Company/Designer Name: Rios Benso® / Lü Rios Benso

Designer Background Summary:

How did you get started?

Rios Benso is a whole new brand of shoes created by an Argentinean young woman, Lü Rios Benso. Rios Benso takes place in unique shoes inspired in the embracing cosmos of women. Up to now (since March 2009), we’ve launched six collections of exquisite designs. High quality and author design constitute our main asset.

Why did you join Noblivity®?

I was invited, and I found it very interesting for entrepreneurs like us, always in the search for new markets.

How would you describe your design style, design signature and who is your targeted customer?

The collections are conceived from elements that represent the dialogue between ladies who want to look elegant, classy and who are always in the mood for innovation.  Rios Benso shoes conquer everydayness with fantastic combinations of great leathers (both cowhide and kid). Genuine materials and exclusive designs are the key components of these modern classics revisited.

What inspires you?

My designs are inspired in the voice of every woman looking for something new, different, elegant and, at the same time, glamorous. I pay close attention at what happens around me, and try to interpret the desire of those women whom I try to talk to. 

What obstacles did you have to overcome to get to where you are?

The main obstacle for small businesses and design entrepreneurs is to get to bring our products in the marketplace. It is not an easy task, because we face several kinds of constraints: financial, commercial, bargaining powers, among many others. Once we’ve reached one or two sales points, and as our brand was gaining presence, that obstacle was becoming a little easier to overcome. Nevertheless, still nowadays is one of the main challenges.

How did you overcome the obstacles along the way?

We always tried to keep in mind our identity. Not because an opportunity came meant that we had to deal with it. We’ve always kept conscious of what we are, what our brand has to tell to our customers, and where we are going to. It’s never easy, but it wasn’t supposed to be.

What has been your greatest moment on your journey so far?

Every now and then a customer comes back to us; every now and then someone falls in love with one of our models, every time somebody stops me in the streets and wants to know something about the shoes I’m using, every single moment like this is a greatest moment ever. Makes me so proud, and tells me I’m in the right path.

What has been the biggest change in your designs so far?

Since I’ve started, my designs remain basically the same: modern classics revisited, handcrafted in genuine materials. In the latest collection, I’ve introduced a new concept: my “alpargata” chic, is the typical Argentinean “alpargata”, but made in genuine leather with vivid colours. In my brand it is a new concept, since it is conceived for outdoor free time activities.

What’s next for your brand?

Currently we face an environment strongly fertile in terms of the new trends in the fashion business, both local and internationally speaking. People are always watching trends in the market, and are always expecting for innovative and young designers who have new proposals to show.  That’s good news. Perhaps from now on the main challenge is that we need to devote always to customers’ needs, but, again, this constitutes our main goal.

If money were no object what would you do right now to promote your brand?

We have based our business in a 3 pillar model: avant garde designs, customer relationship, and communication 2.0.  The avant garde designs are conceived thinking of the likes and dislikes of a modern woman who knows that every now and then we are showing innovative models that won’t go unnoticed. Our shoes use to become quickly a “must”.  We pay great attention to customers’ relationship: we always take care of the needs, not only of the market as a whole but of every single lady who comes to us, even if they just want to take a look. We always try to show big respect to our customers, because we do know that they constitute the great voice of our shoes. As they are happy, they always come back, and they will be willing to pass the voice. Willingness to belong to our universe is what we are in pursuit of.  And as a matter of fact this leads us to the 3rd pillar: thanks to new communication tools we are able to talk every day to our “friends”, but in a passive role: we avoid “invasion”; we leave the initiative to everyone who subscribes our contents.

What are the best and worst things about bringing a product to market?

The best thing ever that could happen to you when you are a designer is to get to conquer a place in the market, and a voice in the minds of your customers.  But there is a huge problem with copycat, fake products, and the confusion between inspiration and stolen design. This is exacerbated by the willingness to expand overseas: once your designs are on the internet, be sure that they don’t belong to you anymore, and even your neighbor would dare to copy them.

Describe your typical day?

