Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Ratcliffe.
Hi Vanessa, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started Noa & Rain during lockdown 1:0 as a way to give back to the planet and create beautiful sustainable pieces. Once the brand started to grow, I outsourced local knitters because I didn’t want to mass produce, I wanted to keep it small, local and give the knitters a project to keep them focused and creative during the strange and difficult times of lockdown. Every item is handmade in England, using only natural yarns and materials from local & cruelty free farms and suppliers.
Noa & Rain is a bohemian lifestyle brand for the free spirits and believers.
I am currently a one women band and hope to grow and expand to a wonderful team.
With every sale made, I donate a portion of profits to environmental and animal charities.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Luckily, so far my journey with Noa has been very smooth. I have had quiet spells which have been my biggest struggle, trying to build the brand and audience. Learning about business and marketing is a completely new world for me but I am loving every minute of it.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
After completing my fashion degree at Manchester School of Art, I have been obsessed with knits and texture. Noa & Rain is mostly a knitwear brand with now a mixture of coconut candles, boho silver jewelry, and cotton clothing.
The knitwear is my specialty. I use organic linen and cotton yarns and create raw edged, oversized pieces that have been my bestsellers. Customers have said “It is like wearing a piece of nature”.
I feel this is my forte, as it is so different to what you can find in the shops.
I am proud to own a company that shares the profits amongst environmental charities and saving the ocean.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My family has been wonderful supporters of Noa & Rain. From financial help, to ideas and opinions on collections, marketing tools, keeping me positive and motivated during quieter times and encouraging me to keep on building and growing Noa & Rain. I am very grateful for their support and encouragement.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.noaandrain.com
- Instagram: @noaandrain
Image Credits
Gemma Lee
Dionne Hodgeson
