Overcoming Low Self-Esteem: The NOTIQ Story

My journey began in Lagos, Nigeria. As a young child, I struggled with low self-esteem. I was often told I was "too much," and many of my dreams were dismissed as unrealistic and unattainable. These negative messages took a toll, but my passion for Fashion and the Environment remained unwavering. I dreamt of becoming a fashion designer and an elegant, influential woman, embodying inner beauty, grace, and authenticity while embracing my imperfections. I found inspiration in those who lived by these virtues.

When I moved to the United States in 1997, I ended up in college for business. Following a job layoff and the start of a small business, I found myself planning luxury weddings and events and designing exquisite stationery. It was during this time that I witnessed the wastefulness and environmental impact of the fashion and event industry. For instance, did you know that the fashion industry is the second-largest polluter in the world, just after the oil industry? This experience deepened my passion for sustainability, a value I hold dear to this day.

After a 15-year career in the world of paper as an artist, designer, and planner, I embarked on a new chapter. This journey led me back to my childhood dream but with an unexpected twist. I stepped into the world of fashion design, leveraging my experience with paper. As a professional woman, I struggled to find a stylish agenda that truly resonated with me. Most office stores catered to a more masculine aesthetic, leaving me wanting. In 2019, my search inspired me to fill this gap in the market. With no followers, a $1000 investment, and a dream of elegance, NOTIQ, a fashion-forward lifestyle brand, was born in my living room.

Overcoming Low Self-Esteem: One Surprising Cure

The early days of NOTIQ were not without their challenges. Rejections and financial constraints were a constant, as was my private battle with low self-esteem. However, as I started designing agendas and planners for NOTIQ, I discovered a surprising transformation. Owning a personal organization product that reflected my style and values elevated my personal image and boosted my self-esteem. It may seem trivial, but having a beautiful and functional agenda that I could be proud of made a significant difference in how I felt and saw myself.

As NOTIQ grew, I realized I was not alone in my journey. Many of my clients shared similar stories of feeling inadequate and unsure of their abilities. They, too, found solace and empowerment in several of NOTIQ's products. For instance, one client shared how her NOTIQ agenda helps her feel well put together when she goes into work meetings. Another client shared how her NOTIQ bags and luggage help her make high quality first impressions when she travels for professional conferences. This shared experience and bond reassured me that I was on the right track. I believe that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has the potential to achieve great things with the proper support and inspiring tools.

 

Fashion can be both beautiful and responsible. The United Nations reports that the world continues to use natural resources unsustainably. As a designer, I am a steward of the environment. I choose sustainable, high-quality, cruelty-free leather to minimize the impact of leather-tanning pollution on our environment. My products challenge the status quo and the idea that only animal leather can achieve longevity and high quality.

"Fashion can be both beautiful and responsible." 

NOTIQ is not just a business venture for me; it's a mission and a calling. I often ask: What if fashion is no longer about consumption but about education, empowerment, and the environment? In our fast-paced, social media-influenced world, I want to help more people overcome low self-esteem and limiting beliefs with organizational goods that inspire elegant living and meaningful work. In addition, many of us miss out on success, not for lack of talent but because of unequal life demands and proper support. I seek to do something about it. NOTIQ's PLAN for SUCCESS initiative provides agendas and success bags to women who have experienced setbacks such as health challenges, domestic violence, abuse, incarceration or property loss. My goal is to inspire every woman to reimagine her future, improve her self-esteem, reach her full potential and positively impact her community. Lastly, my vision for NOTIQ is to challenge the long-standing wasteful narrative of fashion, become a global leader in sustainability, lead the path for other brands to follow and educate consumers about the alternative options they need to make more conscious choices. I'm inviting you to be a part of this dream.

Overcoming Low Self-Esteem: The Steps

If overcoming low self-esteem is important to you or you've struggled with it for so long, I hope you see that you are not alone in feeling this way. Overcoming low self-esteem is a journey that takes time and effort. Even with the right tools and strategies, you'll likely feel defeated on some days.

It's essential to recognize that low self-esteem can stem from a variety of factors, including past experiences, negative self-talk, and societal pressures. However, please know these factors do not define you or your worth as a person. You are capable of change and growth, and with the right mindset, support, and resources, you, too, can overcome low self-esteem and build a healthier relationship with yourself.

Apart from surrounding myself with lovely items that inspire me, such as my beautiful NOTIQ agendas, one other helpful strategy is to be mindful of negative self-talk. For instance, I try not to say - I can't do this - or - I can't do that. I also refrain from spending quality time with people who tend to pull me down or people who do not understand how I am wired. Instead, I spend more time with people who inspire and encourage me. I also surround myself with inspiring words that speak to me, such as quotes, books, scriptures and affirmations. Curating a meaningful circle can be challenging at first, but with practice, it can become a habit that supports your mental well-being. Additionally, seeking professional support from a therapist or counselor can be incredibly beneficial in understanding and addressing the underlying causes of low self-esteem. These strategies, along with my NOTIQ goods, have been instrumental in my journey of overcoming low self-esteem.

Ultimately, each person's journey is unique. It may not be easy, but it is worth it. Remember to be patient with yourself and celebrate even the most minor victories along the way. You are capable of moving toward positive change in your life, and I believe in your ability to do so.

Warmly, 
VJ, Founder, Designer, NOTIQ