I am the very prototype of the modern business woman with multiple activities. Not only I am the designer of the brand, I am also the CEO of the company that distributes our products, and I co-manage the business along with two partners:  Mariano Morgante (who is also my husband) and Alain Hombreux.  Hence, typically I start every day by checking out that banking matters are okay, then I check emails and social media, and then I go to my office, where I look forward to get some deals, attend sales representatives and retailers, discuss commercial proposals and conduct business meetings. Then I go to my boutique, a very chic place hidden in a peaceful and pretty spot of Buenos Aires, touched by Parisian airs.  Right now, furthermore, I am a mom-to-be, passing by the 8th month. I expect my baby boy for the very beginning of October.

What is your philosophy of life?

Rios Benso Universe is open minded, modern and off-mainstream. We are different and unique, and so our shoes are.  I always try to avoid being a fashion victim, in the sense of what’s fast and ephemeral. The fashion schedules we face nowadays give us designers no time to think deeply about what we can give, show and express. I always try to go back to basics, in the sense of the elegant simplicity of the classics.

If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?

Perhaps one of the biggest mistakes we’ve made was to rely closely on our main handcrafter. Although this won’t happen again because nowadays we work with more than three handcrafters, in the very beginning we had to deal with a very painful process of copycat, little bargaining powers related to the monetary cost of our second and third collections, and so on. That was one of the most important lessons we had to learn. Happily, that didn’t discourage us at all, but it fostered the development of our little brand to the places we’ve conquered so far.

When will you know you have made it?

When my customers tell me that they can’t live without my shoes, and they can hardly wait for the next collection

Company/Designer Name: Kali Butterfly/Vanessa Walilko

Designer Background Summary:

How did you get started?

I’ve been making jewelry since I was 8. I started out weaving seed beads together into little stars and other shapes. I started making chainmaille jewelry in the beginning of 2006 and I immediately fell in love with the process of linking little metal rings together. After I started making chainmaille clothing, I realized that I needed to turn jewelry making into a career. After working as a production assistant for other jewelers for a few years, I decided to pursue my jewelry business full time.

Why did you join Noblivity® ?

I want to expand my jewelry business as much as possible.  Jewelry making is my life and my career, and I can only thrive if I give my business every opportunity to grow.

How would you describe your design style, design signature and who is your targeted customer?

My jewelry is playful, colorful, and statement-making. My jewelry sells well to professional women from 25-55 who are looking for something unique and handcrafted to express their personality.

What inspires you?

I usually get inspired by materials. If I see a new bead or aluminum shape and get excited by it, that excitement percolates in my subconscious until I come up with an idea for a new piece of jewelry.

What obstacles did you have to overcome to get to where you are?

The biggest obstacle I’ve had to overcome is myself… which probably sounds cheesy but is the truth. I was raised in a family that cared more about safety and security than personal fulfillment and happiness. Although my family supported my creativity, they also encouraged me to get a “real job.” Even though I loved making jewelry and realized the summer before my senior year in college that I wanted to do jewelry full-time, the doubts I was raised with nagged at me for years. It took a lot of work to push through my fears and have the confidence to work on making my dreams a reality. It’s still my greatest struggle.

How did you overcome the obstacles along the way?

After I had a life-changing conversation with my grandfather, I pulled my finances together and started giving myself the first in a number of projects and goals. In October of 2009, I embarked on the “Year of Freedom” project, and gave myself a year to build a business that could support me and pay all my bills. I entered every show and competition I could find, submitted projects to magazines and did whatever I could to get my jewelry in front of people. It paid off—within a year I was bringing in enough money to support myself.

I’ve battled with panic attacks for years, and I’ve been able to short-circuit that anxiety by giving myself a million projects to do. In jumping from project to project, I only have the mental energy to complete a task and no additional energy to worry about it. It’s useful—I spend less time worrying about things and more time doing things which leads to awesome surprises like winning a jewelry competition that I forgot entering. (True story!)

What has been your greatest moment on your journey so far?

My greatest moment was finishing the One of a Kind Show in Chicago and looking back on everything that I had accomplished within a year. I couldn’t believe how many great things I was able to bring into my life into such a short period of time. I get to do what I love for a living. I’m still grateful and shocked that people pay me to do what I love. It’s endlessly amazing.

