Community & Business
15 July, 2026
School holiday fashion courses on point
WHAT started as a move to new premises for Mareeba’s Sonlia Fashions has developed into opportunities for young people to find their fashion creativity.
Sonlia’s owner-operator Liana Hastie has expanded the nationally acclaimed local business to introduce workshops for Creative Confidence, How to Upcycle in a Day and Floral Canvas Creation, the first of which was held during the school holidays.
“I believe that everyone has a special creative gift and this is a way for me to give young people the chance to learn and develop their own skills, design talents and abilities to do something that is not readily available in rural towns like Mareeba,” Ms Hastie said.
A two-day Creative Confidence Workshop for participants 12 years old and upwards provided a creative experience designed to build confidence and foster self-expression.
Participants created a stunning 3D floral headpiece on canvas artwork.
“This has helped to create for participants a positive mindset and belief activities, self-care and wellbeing and a number of other life skills,” Ms Hastie said.
Participants also were taught deportment skills and personal styling tips receiving received guidance in age-appropriate hair and make-up and taking part in a self-confidence photo shoot.
The Upstyle in a Day workshop began with an excursion to a local op shop where participants selected an item, and with a budget of $10, had to transform it into something uniquely their own.
Back in the classroom, students aged 10 and upwards learned about recycling and why it matters, basic hand sewing techniques, embellishment and creative design skills and how to transform everyday pieces into statement fashion.
Sewing machines were available for more confident participants with support provided throughout the day. They also took home their own fashion creation in addition to their new skills, confidence and new contacts and connections.
In Week 2 of the school holidays, students aged 8 to 13 years created their own beautiful 3D artwork on canvas after selecting from a range of designs and bringing their skills to life using artificial flowers, embellishments and creative techniques.
They also learned design skills, colour and composition, individual expression and mixed-media art techniques.
“Through our new activities in our expanded attached classrooms, Sonlia Fashions is seeking to offer opportunities for others to learn new skills, confidence and abilities as part of our desire to give something back to our community, where we started over two decades ago,” Ms Hastie said.
For further information, phone Ms Hastie on 0427 055 826.
