An eye for beauty and a keen sense of aesthetics is what Meena Sonea Hewett is all about. Her style reflects a quiet sophistication that calls out to one gently as opposed to designs that scream for attention.

When we meet, Meena, petite and pretty is dressed in a classic cut pant- suit, her demeanor and manner inspire confidence!

I had seen her work at two recent events; when she had designed and decorated the stage for the IAGB Republic day celebration and at the Bollywood Talent show in November.

Confessing that a lot of what she does is instinctual, she adds that after meeting with  clients and understanding their needs, she sets the dream into design by integrating her aesthetic sense to their specifications.

Meena is also involved with SAHELI, the area organization that offers friendship and support to women in need. “ I wanted to give something back to my community, I also wanted to be a part of a group that did good deeds for society. I have been working with the group, helping them design their logo, brochure, website and also with various events that they have hosted.”

Meena begins to inform me about a business I know little about.

Chitra- What is your educational background and how long have you worked in the area?

Meena-I have a BA in Economics and a Diploma in Interior Design from Mumbai, India and a Masters in Architecture in USA.  I came to the USA in 1988 to go to school at Rice University in Houston TX.

Chitra-Could you tell us more about your company Full Moon Design? How did you come about with the idea of starting it?

Meena- I have been designing Exhibits and Displays for the past 12 years. Full Moon Design is a recent initiative that developed through my work for Saheli. I started coordinating and organizing their fundraisers since 1999 and through that I had the opportunity to help plan and coordinate events. I have had some interesting projects the last year which include stage set up for IAGB India Independence Day 2002, Saheli’s Health fair 2002, Bollywood Talent Show 2002 and Republic Day 2003. These are some of the more recent projects. Presently I am working on two other events, one of which is the Saheli Spring Fund Raiser “Rhythm of the Spirit” April 2003 at the Brookline High School.

 Chitra- Do you have many competitors in the area? How is your work different from other event planners and designers?

Meena-I do not see other event planners as my competition. Their services are different from mine and my clientele is also different. I am targeting non-profits and corporations as opposed to individuals and family events. I am interested in working with organizations to promote their work and help them create an awareness of their mission and goals.

Chitra-How do you get assignments? How does the process go?

Meena-Most of my work has been word of mouth. If your clients are satisfied they will always refer you to their friends and colleagues. I have been fortunate as my clients believe in my work and they continue to use my service.

Chitra - What has been the most challenging or rewarding project of your career?

Meena - One of my favorite projects is the Colorado Aquarium in Denver opened in 1999. I worked with a team of very talented architects from Denver and designers here in Boston to create an immerse environment where visitors walk under waterfalls and along side riverbeds and underneath mangrove roots to experience the Colorado habitats. There are exhibits that range from the snow capped Rocky Mountains to an underwater world of the Sea of Cortez. A full sensory experience is created using lights, sound, temperatures, fog and finishes to reflect the environment.

Chitra -What attracts you to this profession? Is this what you have always wanted to do? Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

Meena-Creating, building, constructing and transforming environments through design and props are what attract me to this field. I enjoy using materials creatively. I have always been interested in Interior design. Since my childhood, I watched my mother, who is also an artist and sculptor, paint and work in different mediums. I enjoyed playing side by side with her, with paints and experimenting with colors and materials. It is the challenge of creating unique ideas in an economic and highly effective manner that excites me about my work.  In ten years I plan to be doing events on a larger scale and working with other non-profits and corporations in organizing their events and assist in launching their business products and services. I would also like to be doing storefront and restaurant front displays, as they are much like a stage set, which creates a portal for the experience with in.

  Chitra- Tell us about your family, how supportive are they of your venture?

Lokvani wishes Meena success in all her ventures.

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