What has been the biggest change in your designs so far?

Definitely the biggest change has been from moving from beadwork to chainmaille almost exclusively. I also have moved away from conventional chainmaille weaves, and I prefer to work with designs where I can incorporate chainmaille leaves, circles, and washers.

What’s next for your brand?

I’m looking to expand my Confetti line and I’m developing a “Coin” line with aluminum and anodized aluminum washers. I’m always in the process of expanding my lines to keep the designs fresh.

If money were no object what would you do right now to promote your brand?

I would hire a publicist and advertise the heck out of my jewelry. You can make the coolest jewelry in the world, but if no one knows who you are, you’re not going to make it. Success is about showing people your work and letting them know what you do.

What are the best and worst things about bringing a product to market?

The best and the worst thing is actually the same thing: test marketing. When I design a new piece and it gets great attention and sales at a show, then I know I’ve done well and I adjust my production schedule. When I debut a piece that I’m crazy about and other people don’t seem to care for, it’s a real bummer.

Describe your typical day?

I spend a surprising amount of time online, listing new items and looking for art exhibitions and competitions to enter. I update my website, come up with content for upcoming newsletters. Once all of the online tasks are finished, it’s jewelry time! I spend hours twisting open and closed lots of little metal rings. In between doing production work, I ship any orders that have come in, and work on pieces of chainmaille clothing.

What is your philosophy of life?

My philosophy of life is advice that my grandfather gave me before he passed away from complications of dementia: “Enjoy every minute of your life cause it’s all you get. Spend time with nice people.”

If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?

I would have embarked on this journey earlier. If I had any idea how much you can achieve in a short amount of time with hard work, determination, and focus, I wouldn’t have waited so long to get started.

When will you know you have made it?

I’ll know I’ve made it when my pieces are featured in Vogue or my line has been picked up by a major department store. There’s also a painting that I’ve had my eye on for years. When I can finally spend $3,000 to purchase it without flinching, then I’ll be sure that I’ve made it.

Company/Designer Name: L FOR LAZARUS/Nicolette Lazarus

Designer Background Summary:

How did you get started?

Having been in advertising for over 20 years it was time to try something new. I had the idea for the Échapeau and a good friend of mine put together a panel of senior fashion experts, from all aspects of the industry, to see if the idea ‘had real legs’. I was expecting to have a good ‘chat’ but instead they really put me through my paces in true ‘Dragons Den’ style thoroughness…they were so tough on me! The good news was that they all loved the product and helped ensure my business strategy and planning got off on the right foot.

Why did you join Noblivity®?

I believe that companies thrive when they solve a problem. Getting exposure to quality retailers for the L FOR LAZARUS brand was mine. I also remember how hard it was for my parents to find great suppliers for their retail business, whilst remaining competitive. It’s not often you experience a win/win situation, but Noblivity offers a sustainable business model for both smaller retailers and designers.

What inspires your product creations and what’s new for 2011?

My move to Amsterdam. Before I arrived here I couldn’t imagine a bicycle replacing my car! You still want to look great travelling from work to social occasions, even if it’s cold and wet. I wanted to create headwear that kept you warm, as well as looking stylish, and that looked equally at home in any country with a colder climate.

It’s not often you see innovation in the fashion world, but the Échapeau offers exactly that. Derived from the French words for scarf and hat (écharpe and chapeau), the Échapeau is an elegant combination of both these everyday fashion items. The design incorporates unique flexibility and functionality – it can be worn as a classic hat and scarf set, but ‘the whole is greater than the sum of its parts’ when you wear both together. Keeping warm never looked so great.

How would you describe your design style, design signature and who is your targeted customer?

My design philosophy is about the harmonious combination of style and substance. The result? Something people want because it looks great and is really wearable. You don’t have to forgo style for practicality.

L FOR LAZARUS is for women who love to follow fashion but, more importantly, have developed an inner confidence and their own personal style. It’s a brand for women who are comfortable with who they are, and know what they want from fashion accessories: style, quality, versatility and the ability to transform their look on a daily basis.

