We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Noelle Damato. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Noelle below.

Hi Noelle, thanks for joining us today.  Let’s introduce our readers by giving them some of your background and how you came up with the idea for your business. 

My work behind the lens catapulted into a lifestyle of constant travels with my camera. Photography ignited an eagerness to explore the world, capturing its intricacies within it and able to showcase my artwork in gallery exhibitions while working 9-5 jobs. In 2020, I was laid off due to the pandemic. I viewed this as a chance to reintroduce my photographic art in a manner that aligned more closely with my present passions –  sustainable fashion and addressing the environmental impact of fast fashion.

I started to play around with the idea of having my landscape photography transferred onto apparel using digital sublimation, specifically tailored to women’s sustainable activewear. I wanted to bring something different to the industry by using original art and create a brand that would connect people, art and nature. After a lot of trial and error, threads of the earth was created and Nature Beyond Threads was founded. Each design is a tribute to nature’s photographic art, reflecting textures, colors and patterns found in the wild. I love that Nature Beyond Threads seamlessly blends three of my passions – landscape photography, sustainable fashion and protecting the planet as well as help me relive my adventures while inspiring others.

As always, we appreciate you sharing, can you take a minute to explain your brand in detail and the services you provide?

Our activewear designs promote a sense of peace, balance and rejuvenation. Scientifically, looking at pictures of nature speeds up mental restoration and improves cognitive functioning, improving our overall mood. So this means that when stepping into a pair of NBT’s activewear it will not only help you remember to ground throughout the day, it’s a gentle reminder that you ARE nature – fashioned from the very same particles as the powerful ocean, grains of sand, ridged mountains, starry skies, and rippling plains. It transforms these mesmerizing landscapes into wearable masterpieces that allow individuals to showcase their love for nature while embodying a sense of adventure and exploration. It also gives a sense of connection. By using images of natural landscapes, we inspire people to feel more connected to Mother Nature.

We not only cater to consumers but also offer services aimed at fostering community engagement and establishing meaningful partnerships. On such initiative involves collaborating with fellow nature photographers to integrate their art into fashion, crafting bespoke pieces that resonate with their individuals style and narrative. Additionally, our creative services extend to capturing breathtaking nature photographs tailored to suit your brand’s identity, effectively encapsulating your company’s essence. Through collaborations like our recent partnership with Dive and Shine, a dive shop in Cozumel, we transcend boundaries, blending our photographic artistry with diverse businesses’ products. By infusing their textiles with our distinct prints, we enable them to unveil exclusive apparel lines infuse with the spirit of their locale. This particular service gains potential clients who are looking for new and exciting art.

Okay – so how did you figure out the manufacturing part? Did you have prior experience?

I basically had to navigate the uncharted waters of sustainable fashion. So to bring my vision to life, I had to challenge myself on how to manufacturer my products without prior knowledge or experience. To conduct my research, I wanted to prioritize responsible sourcing and ethical production practices to ensure sustainability and integrity throughout the supply chain. I started calling a bunch of different manufacturers in Los Angeles to set up meetings. I knew that my first task involved sourcing eco-friendly materials suitable for transferring my photographs through dye sublimation. I came across a company called Eclat, that specializes in the distribution of fabrics. I was relieved how quickly I was able to pick the perfect fabric for my activewear but due to financial constraints, it became a meticulous process. From meeting with Eclat, I was introduced to several other manufacturers in order to hone in on production techniques. I strategically leveraged three distinct resources for the development of my product: a specialist for dye sublimation, another for sewing, and a third for cutting. Due to various constraints, consolidating these tasks under one roof proved to be unfeasible. For the time being, finding three different resources that aligned with NBT’s values was the right fit for us.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

I’m part of a women’s empowering book club, comprising female business owners at various stages of their entrepreneurial journeys. Our gatherings occur every Sunday, where we delve into the chapters of selected books and engage in discussions. We intentionally select books containing exercises that challenge us to reconsider and enhance our business strategies. It’s a dynamic forum where we collectively explore ways to elevate our ventures and support one another’s growth. The last book that we read was called Scale or Fail by Allison Maslan.

Participating in this book club has been instrumental in guiding my business model. It’s the catalyst that prompted me to refine and adapt my approach. The insights and discussions shared within the group have provided invaluable perspectives, empowering me to make informed decisions and shape my business strategy more effectively.

In addition to the book club, I proactively engaged with the College of Canyons by reaching out to their business development department, through which I established connections with individuals who later became my mentors.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.naturebeyondthreads.com
• Instagram: naturebeyondthreads
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/naturebeyondthreads
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noelle-damato-59020b224/

Image Credits
Nature Beyond Threads