Today we’d like to introduce you to Noelle No.
Hi Noelle, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Growing up in the suburbs of Gwinnett County, I didn’t have a lot of representation in terms of people who looked like me who were pursuing the life I wanted to live. I have a lot of things I identify as: I am Korean-American and a multifaceted creative. I felt like I always had to be one kind of person or box myself into a niche mold, but I realized I am equally all of these things. I learned over time it is a disservice to myself and others for me to compromise who I am.
I think I needed to see a group of people like me to receive that confidence and comfort to embrace everything that I am. So, I remember telling myself, “I want to be that example and one day create a space for people who are like me to have permission to come as they are and continue to explore and express the different avenues of their life”.
The biggest thing for me is to help people bring light onto their differences, their identity, their upbringing, and their ambitions to embrace everything that makes them their unique self.
My brand Noon Authentic is a physical manifestation of this culture to embrace and explore one’s authentic life. As one who loves fashion, I wanted to create a product that people could wear in comfort while expressing themselves by styling it in their own way that fits their lifestyle.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Creating Noon Authentic has been quite a journey. I think the biggest struggle has been making decisions without promised results and trusting the process. Though I have made many mistakes, I’ve learned so much about running a business, being decisive as a storyteller, and trusting my intuition regardless of whatever anyone else says. I’ve also got to learn about and connect with the people I’ve created Noon with and myself throughout this process, and it’s truly an amazing experience.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I grew up practicing fine arts and got into photography and digital media in high school. I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in graphic design at Boston University, and currently, I am a freelance brand designer (and of course the founder and co-creative director of my brand).
I like to refer to myself as a general creative because I do a lot of different things well and approach my work in a holistic perspective. I usually find myself creating something for the purpose of allowing people to connect and find common ground. Relationships and empathy are really important to me, and I’m so grateful to have art as a medium to bring people together.
I’m most proud of my growth and confidence I’ve gained over the years. I would say I owe my growth to discipline in my personal practice/training and to the people who stood by me throughout my journey.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Wow, I don’t even know where to start this list. I had a lot of people help me and pour into me over the years. Noon Authentic wouldn’t have existed without the people in my life today. My family, my aunties, professors, friends, and my beautiful Noon family- so much love for y’all.
My family has always believed in me even before I started anything, and I think my mom’s constant blessings over me have given me the confidence to fearlessly act upon my purpose. My friends, who own their own businesses, gave me insight and educated me in starting my own. My co-creative director, Eric, has been down for Noon since the first day I pitched it to him. He’s introduced me to other amazing creatives who are basically family now and my team for Noon. All the individuals and friends who I’ve collaborated with has blessed me with their talents and trust for the bigger purpose of my brand’s message. I’m so honored and humbled to have such genuine people in my life.
Thank you God for bringing me into this world as I am, gifting me with everything I am and have in this life. And thank you Jesus for dying on the cross so we can live. You are my reason to live out my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: noonauthentic.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/noon.authentic
Image Credits
Emanuel Dorris, Kevin Park, Eric Foote, Dominique Broner
