Sonya Maria Trejo

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Sonya Maria Trejo — a creative director and apparel product development leader with 30+ years helping brands build, launch, and scale collections from concept to production.

About

Hi, I’m Sonya Maria Trejo — a creative director and apparel product development leader with 30+ years helping brands build, launch, and scale collections from concept to production. I’ve partnered with major retailers and emerging labels to translate creative ideas into compelling, commercially successful products.

My expertise spans design, technical design, sourcing, global manufacturing, brand strategy, and leadership of cross-functional teams. I’m passionate about sustainable product development and empowering entrepreneurs to grow purposeful brands.

  • 29 years' experience
  • Joined June 2026

Languages

  • EnglishFluent

Industry experience

  • Retail
  • Manufacturing
  • Consumer Goods
  • Media & Entertainment
  • Education
  • Professional Services
  • Wholesale & Distribution
  • Travel & Hospitality

More experts in Atlanta, United States

Work experience· 9 roles

Industry Educator / Adjunct Faculty · Seattle Central CollegeJan 2026 – Present · 11 mos

Design and deliver apparel business curriculum bridging design, product development, entrepreneurship, sourcing, sustainability, and marketing strategy; mentor emerging fashion professionals; integrate cross-disciplinary learning with inclusive pedagogy.

Advisor / Entrepreneur · Eighth Light CollectiveMar 2023 – Present · 3 yrs 9 mos

Advising early-stage entrepreneurs on brand positioning, product direction, business development, and operational planning; developing strategic frameworks for launching, repositioning, or evolving lifestyle, apparel, wellness, and creative businesses.

Founder & Principal Consultant · Eighth Light CollectiveJan 2023 – Present · 3 yrs 11 mos

Advises fashion, lifestyle, wellness, and purpose-driven businesses on brand positioning, product strategy, business development, and operational planning; develops strategic frameworks for launches, evolution, and market expansion; conducts market research, competitive analysis, and customer positioning to strengthen commercial viability; facilitates consulting engagements, workshops, and advisory services for entrepreneurs and creative founders; leverages 30+ years of apparel, retail, product development, and leadership experience to support sustainable business growth.

Owner / Founder · Eighth Light DesignMar 2011 – May 2022 · 11 yrs 3 mos
Owner & Creative Director · Eighth Light DesignJan 2011 – Jan 2022 · 11 yrs 1 mo
Creative Director · Threads for Thought / Sustainable Apparel GroupJan 2009 – Mar 2011 · 2 yrs 3 mos
Creative Director · T4T / Sustainable Apparel GroupJan 2009 – Jan 2011 · 2 yrs 1 mo
Design Manager · Kohl's CorporationJan 2007 – Jan 2009 · 2 yrs 1 mo

Education

Fashion Illustration Studies · New York Fashion Academy1992
College Studies, Humanities · Boston University, College of Basic Studies2030 – 2026
A.A.S. · Seattle Central College2026 – 1996
A.A.S. · Spokane Falls College1990 – 1992

Fashion Merchandising

Certifications and awards

Inverted Pyramid Award for Excellence in Leadership2030 – 2026

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