We recently connected with Noelle Alfonso and have shared our conversation below.
Noelle , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
A few years ago, I had a revelation while attending an event as a vendor for A2 Interior. I noticed a familiar scene: women my age naturally gravitated to my table, often seeking a space to share stories and connect. While the topics and panelists frequently seemed geared toward younger professionals or corporate-focused themes, these women—many of whom had navigated marriage, raised children, and established careers—seemed to crave something different. I heard countless women say, “Thank goodness, someone I can converse with.” It became clear that they longed for a space to be seen and heard and connect with others who understood the unique journey of a seasoned life. I realized there was a need for a meaningful space that honored women’s rich and diverse experiences at every stage of life. This moment sparked the idea for The Female Coterie: a community designed to celebrate every chapter of a woman’s journey, wherever she is and wherever she’s headed.
The Female Coterie was founded with a purpose: to uplift, support, and empower women as they navigate the many stages of life. It’s a space where women can share stories, build authentic connections, and find the inspiration they need to thrive. Here, the goal isn’t just about climbing the corporate ladder—it’s about helping each woman become the CEO of her own life, finding purpose and joy on her terms.
Like many women, I’ve often felt unseen or unsure how to approach my next chapter. This community was built to be a beacon of support, offering encouragement and resources for every woman, no matter her background, career, or life experiences.
Each event we host with The Female Coterie is crafted to inspire women to live authentically and pursue the lives they truly desire. Our gatherings feature a diverse lineup of panelists who speak on subjects relevant to all aspects of a woman’s journey, from career transitions and motherhood to financial wellness and self-care. We also highlight and support women-owned businesses, fostering opportunities for connection, growth, and rediscovery of passions that might have been set aside
Our mission is simple yet powerful: to create an inclusive environment where every woman feels welcome, valued, and empowered. Here, no one is left behind. The Female Coterie is a place to find strength, resilience, and community. So, just keep going! This is the heart of The Female Coterie, and we invite you to be a part of it.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My story is a testament to the courage it takes to change course and pursue new dreams, even when the path is uncertain. When I entered college, I set out to make my mark in the fashion industry, enrolling at a private fashion school in NYC. But after just one semester, I realized it wasn’t the right fit. I pivoted, earning a BS in Business instead, and embarked on a career in the corporate world. Within one year, I felt a calling for something different, a role I had embraced naturally as a child. Teaching was in my heart, so I pursued an MA in Bilingual Education and stepped into the classroom, bringing my passion for education to life. When my children were born, I longed to blend family with my career, so I opened a daycare, creating a space to nurture my family and my community. Over two successful decades, I ran my daycare, but the spark to keep growing remained. I was drawn to another passion: interior design. I didn’t let fear hold me back. I pursued certifications, built relationships with vendors, and eventually co-founded A2 Interior, an e-commerce platform to share my love for home decor. As I participated as a vendor at various events, conversations with other women often revealed a recurring theme. Women want a meaningful space to connect, feel heard, and find inspiration for the next chapter. This realization became the spark for The Female Coterie, a community designed to support, uplift, and empower women at every stage of life. It’s a space where women from all backgrounds can thrive—in their careers and every chapter of life. Through The Female Coterie, we create opportunities to share stories, build genuine connections, and celebrate each unique journey. This community is here to encourage every woman to embrace her next chapter with confidence and purpose. Life’s most significant achievements aren’t just corporate ladders; they’re about finding joy, fulfillment, and empowerment at every stage.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
One lesson I had to unlearn was that staying quiet keeps the peace. Growing up, I was conditioned to believe that blending in and not challenging the status quo would keep things harmonious. But over time, I realized that silence doesn’t serve anyone, especially not me. I learned that using my voice—not just for myself but for others—creates true, lasting change and the kind of peace that matters.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
One of the most defining moments of my journey was navigating a challenging period when I faced personal and professional shifts. After over 20 successful years of running a daycare, I discovered a new passion for interior design. Transitioning to a different field felt daunting, especially when I was already established in my career. There were days filled with self-doubt, wondering if I was “too late” to start fresh in an unfamiliar industry. But I embraced the challenge. I enrolled in certification courses, connected with vendors, and threw myself into learning the ins and outs of the interior design world. I kept going, even on days when fear threatened to hold me back.
The pivotal moment came when I walked into designer Tommy Mitchell’s showroom, introducing myself and my vision before we’d even launched. Meeting him and gaining his support by carrying his exclusive pieces, typically reserved for luxury retailers, felt like validation for all the hard work and risk-taking.
With A2 Interior up and running, I look back at that period as a testament to resilience and the courage to pursue a new path, no matter where you are in life.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: the.female.coterie
- Facebook: Noelle Alfonso and The Female Coterie
- Linkedin: Noelle Alfonso
Image Credits
Mario W Valladares Red Studios.TV