”I am on a never ending journey to the next design.”,  Naveh Milo

Noblivity caught up with Naveh Milo…  

Company/Designer Name:  Milos Greenbags/Naveh Milo

Designer Background Summary:
I’m 38, from Israel. I spent the last 7 years in Indonesia and started  my business for eco-friendly bags in 2007.
From the age of 15 to 31 I was an athlete. I played Volleyball for the Israeli National team and from 1996-8 for the University of Hawaii.

How did you get started?
I was thinking what products can be made  using the ever present rubbish in the streets of the Indonesian cities.

What inspires your designs?
Making fun, practical everyday bags

How would you describe your design style?
Simple but eye catching

What designers inspire you?
A small secret is that I don’t know any designer apart of the brand name ones that everybody knows. Maybe that’s why I was able to think “out of the box”

What obstacles did you have to overcome?
Working and living in Indonesia poses endless obstacles for a foreigner. I think the biggest one was getting to understand the Indonesian way of life.

How did you overcome them?
I have learned to be patient

What has been your greatest moment on your journey so far?
That my parents who are in their 70’s  get to see and enjoy what I do

What has been the biggest change in your designs so far?
I was the day I discovered the black trim J

If money were no object what would you do right now?
Open a shop for my bags in NY. But this day will come, I’m sure.

What are the best and worst things about being a designer?
The answer for both is that you are in a never ending journey to the next design.

Describe your typical day?
I wake up at 8:30am, have my large mug of coffee and bread. Work until 1pm, go for lunch. Then work until 5pm. In the evening I spend time with my family. When my daughter falls asleep I go for my 4 miles run. Then shower, dinner, answer some emails and go to sleep at 1am.

What’s your philosophy of life?
No fear

What’s your favorite meal time setting?
1pm for lunch, 10pm for dinner

If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
Nothing! It is important to make mistakes.

When will you know you have made it?
When I will be able to pay my Indonesian employees a western standard salary. Oh.. and of course, that shop in NY