Can you tell our readers a little bit about yourself?
My passion for fashion and empowering other women led me to create the affordable luxury loungewear brand Noite Rose, which offers alluring yet cozy nightwear. I graduated from Kent State with a degree in Fashion Merchandise and the University of Tampa with a Master of Business Administration. I had a successful career as a corporate digital marketer but desired a greater purpose for my skill set; thus launching Noite Rose in October 2021, amid the pandemic. As a newlywed, I wanted to provide myself and others with both comfortable and inviting nightwear without being too forward.
How did your company brand come about?
In the thick of the pandemic, I struggled with having a mundane job, unprecedented new normal and lack of personal fulfillment on top of demands of a newlywed. I tried to force myself to have a vision and figure out what was my purpose, but nope nothing came to me! My husband and I hosted a boozy virtual pajama brunch. In the midst of the fun, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and hated how frumpy I looked at the one “event” I was looking forward to all week! Later that day I shared my feelings with my friend and she suggested I design some loungewear of my own, but I had NO idea how to! However, as a fashion merchandising graduate (crazy how things came full circle), I tapped into my network and researched how to turn my chicken scratch drawings into beautifully constructed garments. Although my doubt tried to outweigh my faith, I was determined to keep going for the community of women that needed a better alternative to elevate their self-care. I
What was your inspiration behind your designs?
I have always had the mindset that I am creating more than garments, but instead building a community to encourage positive affirmations. Because of my why, I made my wildest dreams come true in becoming a designer! Now, at every chance, I speak positivity into people and reiterate they can accomplish anything. If I’m able to inspire one person to revisit and go after their dreams, and someone else to invest in their self-care then I’m fulfilling my purpose!
As far as my designs, I focus on creating timeless and stylish pieces. These designs will be able to be worn for years and compliments will still come whenever you wear them.
Are there any challenges you’ve faced in business and if so what are they?
The biggest challenge that I continue to face while scaling is “How to Scale”! I’m sure many first generation entrepreneurs can relate. Without the nod from Beyonce or Oprah, there’s no clear or guaranteed path to scaling. There is a lot of work, fear and even mistakes that go into scaling but it’s all a part of the journey. A lot of businesses try to pull you their way to help with scaling and it can be difficult to decipher the best ones to work with. The best way to overcome this obstacle is seeking mentorship.
Additionally, as a small brand the partners that you work with can/will deprioritize you so it’s important that you’re your brand’s biggest advocate at all times.
What 3 things does anyone starting in your industry need to know?
1. You will have losses but do not allow that to stop! Again, create a “trophy case’ with your wins that you can reflect on whenever you have a loss.
2. You have to bet on yourself! It will be uncomfortable at times and seem like a big risk but it will be worth it.
3. As a small brand the partners/companies that you work with can/will deprioritize you so it’s important that you’re your brand’s biggest advocate at all times.
Which designers have had the most influence on your creativity and why?
I am inspired by designers with timeless designs. Designs that are unique but not too different that they will be out of style in a year or two. I love designers who create simple pieces that are still statements that people can’t help but receive compliments when they wear them. Two designers that completely fits this mole and inspires me is Andrea Iyamah and Hanifa
What would you say is the #1 key to success in your business?
Control your mindset and speak positivity. It’s a nonstop roller coaster! Make sure to document—video record, journal, type your highs so you can reflect on them during the lows. Give yourself grace and always start your day with your why! If you can control your mindset, it will help you overcome the days that are filled with doubt.
Do you have any advice for other young adults that want to turn their passion into a career?
Always seek mentorship! You can learn from mentors’ experience rather than it costing you dollars and or time to learn on your own. Always get pricing from more than one vendor and negotiate! This helps Set yourself up for financial success. Start journaling what you want to do and develop a plan to share with your mentor, then start! Don’t allow yourself to create excuses to delay living in your passion/purpose.
What does the phrase, “ I am human too” mean to you?
We all need to give ourselves and other people grace. Everyone goes through things that we will never know about and never know the impact, so it’s important to give grace because at the core of things we are all imperfect humans striving to be better.
How can our readers connect with you?
@noite.rose (Instagram/FB/TikTok).
Jenleeíon Magazine 