AUGUST 2024
Extraordinary Life Stories: Featuring Nadine Merabi
Nadine Merabi is more than just a name in fashion - she’s a force driving innovation and creativity in the industry. Her journey from being a self-taught designer to the founder of a globally recognised fashion brand, Nadine Merabi, is both inspiring and enlightening. In a recent interview with John Reynolds on Extraordinary Life Stories, Nadine shared insights into her career, brand philosophy, motherhood, and the power of passion in business.
FROM HOCKEY TO HIGH FASHION
Nadine Merabi, an award-winning fashion designer and founder of her eponymous fashion brand, has an inspiring story of resilience, creativity, and self-belief. From her early days as a professional hockey player struggling to find her path, Nadine transitioned into the fashion world with no formal training. ‘’I was 29, dancing on a table one night, and I had an epiphany’’ she recalls, ‘’I thought what am I doing with my life? I need more than this.’’ Frustrated with societal pressures and uninspired by her then-career in event planning, she made a bold decision to follow her passion for dressmaking. Armed with a sewing machine and a fierce determination, she embarked on a journey that would redefine her life and career.
EMBRACING FAILURE AS PART OF SUCCESS
At 30, Merabi, feeling unfulfilled and determined to break free from societal expectations, decided to invest in herself. She quit her job and started creating her own designs, starting from bespoke one-off pieces and pop-ups to a powerhouse business with a global footprint. Nadine's journey was far from easy; she encountered numerous failures but viewed each as a stepping stone toward growth. "I failed 10 times and got up 12," she reflects, capturing her relentless pursuit of her dreams, despite those who said she couldn’t do it.
Redefining success
Nadine Merabi's brand is built on a deep purpose: to empower and celebrate women. She believes her success is defined by seeing women feel confident and celebrated in her designs. "When I see someone post on Instagram saying how they feel amazing in our clothes, that is success to me," she says. Her story underscores the importance of not allowing fear or self-doubt to hinder potential. As a designer, she emphasises creativity without fear, with her team committed to innovating without limits.
Looking back, Merabi recognises the lessons learned from her challenging early years -financial struggles, educational setbacks, and the journey to self-acceptance. Now a mother, she reflects on these experiences as invaluable life lessons that shaped her success today. Through her journey, she hopes to inspire other women and young girls to take risks, reject self-doubt, and embrace their authentic selves.
Nadine Merabi’s story is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. From a young girl who didn’t conform to the traditional education system to a woman who dared to dream beyond societal norms, she built a brand that stands for empowerment, creativity, and unyielding self-belief. Her journey serves as a reminder that success often lies beyond fear and that true potential is only unlocked by stepping boldly into the unknown.