In this week’s Aspiring Women Who Inspire, we meet Fe Noel, a womenswear designer from New York with a passion for travel, a love of vibrant colors, and a penchant for bold prints. She entered the industry at just 19 years old, opening a brick and mortar boutique in Brooklyn for vintage clothes lovers, and has now amassed a large following in the industry while also running a Foundation for young girls passionate about entrepreneurship.
Please welcome Fe to the blog!
Introduce yourself.
Hi My Name Is Felisha Noel mostly known as Fe Noel and I’m a women’s wear designer based in Brooklyn, New York.
How did you get into your industry? Was this always where you saw yourself?
I came into the industry in a very pure and organic way. I also like to say I had an innate desire for Fashion at a very young age. Although I initially didn’t envision becoming a designer, I knew I’d definitely work in the business.
From your experience, what are the three key factors or strategies for starting and establishing a brand?
- Believing in yourself
- Deciding your WHY
- Having a specific point of view and a problem to solve.
What’s an accomplishment you consider to be the most significant in your career so far?
Having women all over the world shop the brand.
What’s a failure that turned into a blessing?
I’ve had many failures but the only way to get to success is to fail. Before I became a designer I had a retail boutique that couldn’t stand the test of time due to lack of funding and lack of knowledge. It set the foundation for what is now the Fe Noel Brand.
Morning routine?
Prayer / Meditation, playing with my son for 15 minutes before heading out for the day and doing a 30 minute workout.
Who’s an aspiring woman who inspires you?
My mother Sonia Noel. I’m super inspired by the foundation she’s built for our family. Watching her transition from an employee to becoming an entrepreneur has had a serious impact on the woman I am today.
What’s one piece of career advice you’d give a young person looking to follow in your footsteps?
Believe in yourself and your dreams. This is the only thing that will both get you started and keep you going.
When you’re not building your business, what can we find you doing?
Hanging with my baby boy Stone. I really enjoy spending time with my family. You can also find me horseback riding and traveling.
Rapid Fire
Three words that describe you? Gemini Gemini Gemini
Three products you can’t live without? Castille Peppermint Soap, Ruby Woo lipstick, my phone
Dream collaboration? A collab with Muccia Prada
Trendy or classic? Classic
#1 place on your travel bucket list? Morrocco
Go to drink order? Cucumber tonic
Favorite restaurant? Bar Pitti
