Nadine Merabi

CREATIVE DIRECTOR, NADINE MERABI

The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is to not give up when it gets tough. I have experienced many setbacks during my career, as most designers and growing businesses do, and it took a few years for me to get my brand where it is today. There were so many times when I wanted to give up, but there was just a burning fire inside me I was so passionate and determined about.

One thing I do every day is to make sure that I take time to disconnect from work and spend quality time with my family. From 6-8pm, I’m unavailable for work as that’s bath, bed, and cuddle time.

A lesson I learned the hard way was that sometimes you need to take a step back. We grew from 30 to 100 staff in 12 months, and I couldn’t keep up. Sometimes you need to slow down to grow and build firm foundations and a culture. I can’t be as involved in every aspect of the business, but I have an amazing management team now that surrounds me and keeps me fully involved. Nobody knows your business like you do and it’s hard to step back, so having a team that you trust makes it easier.

My father is my biggest inspiration in life. I’ve looked up to him all my life and our Lebanese roots still inspire me when I’m designing new, vibrant pieces. I’m constantly inspired by the people I’m surrounded by and travel. The newest Resort collection is a direct manifestation of this.

Personal success to me is being happy and raising smart, beautiful, kind children, as well as seeing so many beautiful women wearing my designs.

I would tell myself to always take a risk and try new things, especially if they scare you! I was aged 29 when I decided to start something of my own. I went from playing hockey professionally to becoming a fashion designer, and it all started with me watching a YouTube video to teach myself how to sew. I never expected for it to turn into a global business, but I’m so proud that I took the risk.

Building women’s confidence is my biggest driver. It’s all about making memories and growing the business. This is everything to me and I’m so lucky I can be part of so many people’s special occasions. For every woman who smiles wearing my designs, you also make me smile. I’m not slowing down anytime soon.

Nadine Merabi’s debut Resort collection is out now