How did NOTIQ start?Updated 2 years ago

I was born in Lagos, Nigeria, and as a young child, I dreamt of becoming two things: the first, a fashion designer, and the second, an elegant, influential woman. I was passionate about two interests, Fashion and the Environment. My dream included living out true beauty, authenticity, grace, poise, warmth, love, eloquence, and the like. I quickly identified with and admired anyone who lived out these virtues and owned their imperfections. When I moved to the United States in 1997, I ended in college for business. Following a layoff and the start of a small business, I found myself planning lavish weddings and events and designing exquisite stationery. I had no idea what was to come.

After working with paper for 15 years, a search for the next big step in my career brought me closer to the reality of my childhood dream but with a twist: I entered the world of fashion design, leveraging my experience with paper. As a working woman, I found it somewhat difficult to source a stylish planner that speaks to my core and deeply represents the influential woman I dream of becoming. Most office stores offered more masculine work-life goods. In 2019, my search inspired me to bring to market what I found to be lacking. With zero followers, a $1000 investment, and an elegant dream, NOTIQ, a fashion-forward, lifestyle brand was born in my living room.

- VJ, Founder, NOTIQ