudge Caribbean and Spool.

These ventures are designed to support Caribbean creatives and entrepreneurs by providing them with the necessary tools, training and market access to thrive independently.

This model of social entrepreneurship not only addresses regional developmental challenges but also builds a business that contributes to the greater good.

For modern entrepreneurs, integrating social objectives into business models is not just ethical but also increasingly expected by consumers.

It fosters community support and sustainable growth, essential in today’s socially conscious market.

Embrace technological innovations to redefine industries

With Wildflower, Ayoung-Chee ventured into the "fidgetal" space – a blend of physical and digital realms, pioneering the use of non-fungible tokens (NFTs)

in Caribbean fashion.

This bold move into digital fashion places her at the forefront of technological innovation, leveraging blockchain technology to offer unique value propositions like verifiable ownership and origin in fashion items.

Entrepreneurs should see technology not just as a tool for operational efficiency but as a revolutionary approach that can redefine entire industries, offering new ways to meet consumer demands and creating blue oceans of market opportunity.

Learn from failures and reframe setbacks

Ayoung-Chee’s story of not placing in the top 15 at the Miss Universe pageant, yet channelling her disappointment into a catalyst for clarity and determination, is a powerful lesson in resilience.

Her ability to turn a personal setback into a professional stepping stone exemplifies how entrepreneurs