I often forget the Nubian Skin anniversaries because I tend to be focused on fighting whatever fire happens to crop up next. This year I wanted to do things differently, mainly because I now realise the importance of acknowledging and appreciating all the amazing wins that have happened over the years. It is hard to believe that 7 years has passed since the first nubianskin.com site went live. The day started with excitement and ended with being stuck in a lift with no way to check the progress on how the launch was going! But that’s a story for another day.
Over the past seven years, there have been some truly amazing experiences, and some spectacular challenges, and I’m grateful for the process. From our first campaign which went viral (I still can’t quite believe it).
Winning the Great British Entrepreneur Award for Entrepreneur of the Year. I was genuinely shocked; I was dazed as I walked up to the stage.
Nubian Skin being the underwear supplier for the Formation tour was epic. I still pinch myself when I see photos or when I’m asked how it happened.
Being honoured with an MBE for Services to Fashion. This is one I still haven’t fully wrapped my head around. But taking my parents and husband to Buckingham Palace to receive my award is something I’ll never forget.
Opening a showroom so we could display our product and interact with customers during fittings was wonderful, and we had so many amazing people stop by.
We finally launched menswear in 2019, and the boys were very happy as you can see.
2020 started off with a bang, we won’t the TFL campaign for diversity in advertising, and I had a baby (I was 10 days postpartum here). Then the whole world turned upside down!
This year has been one of navigating an ever-changing landscape, but as a British Brand, it’s been phenomenal to have launched in a department store synonymous with Britain and to have launched in the two largest luxury retailers in the UK.
I don’t have a crystal ball as to what the future holds, but I am very excited for what we’re developing and what Nubian Skin will be sharing with the world as we head into year 8. Thank you for being on the journey with me.
Ade xx