What inspires you?

People who have accessed their inner confidence, it makes them somehow shine, and it’s not something that everyone has; love; my mum and people who’ve overcome challenges. There’s inspiration in our lives every day, we just have to make time to look for it.

What obstacles did you have to overcome to get to where you are?

I guess the same challenges that everyone probably faces when they decide to try something new. I believe there are two paths in life, the one where you take the easy options, or the one where you find a way to tackle the obstacles you encounter. The second route it the only way that keeps you stimulated, so bring it on!

How did you overcome the obstacles along the way?

The support of my family and friends and the knowledge that there’s always a way to deal with what life throws at you and the internet – it’s such a great resource and it helps me find the answer to problems on a daily basis. I can’t imagine how I would have set up my business without it.

What has been your greatest moment on your journey so far?

The L FOR LAZARUS launch party – reaction to the Échapeau was amazing!

What has been the biggest change in your designs so far?

It’s still early days! Ask me that one again in a year or so…

If money were no object what would you do right now to promote your brand?

I’d love to present the Échapeau at trade shows but they cost a small fortune. If anyone wants to talk about sharing a stand, call me!

What are the best and worst things about bringing a product to market?

For me they’re the same things, doing something you love means you have work on the brain 24/7.

Describe your typical day?

Waking up, going to bed and answering e-mails are the only typical things. I always have a huge ‘To Do’ list and being my own boss adds a wonderful layer of flexibility to how I work. I can spend the afternoon with a friend and then work till midnight and still love it.

What is your philosophy of life?

I’m a huge believer in karma. I also try to be the best person I can be and do everything to the best of my ability, which sounds simple but is really tough.

If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?

I had no idea how long it would take to develop my first collection. If I had to do it again, I’d allow myself more time.

When will you know you have made it?

When the Échapeau is featured in the book ‘50 Hats That Changed the World’.

Company/Designer Name: Darian Designs/ Darian Thomas

Designer Background Summary:

How did you get started?

Trying to find my “path” I decided to follow my passion and attend summer courses at Istituto de Marangoni-Milan, in 2001. It was in Milan on a class assignment, in the middle of one of the largest fabric stores in Italy, where my creativity flourished and my passion was self- confirmed as a reality. Various designs began to fill my head and heart as I went through one of the most amazing tactile experiences of my life. This passion was now my “path”. I decided to continue my education at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising-Los Angeles to obtain a Fashion Design Degree in 2005. Shortly after I moved back to my hometown of Dallas, Texas where I began immediately working as a designer for large retailer and then a local manufacturer. In 2007, I decided to launch Darian Designs first line Darian Thomas Signature.

Why did you join Noblivity®?

Noblivity has a unique concept. Allows brands like mine to reach and sell unlimited amount of specialty boutiques from around the globe and offers the boutique owners and buyers the showroom/market experience in a simpler, faster and more cost effective way to purchase.

How would you describe your design style, design signature and who is your targeted customer?

Confident, Sexy, Flirty, Edgy…. I describe “Darian” as independent, strong, sexy, smart, quirky, and funny. My design mantra describes it all…Chic, Glamorous, Designer for the CONFIDENT!

What inspires you?

Art, Music, Textiles, and life’s journey is the driving force behind the Darian Designs brand. Basically, I draw inspiration from everything I see, hear and touch and the emotions I feel when experiencing them. The experiences usually reflect the mood of the collections.

What obstacles did you have to overcome to get to where you are?

You name it, I have experienced it! But without obstacles the joy of succeeding would not be as sweet

How did you overcome the obstacles along the way?

I am blessed with a great support system of family and friends, who have allowed me to push through these obstacles, keep me grounded, allow me to soar and dream, and push me to continue.

What has been your greatest moment on your journey so far?

I have had so many amazing moments but to name a couple … when Macy Gray wore a piece from my Fall/ Holiday 2009 collection on her European Tour for her new album “The Sell Out” and Camille Grammer was styled for a magazine editorial shoot using one of my pieces Spring/Summer 2011.

What has been the biggest change in your designs so far?

