REAL LIFE ROSIE

http://noubarbags.madefreshly.com/

My sister and I started Noubar ltd. as a way to have our own unique voice in our parent’s small business, Cleveland Outdoor Advertising, Inc. We wanted a creative and conscious way to repurpose retired billboard vinyl. By trade, my sister is an economist and I am an attorney, so fashion and business is very new to us. We both share equally in the process of developing, branding, sourcing, designing, marketing and selling our bags. We also both share the duties of writing our lifestyle blog, which you can find at Noubarbags.tumblr.com

What inspires you? I am inspired by strong women, beautiful prose, fashion, style and underdog stories. I have found great happiness in embracing unexpected results and uncertainty. I believe life is best when you realize that the goals that you have set for yourself may not happen exactly in the way that you initially envisioned and that a different path awaits you.

Do you have a favorite quote? “The unexamined life is not worth living.” Plato

What are the most pressing issues facing women today? In today’s post-modern feminist world, the biggest issue facing women is the panoply of choices at their disposable and choosing what is best for them in terms of career and family.

What are the biggest keys to your success? My incredibly loving, supporting and fearless family.

What are the biggest keys to the advancement or success of women? Confidence. Women need to feel that they can own whatever situation or goal that they have, confidence is the key to success regardless of gender.

Where did the inspiration for your business come from? My mother. She told my sister and me that she had this great idea on what to do with our plethora of retired billboard vinyl from old ad campaigns. She has always instilled in us the idea that anything is possible if you work hard enough, take the right opportunities and get up when you fall down.

Where is your product sold (if applicable)? Online via Noubarbags.madefreshly.com

What advice do you have for a woman who is considering starting a business? Don’t think too much about it or else you will never get it off the ground, just do it. Plug your nose and jump. Take a risk.

What are the biggest hurdles you’ve faced in starting or growing your business? Learning how the fashion industry works and learning how not think like a lawyer and act more like an entrepreneur.

How did you overcome these? I am still working on the balance, but just recognizing that there is a hurdle is the first step.