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

Reshma, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

My parents taught me to take risks in life. They still remind me to this day that you may not be comfortable at first, and there might be times when you doubt your choice, but with time you will come to realize without change there is no growth. In 1986, my parents left family, friends and a very comfortable life in England to rebuild a new life in the US. Like many immigrants that come to the United States they saw more opportunities here for themselves and for their children. My family and I traveled across the pond to a country where we didn’t know a soul, no family-no friends (yet). Having come from a lifestyle where each weekend was spent with aunts, uncles, and numerous cousins, this was quite a change for us all. We spent the first few weeks living with friends of Columbian descent and learned to embrace their culture and food, they became our family and we spent many holidays with them. As time went on, we learned to assimilate with our new surroundings. If my parents chose to stay in England and not take the risk of immigrating to a foreign county I would not have been the person I am today, wanting to experience new adventures and thrive on being pushed out of my comfort zone.

Reshma, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Having spent the first few years of my life in England, the influences of South Asian fashion were very much prevalent in my everyday life. I took to fashion at an early age; weekends consisted of visiting the sari shops that lined the streets of the country’s “Little India”, as well as dressing up for family gatherings. In the late ’80s, my family moved across the pond to one of the world’s fashion epicenters–New York. At the time, it was a difficult adjustment to make, but now I believe that those experiences have shaped who I am today. I feel comfortable taking on new risks and challenges.

Fun fact—by the time I was in 5th grade, I had been to four different elementary schools!

In the ’90s, South Asian fashion wasn’t always accessible in New York. I found ways to incorporate my heritage and culture into my wardrobe with accessories, outerwear and jewelry. My love for fashion and learning the business behind it led me to the world-renowned Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), where I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Fashion Merchandise Management. Since then, I have worked in the Buying office for a luxury department store, as a Merchandiser for a global lifestyle brand, and as a Stylist for a subscription-based styling service, from all of which I have grown professionally and personally.

I started Noori The Label in the midst of a global pandemic after being laid off from a very well-known fashion styling service. At the time, I was disappointed, but within weeks I turned what I thought was a setback into an opportunity. It became an opportunity for me to pursue my passion. Although, my fashion journey started long before this. I am a proud alumni of The Fashion Institute of Technology in New York and hold a degree in Fashion Merchandising Management. Post graduation, I had the opportunity to work for a few well-known retailers and brands, while in the Buying Office or on the retail floor, I noticed there was a gap in the market. While much of the clothing was made in India, a true representation of what the country has to offer was not there. Much of the handicrafts that you see in Indian clothing was never displayed in western clothing, hence many artisans were left with no or very little work. This notion, or thought, stayed with me through the years. My opportunity to make a change in this space did not arise until 2021 when I founded Noori.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

The best source of new clients for Noori The Label has been referrals from friends & family. This organic marketing method is one that keeps our clients returning time after time.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Like most people, a lesson or saying that I would hear during my younger years (and sometimes now) is “work hard and you will achieve what you want”. While this is true, it also leads to burn out. It wasn’t until recently have I seen more people develop a routine of self care and putting their well being first. Yes, most of the time you will not be able to reach your goals unless you work at them, but that doesn’t mean that you put your well being on the line. Self care, mentally and physically is just as important in reaching your goals.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.noorithelabel.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noorithelabel/
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/noorithelabel
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reshma-mistry-51306112/

Image Credits
Hetal Luhar @focus_71 Faiz @by.faiz