INSPIRED WOMEN IN BUSINESS
Signature SPOTLIGHT-Nisha Mattu
Discovering the Compassion Behind the Fashion Line NŪR THE LABEL
Nisha Mattu is all about comfort Her incredible brand NŪR THE LABEL is all about shining a light on the things that matter in life Having created functional wardrobe pieces is just a small part of it What makes her unique is also what makes her a great woman The core elements of her brand focus on owning clothing that matters and with that motto comes an enriching philosophy that dazzles and elevates them to new heights
After a mission to find pieces for her own wardrobe, she successfully launched a brand that showcased staple pieces with such highlights as deep-set pockets, longer lengths, easy closures, and even hoods. She filled in the pieces that were missing and in turn bridged the gap that so many other women like her were searching for again and again.
Her compassion sewn into clothes streams from a rich love for family as equally as her second career working as an oncology nurse Doing all this and being the mother of a young four-year-old son makes her a type of superhero She truly wears a very fashionable cap in life that fortunately for the consumer she shares in the threads of NŪR THE LABEL
Mattu brings to life collections that reflect her personal style and vision, which she is eager to share with those lucky enough to wear her brand We recently sat with the phenomenal entrepreneur to learn more about who she is and why clothes are so much more than a piece of material
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Q&A
The concept of your company is fascinating. Tell us what personally drove you to launch this.
When I was young, particularly from my early teenage years to early adulthood, I wasn’t allowed to wear clothing that was in Even wearing the Indian Lehnga was prohibited after the age of nine While other girls in high school showcased their style, I loved their freedom to dress as they pleased Instead, I was limited to sweatpants, tearaways, oversized sweaters, and sport jerseys, often borrowed from my brother Despite the comfort of sweatpants, I dreamed of wearing fashionable clothing which were strictly off-limits Throughout my teenage years and early adulthood, I loved fashion but lacked both permission and financial means to explore it
At 24 to 25 years old, during a visit to the UK to see my aunts, grandparents, and my mom ’ s relatives, my style shifted, and I was able to be more myself One of my aunts, a fashion designer, introduced me to styling and generously gifted me a brand-new wardrobe That experience ignited my passion for fashion and styling. As the years passed, my love for fashion continued to grow.
By 2016, now employed and financially independent, I desired clothing that offered both quality and the type of comfort reminding me of my childhood sweatpants. Unable to find garments meeting my criteria, I took matters into my own hands I enrolled in classes to learn design and sewing Utilizing my favorite childhood sweat pant fabric, I began creating garments that combined comfort with a professional aesthetic
What are the three most influential things from your past that have influenced you to be the woman you are today?
First, is my mother’s stand on education She said, “education holds immense value as it is something no one can ever take away from you ”
Second, is financial independence Achieving financial independence and being smart with money empower me to avoid reliance on others.
Then the third thing is my father. He played a pivotal role in shaping my outlook. He raised his daughters to be independent, instilling in us the belief that women are just as capable as men. He emphasized that there are no predefined gender roles and taught us to navigate challenging situations, ensuring we never felt powerless
Your company has the motto of being good for everyone and being something that truly enriches a life. This is powerful. Why are these fundamental principles so important to you?
In the design phase of creating my collections, I prioritize engaging with my clients to understand their preferences Through polls and direct feedback, I ensure that everyone has a voice in shaping the brand and influencing the direction of the next collection
The motto of being “good for everyone ” emphasizes inclusivity and the importance of accommodating diverse tastes and desires within the brand
Additionally, the principle of enriching lives extends beyond clothing purchases It encompasses meaningful connections between clients and their wardrobe choices When clients feel a personal connection to their clothing, they are more likely to feel empowered and confident in their self-expression This connection not only enhances their individual experience but also strengthens their bond with the brand itself.
What are the hardest things about being a woman in your field?