In 2009, I started collaborating with fine artists of various mediums to develop exclusive prints and textures for every collection.

What’s next for your brand?

A new addition to the Darian Designs brand…the introduction of a new line HAUTE DJ!

If money were no object what would you do right now to promote your brand?

Without creating someone else’s marketing strategy, I will say it involves travel, music, and art. Ha!

What are the best and worst things about bringing a product to market?

The best part is sharing your new collections every season with the buyers and boutiques… the worst part is sharing your new collections every season with the buyers and boutiques.

Describe your typical day?

There is nothing really typical about my day and that is the sheer beauty of it! It keeps everyday interesting and new. But, generally I start everyday by waking up to the man of my dreams, have a cup of FRESH ground dark roast and then as my dad says, “It’s off to the races!”

What is your philosophy of life?

I love famous quotes on the philosophy of life, but my favorite came from one of the most inspirational people I’ve ever known, my dear late friend Darren “Get busy livin’ or get busy die’n”

If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?

Nada…well maybe smile, laugh and enjoy the process even more…. that’s what it’s all about right?

When will you know you have made it?

Can I get a rain check on that question?

Company/Designer Name: Hoda Wahdan/Miss Erika Australia

Designer Background Summary:

How did you get started?
I have always had the passion to draw and a flair for creativity, but it was only very recently (2008) I combined the two and realized that ‘my ideas’ were very unique and exciting. I actually come from a business background of real estate and the stock market How would you describe your design style, design signature and who is your targeted customer? I look like a Muslim modern day pirate meets Ghetto Queen (ha-ha). I have a passionate flair for designing styles that have never been done and fusing these with three or more fabrics together with fur, gems and embellishments. My target market is 18 to 27 years old and consist of dependent and independent students, young mums, part time and full time women.

Why did you join Noblivity®?
I was very excited about what Noblivity had to offer to me as an Australian designer so far away from the international fashion arena. I’ve always had a burning desire to break into the overseas and particularly U.S market so when this came around I thought it was the perfect opportunity at just the right time.

What inspires you?
A lot of things inspire me and I’m not confined to the world of fashion. Making a societal change is at the top of my priority list with special regards to gender equality throughout the Middle East and creating problem solving solutions and applying them to help poverty stricken and famine plagued countries. With regards to fashion I am especially concerned with reviving morals in today’s society and I am consistently encouraging (and educating) young women across all nationality’s to be respectful and empathetic of each other and their ethnic diversity’s. Fashion is my vehicle to drive this message across globally.

What obstacles did you have to overcome to get to where you are?
Established fashion people looking down their noses at me because I had no formal training or experience in fashion.

How did you overcome the obstacles along the way?
Well that just cranked up the determination mileage a few notches.

What has been your greatest moment on your journey so far?
There are so many personally as each season I expand, grow and move up a step. Being a finalist in FashionTv’s Online Designer Awards for both Casual & Swimwear/Resortwear was a huge boost for me professionally and personally. Chosen by Vogue as the “Best Online Boutique” from January 2011 through to May 2011 was completely unexpected and very flattering. What has been the biggest change in your designs so far? None, you’ll always no a Miss Erika piece when it looks ultra Glamorous, colorful and full of pattern yet you are sure the price should be a little higher.

What’s next for your brand?
My A/W 2011 Collection titled “Around India with Miss Erika” is due for release at Melbourne Fashion Festival’s “From Here to There” in September. It’s a tight capsule of denim/silk patterned jackets with fur collar and bling, fur hooded tops, colorful crazy printed harem pants (also with bling), short denim and silk patterned skirts and body con dresses with one shouldered silk pattern top. With all my pieces I make sure there is an array of colors to choose from so that stores my mix and match however they choose.

