The Birth of NOTIQ.

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.

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.

- Vivian J'ade, Founder, Designer, NOTIQ

 Read the full journal here: Overcoming Low Self-Esteem: The NOTIQ Story.