Balancing motherhood with my business is one of the toughest challenges As a mom, I constantly juggle home responsibilities and work commitments, often feeling overwhelmed by mom guilt I find myself dedicating precious hours to my brand only when my son is asleep, prioritizing quality time with him while he’s awake
The pressure to maintain a well-kept home adds to the challenge, as I strive to ensure it’s always tidy and welcoming for guests Additionally, as a woman, I face the expectation of being a breadwinner in my family while pursuing my passion in the fashion industry
During the day I work as a nurse and at night work on my dream This dual role comes with its own set of pressures, often leaving me feeling isolated and overwhelmed. It sometimes feels like I’m navigating this journey alone, with few people to share my struggles. Moreover, managing my mental health while the constant demands of running a business and caring for my family is an ongoing battle. I often find myself torn between prioritizing tasks that contribute to my personal and professional growth and the limitations of time in a day Finding a balance and staying focused on what truly matters can be a constant internal struggle
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Despite what can be hard, how does being a woman help you succeed in the field?
Despite the challenges I face, being a woman equips me with unique strengths that contribute to my success. Women are good at getting tasks done efficiently and in a timely manner However, what truly empowers me is the ability to establish a supportive network This network includes my husband, clients who have become friends, and other women in business
Women possess a natural inclination to connect and support one another I’ve been fortunate to have wonderful women in my life who lend a listening ear and offer support Many times, we find ourselves navigating similar situations, allowing us to relate and collaborate on solutions or ideas that help us move forward
How does being a woman in this space give you a competitive edge?
As women, we possess a keen eye for detail, and this quality plays a crucial role in my success in the fashion brand field. I can clearly articulate my clients’ desires to manufacturers and ensure that the details of my clothing set us apart.
Women are inherently creative and innovative, attributes that fuel forward-thinking approaches to design and fabric With creativity, I can use techniques to manipulate fabrics and achieve looks that are the essence of our brand The ability to network and remain determined is so important I welcome the opportunity to connect with new people and showcase what I bring to the table Despite challenges, I persevere and maintain a relentless drive to keep moving forward in pursuit of success in the fashion brand industry
What are you most proud of today?
I am most proud of my son, Axton, and my brand, NŪR THE LABEL During my pregnancy, I lost my motivation and drive, but after having my son, he became my source of inspiration, reigniting my passion. I am determined to show him the importance of perseverance and hard work, and to instill in him the belief that he can achieve anything he sets his mind to. NŪR THE LABEL has come a long way, and I am proud of its growth. I look forward to the future with optimism and excitement
“Women possess a natural inclination to connect and support one another. I’ve been fortunate to have wonderful women in my life who lend a listening ear and offer support.”
What are the three things you are most excited about in the future?
The three things that I am most excited about may seem small, but they hold immense significance for me Firstly, it’s when my clients write reviews and passionately praise our clothing These are clients I haven’t met personally, yet we ’ ve formed a close bond through our shared love for the brand, and their desire for more fuels my excitement
Secondly, it may sound cliché, but receiving an order is incredibly thrilling for me Hearing that Shopify notification sound fills me with exhilaration, and I eagerly prepare to ship out the order so my client can enjoy it sooner The excitement they feel when placing the order mirrors my own
Lastly, being featured in a lifestyle magazine is a dream come true. The opportunity to showcase my brand, receive feedback, and gain recognition is both humbling and surreal.
Tell me about your favorite items in the collection and why you love them.
My favorite items in the collection are the Colette Pants, Crew Neck Sweatshirt, and the Cotton Coat I adore wearing these pieces both together and separately What I love most about them is their combination of comfort, professionalism, and overall chic style They effortlessly elevate any outfit I put together and have become my goto pieces when planning my looks If I could, I would wear them every day without hesitation
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How do you want to continue to grow as a female entrepreneur?
As a female entrepreneur in the fashion industry, my goal is to further grow my brand’s presence globally This involves seeking collaborations with international retailers, participating in events worldwide, and expanding my brand platform to reach a broader audience
Additionally, I am passionate about empowering other women who want to enter the industry and offering mentorship opportunities. My aim is to create a positive impact in the fashion world, which includes integrating more sustainable practices into our operations.
For more information on Mattu’s fantastic company, please visit https://nurthelabel ca/
“I am passionate about empowering other women who want to enter the industry and offering mentorship opportunities.”
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