I LOVE ME is an advertising campaign due to be launched in line with my Spring/Summer ‘12 due March. This campaign stands for loving yourself and “ME” also stands for Miss Erika .  Absolutely no other women’s wear label in any market segment is raising awareness of social issues around the youth (my consumers) today. Miss Erika aims to educate society (thru slogans on fashion pieces and thru advertising campaigns) whilst donating to these specific charities. My customers in turn will feel they are making a difference just by choosing to buy Miss Erika. My S/S charity is “SANE”, a mental health organization that helps young adults deal with depression, a major disability where two out of four young people suffer from depression and suicide is the leading cause of death. My plan is for my label to publicly lobby for issues concerned with young women in today’s society, such as depression, bullying, violence, underage drinking etc

If money were no object what would you do right now to promote your brand?
I would sign Aboriginal Australian pop singer Jessica Maulboy (has a duet with Flo Rider “Keep coming back”) as face of Miss Erika (as she’s young, a size 12 and of dark complexion and hugely successful) and follow that up with an International TV Commercial that reached national and international audiences. I would open up stores in L.A, Miami, Sydney, Dubai, Hong Kong, Tokyo etc I would sign up a list of actresses/singers who are different looking and would appeal to the majority of the public and have them do in store appearances and front ad campaigns each season. I would increase my product line and units each season quickly and globally I would host an International Model Search for the ‘Faces of Miss Erika’. We would travel the world hosting modeling comps and selecting girls from each country. And the following season travel the world looking for a designer to add to the Miss Erika team, with no age restriction or experience necessary. I would pick a ten year old with a cool take on sneakers and turn her life around (Seriously too many ideas) What are the best and worst things about bringing a product to market? The best would have to be seeing an idea turn from just that into a fully fledged style that people go crazy for. Nothing can top that. Worse…..hmmm none thus far Describe your typical day? Lol typical what’s that? I work all day everyday just breaking to eat and pray 5 times a day. My laptop is always in front of me, if I could work whilst sleeping I probably would.

What is your philosophy of life?
Pray, Persevere and be Patient – I call it the 3 P’s

If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
Nothing, you’re experiences good and bad are what shapes and builds you to be a better designer/businesswoman and hopefully human being!

When will you know you have made it?
When I open the wrapper to a Fantale (chocolate lolly with quizzes on the inside) and it will read “Who am I, I’m an Australian designer with an Egyptian background

Company/Designer Name: Marla Cielo

Designer Background Summary:

How did you get started?

I started designing handbags after I spent years making artwork and ran out space to keep all the canvases. I created spontaneous images and prints and every painting developed it’s own unique energy that had to be shared. Handbags were the answer because they are not only functional but also uniquely personal to each owner.  

Why did you join Noblivity®?

I joined Noblivity because it’s a creative and timely platform for designers and buyers to connect in a way they never have before. Noblivity recognizes the significant relevance of e-commerce and social media in the modern fashion landscape.

How would you describe your design style, design signature and who is your targeted customer?

My signature is deconstructing original artwork and recreating it into one of a kind products. My handbag silhouettes are classic and functional and the prints vary from muted plaids to eccentric images in bold colors. My target customer is the person who craves independence in what they wear and carry.

What inspires you?

For painting, I am inspired by stories and the intricacies of life. I believe that art can capture and retain the energy of different emotions and once the paint dries the moment becomes permanent. For handbag design I am inspired by the classic shapes that you see time and time again. I want to take the function that people crave but give it to them in the most interesting form and one that is uniquely theirs.

What obstacles did you have to overcome to get to where you are?

Every day is an obstacle. The theme of everything I have overcome and still need to overcome is sameness. There is a reason that people are attracted to styles that they see over and over again, they become comfortable and people begin to crave them. It takes a long time to create that brand awareness as an independent designer.

How did you overcome the obstacles along the way?

The only way to overcome obstacles is to not view them as obstacles. Every obstacle feels like a daunting impossibility when it first appears. There have been so many times when my designs haven’t worked or opportunities that I thought were going to be ‘the answer’ fell through. The way I’ve learned to overcome this is to find a way to fit every particular hurdle or perceived failure into my story and brand development.

What has been your greatest moment on your journey so far?

There have been so many. The most recent greatest moment was the day I saw my first leather painting come to life as a woven print. The first few woven leather sides I tried didn’t have the right structure or the paint was too dull and when it finally came together it was a beautiful feeling.

What has been the biggest change in your designs so far?

