Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Habelmann.
Hi Julie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I launched Noble Sands about 2.5 years ago after not being able to find what I was looking for in the resort wear space. I had unknowingly created the prototype for our signature product, the Strand Wrap when I made something for myself and received repeated inquiries about it. After relocating to Newport Beach and being near so many resources in LA, I decided to go for it. I had zero professional experience in the fashion industry and knew it would be challenging, but I also knew I created something that could serve a purpose in multiple ways. It was imperative to me to create a business grounded in purpose, inspired by style. Everything about our mission and model has been very intentional. The goal is to make the fashion industry less toxic by choosing recycled fabric and packaging, by working with ethical and local vendors, by producing smaller quantities and by educating consumers on why quality over quantity matters. The fashion industry is the 2nd worst pollutant industry behind oil and gas. Many people are starting to understand why fast fashion is so damaging, but it is not limited to them. There are many high-end labels who also need to get themselves in line with a more sustainable mindset. We are practicing the triple bottom line concept of people + planet + profit = sustainability.
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?
I don’t know of any first-time entrepreneur or any business that hasn’t experienced some struggles along the way. For me, I’ve had to learn everything on my own from sourcing fabrics and finding production partners to doing all of the marketing and back office tasks. Learning things from the ground up provides invaluable lessons. However, most of the challenges have come from external sources. In 2019 I was trying to get Noble Sands off the ground while managing a complete house renovation in parallel. Pro tip: don’t do that. I was really excited for 2020 because it was going to be the first year I could focus solely on the brand and really get product in front of people. My body had other plans. In January of last year, I had a cardiac arrest caused by something called SCAD (Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection). It is a condition that is still considered rare because many people don’t survive it and has only been researched for about 13 years. It is not a typical heart attack and 90% of cases occur in women between the ages of 30-50. I was in the process of re-evaluating what the future of Noble Sands might like and then Covid struck.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Noble Sands is the first travel, earth, and heart-friendly resort wear brand. Created for the travel savvy, coastal-loving, eco-conscious, effortlessly chic, heart-centered woman, Noble Sands’ mission is to support conscious consumption and its effect on people and the planet while also raising awareness for women’s heart health research. Made with custom Repreve® recycled fabric, the brand’s signature Strand Wrap can be styled in 15+ ways as a coverup, dress, skirt, top set or accessory. Locally and mindfully made in Southern California, a portion of all sales are donated to women’s heart health research.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
We are always open to creative ways to get the message out about conscious fashion consumption and women’s wellness and heart health. Whether that is a curated wellness retreat whereby I am speaking about my experience and educating people, that can also be combined with an eco-conscious pop-up. Podcasts are great. Pop ups with like-minded brands and spaces are always welcomed. We have done private in-home events as a fun girl’s nite. Our products pack very efficiently and are a perfect welcome gift for corporate retreats, destination weddings or other events. And of course, anyone can support us individually by simply shopping on online.
Pricing:
- The Strand Wrap $149
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.noblesands.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noble_sands/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopnoblesands/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheNobleSands
Image Credits:
Bree McCool Photo
