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Sonia Mayers
Sonia Mayers 
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| Born | 28 February 1978 (age 47), India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Fashion guru, Educationist, Founder, Media Critic, Social Activist |
| Years active | 1999–present |
| Known for | IMFL Institute, Swadeshi Runway, Glamorous Kids Pageant, Fashion Education, Social Advocacy |
| Education | Graduation in Arts |
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| Residence | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
Sonia Mayers (born 28 February 1978) is an acclaimed Indian fashion guru, national award winner, educationist, media personality, and social activist. She has been widely celebrated as India’s Fashion Guru for her revolutionary contributions to the Indian fashion and grooming industry. A prominent figure with over 15 years of influence in Bollywood and national fashion, she is the founder of three iconic ventures: the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Bharat Puraskar, the IMFL Institute, and the widely recognized Made in India Swadeshi Runway. Through these platforms, she has trained two generations of talent, promoted indigenous fashion globally, and driven large-scale social change.
Career
Sonia Mayers has carved a unique niche in India’s creative and social landscape through her pioneering work in fashion and education. Her career took off with her unshakable vision of empowering local talent and providing world-class technical training to aspiring models, designers, and performers. She believes that the Indian fashion industry should reflect both cultural depth and modern professionalism, and her work bridges that gap.
In 2012, she made history by launching the country's first kids' fashion pageant , titled Glamorous Kids. This platform was the first of its kind in India, offering children structured grooming, stage presence, and fashion exposure—helping many young talents begin their media journeys.
Through her tenure in the fashion industry, Sonia also signed a five-year contract with Balaji Telefilms , one of India’s leading entertainment houses. She was responsible for heading and managing fashion training programs in Mumbai and Delhi, playing a key role in shaping the fashion sense and grooming standards for aspiring TV actors and models. Her expertise also led her to work with T-Series , where she conducted celebrity guest lectures and served as a chief guest and judge at renowned events, including the prestigious Miss India platform.
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Bharat Puraskar
Sonia is the visionary behind the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Bharat Puraskar, an award dedicated to honoring exemplary contributions in various fields, aligned with the values of the late President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. The award recognizes those who demonstrate a commitment to national progress, innovation, and ethical leadership.
The 2025 edition of this prestigious award ceremony is scheduled for 30 May at the Yashwantrao Chavan Auditorium and will pay tribute to the legacy of Dr. Kalam from Rameshwaram . The event will be graced by Apjmj Saleem Sheik , and will feature special segments honoring late legends like Ratan Tata , Zakir Hussain , and Manoj Kumar . This ceremony has become a symbol of national pride and an annual occasion where excellence is not just rewarded, but elevated.
Made in India Swadeshi Runway
One of Sonia Mayers’ most impactful contributions to India’s fashion movement is the Made in India Swadeshi Runway project. Backed by government support, this initiative seeks to take Indian traditional fashion and craftsmanship to the international stage . It promotes Swadeshi values , encouraging consumers to embrace homegrown designers, fabrics, and artisans.
Now entering its 8th edition , the show has toured all 29 Indian states , showcasing the regional diversity of Indian fashion. The runway is not merely a fashion event—it’s a cultural movement that connects artisans from rural communities with global audiences. Sonia’s vision behind the runway is to create self-reliance within the fashion economy and ensure that Indian heritage remains both fashionable and financially sustainable.
IMFL Institute and Training Legacy
The IMFL Institute, founded by Sonia, stands as a beacon for grooming, styling, and performance arts education in India. She has mentored two full generations of Indian celebrities , including many known faces from television and Bollywood. Her training modules emphasize technical excellence , self-confidence, and ethical values, making her institute a preferred destination for serious aspirants.
Her training is especially known for its openness to freshers and start-ups . She commits herself 100% to grooming newcomers and launching them into successful on-screen careers. Several rising and established stars have publicly spoken about the life-changing training they received from her, validating her national stature as a mentor and teacher. She has also received multiple media awards recognizing her role in transforming lives and launching careers.
Guinness World Record Attempt
In continuation of her legacy, Sonia Mayers is preparing for a Guinness World Record attempt for organizing the largest model runway event with complete technical training , following similar achievements in the United States. This bold project not only exemplifies her vision but also serves as a platform to give thousands of aspiring models a professionally supported stage on a global level.
Media Career and Television Appearances
Sonia has been a popular media voice and fashion critic , having appeared on national television for one year on the show Bollywood Bullet aired on ETV . On the show, she analyzed upcoming movie releases, critiqued actor performances and personalities, and provided styling and improvement tips. Her sharp eye and engaging delivery made her a household name and an authoritative voice in celebrity fashion commentary.
Social Work and Advocacy
Sonia Mayers is also celebrated for her extensive social activism . Often referred to as Chhota Gandhi, she carries forward Gandhian principles through her advocacy for:
- Orphan support programs
- Transgender equality and representation
- Women empowerment and safety
She has inspired many through her outreach programs and campaigns. Her work gained national attention when she was chosen to represent Maharashtra as a spokesperson during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 100th episode of "Mann Ki Baat" , where she shared insights on youth, fashion, and inclusive empowerment live with the Prime Minister.
Awards and Recognition
Sonia Mayers has received numerous accolades throughout her career. She is a proud recipient of National Awards recognizing her contribution to education, fashion, and social welfare. Her achievements have been documented by mainstream media, and she continues to receive media excellence awards for her mentorship and innovation in the fashion ecosystem.
Personal Life and Education
Sonia holds a Graduation in Arts , which helped shape her creative mindset and sharpen her communication and aesthetic sensibilities. Her educational background has supported her multifaceted career as an educator, show director, and public speaker.
Legacy
Today, Sonia Mayers stands as an icon for Indian women and an irreplaceable legacy figure in India’s fashion industry . Her work has shaped the identity of Indian fashion on both national and global fronts. Whether through red carpet styling, rural empowerment, global runways, or national awards, she continues to lead by example—uplifting Indian excellence, preserving cultural values, and guiding the youth towards empowered futures.
See Also
- Fashion in India
- Women in media
- Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
- Swadeshi movement in modern India
External links
- Sonia Mayers on Instagram
- Sonia Mayers on YouTube
- Sonia Mayers on Facebook
- Sonia Mayers on Twitter