My biggest design change was when I started weaving my artwork. Before the weaving I was painting individual pattern pieces and it was creatively limiting because I had to paint the same print over and over. The body designs were also limiting because I was working with stiff material, working with painted woven leather is a dream.

What’s next for your brand?

Next up is painted woven leather wallets and bags for men; I can’t wait.

If money were no object what would you do right now to promote your brand? If money were no object I would design a Marla Cielo retail environment with a glass encasement in the middle where I would create, deconstruct, and weave my paintings. I would build an open forum where consumers can come in to experience the process and I would invite artists, celebrities, and my favorite bloggers to do painting and design collaborations.

What are the best and worst things about bringing a product to market?

The best thing is watching a product come to life, when the image in your head becomes a reality, it’s like a drug that never fades, just keeps getting better. I wouldn’t say the worst, but the most difficult thing about bring a product to market is getting the pieces in front of the right people and getting the necessary people to believe in what your doing without paying them, it’s not easy.

Describe your typical day?

I don’t have a typical day so I’ll describe my favorite type of day. It starts at 10A with a cup of strong coffee and four hours of painting a new design that comes together in a magnificent way. It continues with answering emails related to new distribution and partnership opportunities followed by packing and shipping the orders that came through on my website. Next is a meeting with one of the stores I work with to discuss customer feedback and next deliveries. Finally it ends with a trip to the factory to see a new finished sample that takes my breath away.

What is your philosophy of life?

My philosophy of life is to follow passion. Embrace the energy that comes from all forms of passion and find a way to fit it into day-to-day life. This is the key to living.

If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?

The only thing I would change is I would find a way to embrace rejection, or at least find a way to have fun with it. I’m trying but I haven’t figured it out yet. If and when I do I’ll save a lot of misguided energy.

When will you know you have made it?

I will know I have made it when I’m begging online sales to stop pouring in and begging buyers to hold off on their orders.

Company/Designer Name: URU/Giancarlo Ramos

Designer Background Summary:

We are creating jewels since 2005. In our first collection our contemporary designs made of simple and original forms represent symbolically the universe, the sun, the rain, rivers and animals. This first collection its called Caranacoa taking from the Currupacos pre-columbian civilization who’s designs were curved on the rocks in center Amazonia.  Others design are inspired always on nature event: Atmosphere, water, wind, flora…..

Why did you join Noblivity®?

I think you are the proper and most reliable channel of distribution.

How did you get started?

A team founded by young entrepreneurs, designers and local artisans made possible this project. Uru means day, sun, Light, today….. in Aymara, a native language of an area of Central Andes. It is also our name. URU also symbolize an ecological project, whose ideals are respect for nature, respect for human being.

How would you describe your design style, design signature and who is your targeted customer?

Our style its modern, clean cuts, in good taste and suitable for prêt a porter. Our target its not defined for age as for sensibility.

What inspires you? As we already mentioned nature nature and cosmology.

What obstacles did you have to overcome to get to where you are?

The difficulty consists in reaching new markets.

How did you overcome the obstacles along the way?

Associating with other companies and getting support from the Colombian government

What has been your greatest moment on your journey so far?

The fact of realizing that our product has future.

What has been the biggest change in your designs so far?

We create jewels transforming pre-colombian art into modern art utilizing woods of our tropical forest (Nazareno, Puy, Red Lechero, Coastal Ebony and others) in combination with silver, silk and leather. These materials confer an astonishing effect for its natural colours and texture

What’s next for your brand?

Consolidation through new international markets.

If money were no object what would you do right now to promote your brand?

I would go to international market through fairs.

What are the best and worst things about bringing a product to market?

The greatest satisfaction its that different persons wear our brand. The worst its not succeeding this purpose.

Describe your typical day?

I get up at 5 am, I read, do some meditation to be prepared for a working day: meetings with the artisans, clients and designers.

What is your philosophy of life?

Its to be in harmony with myself, which implies to be open with the life.

If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?

Nothing.

When will you know you have made it?

When I would be in harmony with myself.

