Sonya Z Phillips

About Sonya Z Phillips

I’m a multi-passionate entrepreneur, international fashion designer, U.S. Army Veteran, and certified life & wellness coach with over 30 years of sewing and business expertise. As the founder of Stretch Couture and Sustainabili-T, I’ve helped hundreds of students learn to sew sustainably, upcycle clothing, and transform creativity into income.Beyond fashion, I co-own Dream Shape Body Contouring Med Spa, where I merge wellness and beauty to empower clients to feel confident inside and out. My work sits at the intersection of sustainable fashion, holistic wellness, and entrepreneurship—teaching others not only how to design, but how to thrive. What sets me apart: • Over three decades as a designer & educator, working with pageants, celebrities, international showcases, and helping clients launch their fashion brands. • Founder of Unicorn, a personal development program that embraces self-love, self-discovery, and sisterhood. I also host the Sista Circle Podcast and curate transformative events for professional women centered around wealth and wellness. • Executive Aide to Torgbe Volo Yingor I, Economic & Development Chief in Volo, Ghana—where I serve as visionary of the Volo Fashion Show, connecting global fashion innovation with cultural heritage, mentorship, and scholarship.As a digital storyteller, I‘m your guide to the gateway of Ghana. I use fashion, entrepreneurship, and culture to bridge communities—inviting others to experience sustainable fashion, investment opportunities, and the rich creativity of Africa.Digital Marketing is my jam! I am an AI 🤖 junkie. My favorite pastime is going down the AI rabbit hole and trying new tech. I am all about using AI for productivity in business but as a creative, fun with AI is limitless. Check out my micro drama “The Midnight Seamstress” on YouTube.Subscribe to my YouTube Channel https://youtube.com/c/SonyaZPhillipsI’m always open to collaborations, consulting, and speaking opportunities in sustainable fashion, sewing education, women’s empowerment, holistic wellness, and international development.Virginia Mobile Notary

Experience

1. Fashion Designer

   Stretch Couture

   Mar 2001 — Present · Virginia Beach, VA, US

   I teach the world to sew seeds that grow into beautiful works of art. Please visit DesignerSewing Instructor Fashion Business Consultant Event Planner and Project Manager

Education

• Duke University

  Certification, Digital Marketing Specialist

• Marc Jacob's Masterclass

  Certificate, Couture Fashion Design

  2018 — 2019

• Old Dominion University

  Chinese Language and Literature

  2018 — 2018

• Tidewater Community College

  Associate of Science (A.S.), Natural Sciences

  1999 — 2003

• Tidewater Community College

  Certified Nursing Assistant, Nursing Education

  2012 — 2012

• Old Dominion University

  Biology, Biology/ International Business

  2004 — 2007

• Project Inclusion

  Certificate, Board Governance and Leadership

  2016 — 2016

Skills

• Time Management
• Public Speaking
• Banking
• Sickle Cell Education
• Advertising
• Fashion Design
• Customer Service
• Marketing Communications
• Facebook
• Strategic Planning
• Budgets
• Community Outreach
• Research
• Event Planning
• Spanish
• Project Planning
• Leadership Development
• Retail
• Small Business
• Project Management
• Outlook
• Marketing
• Event Management
• Volunteer Management
• Training
• Leadership
• Microsoft Office
• Sales
• Social Media
• Public Relations
• Nonprofits
• Inventory Management
• Coaching
• Employee Training
• Program Development
• Team Building
• Management
• Workshop Facilitation
• Hiv Prevention
• Online Marketing