From Project Runway to Scaling a Luxury Brand from the Caribbean: Anya Ayoung-Chee’s Next Chapter

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Anya Ayoung-Chee joins The Corie Sheppard Podcast for one of her most open and reflective conversations yet. From winning Project Runway with almost no formal sewing experience to navigating public scandal, entrepreneurship, motherhood, AI, Caribbean identity, and rebuilding her fashion brand — this episode explores the mindset behind one of Trinidad & Tobago’s most recognizable creative entrepreneurs.

Anya speaks candidly about grief after losing her brother Pilar, the turning points that shaped her life, and how those experiences pushed her toward fashion and entrepreneurship. She also breaks down the realities of the fashion industry, the future of AI in creativity, Caribbean identity in design, and why she believes Caribbean creators can lead globally instead of following trends.

The conversation also dives into:

• Winning Project Runway against experienced designers
• The pressure and editing behind reality TV
• Caribbean fashion identity and post-colonial culture
• AI, vibe coding, and the future of creative business
• Entrepreneurship, impact, and building sustainable businesses
• Navigating public scrutiny and personal growth
• Music, Xigon, sound clash culture, and creativity
• Motherhood, reinvention, and purpose

A powerful conversation about resilience, audacity, creativity, and evolving into your next chapter.

#coriesheppardpodcast #AnyaAyoungChee #ProjectRunway #Fashion #AI #CaribbeanCulture #Entrepreneurship

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