Company/Designer Name:
Smashing Golf & Tennis-Co-founded by Jayne Drew, Kelly Daugherty and Alyssa Pazdan

Designer Background Summary:

How did you get started?

The three of us had been fermenting a business idea for a couple months while we played tennis. The original idea was a line of funny tennis shirts, because quite frankly, we’re hysterical (or at least think we are.) It was sort of a “Life is Good”, line with funny tennis sayings. But during our brainstorm session – we realized that none of us wore t-shirts on the court, or out in public. Nor did we know anyone who did and this began a conversation of what we hate about tennis clothes that are on the market today. We hated the “fat sucking, muffin top inducing” styles – we wanted something that was figure flattering, and thus Smashing Golf & Tennis was conceived.

Why did you join Noblivity®?

We saw the story on Noblivity on TV several months ago and thought that Noblivity is a fascinating idea – we’re very interested in breaking down traditional retail models. Wish we would have thought of it first! 

How would you describe your design style, design signature and who is your targeted customer?

We have a saying at Smashing Golf & Tennis – “There are 10 supermodels in the world – We design golf and tennis clothes for the other 3 billion women.”

Smashing Golf & Tennis is the only line of women’s golf & tennis apparel that shapes, tones and slims. It has a secret inner layer of compression that works to keep your muscles warm to enhance performance and recovers. The biggest surprise is the way Smashing’s fashions camouflage visible bumps and lumps.

What inspires you?

When we hear from clients that we have a terrific idea and they are so glad something exists for the active women that might not still have the same body she did when she was 20 and/or not interested in the 20-something athletic styles in the market today.

What obstacles did you have to overcome to get to where you are?

One benefit of our team was that we all had different business backgrounds, and so brought different expertise to the table. Kelly was a VP at a top advertising agency where she specialized in consumer insights/strategy writing and how to target consumers. Jayne has vast international business experience holding high-level positions in both the Financial Services and IT industries. And while Alyssa spent over a decade in the Executive Recruitment and Corporate Human Resource Management field, her creative skills and experience with fashion photography, styling and design have been the most useful talents brought to Smashing. However, none of us had manufacturing experience and there has been a lot of one-the-job training. We’ve been blessed with finding great mentors and partners.

How did you overcome the obstacles along the way?

Any new business has its trying times, and we’ve had our fair share of debates – ironically over the little things. But we’ve always tried to say what’s on our mind and not let things fester. We find the best tonic for a disagreement is that we all have a sense of humor and can laugh at ourselves.

What has been your greatest moment on your journey so far?

We are 3 women who had an idea: We spent a year and a half researching different fabrics from around the world. We were in search of the best performance fabrics that could also satisfy the fashionista in all of us. We found the right fabrics, and paired with our original design, our golf and tennis apparel will not only allow you to perform better, it will also make you look better. We call it “Fashion that Performs.” We were exhausted several times along this journey – but we knew it was worth it at our product launch and made 50 sales in the first 2 days!

What has been the biggest change in your designs so far?

Our move into the golf market was a natural extension of our product.

What’s next for your brand?

We are excited about our expansion beyond the Midwest region.

If money were no object what would you do right now to promote your brand?

We would head to the PGA Show in Orlando in January and design a booth and show experience second-to-none.

What are the best and worst things about bringing a product to market?

The best thing is exciting to see someone we don’t know wearing our Golf & Tennis fashions. The worst thing would be delays that are out of our control – even the crazy Chicago weather has affected us.

Describe your typical day?

There isn’t really a typical day – but usually begins with early start at 5:30 catching up on emails and planning the day. Could be scheduling a photo shoot – we use our tennis & golf friends as models – real people wearing our clothes and looking Smashing! Could be visiting the factory in Chicago to discuss progress or resolve and issue. Could be talking to suppliers or making client visits. One thing we know – every day is different.

What is your philosophy of life?

Have fun doing what you love.

If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?

We would have spent our initial R&D budget differently and challenged some early advice that in hindsight was bad – our gut instinct turned out to be right.

When will you know you have made it?

Good question – this is an evolving goal as we continue to develop our brand. Would love to see people on the pro tennis and golf tours wearing Smashing fashions!