Noreen Mirza
Noreen Mirza is a creative designer with 17 years experience in the fine jewellery sector, UK and globally, she excels in sales and marketing (B2B and B2C).
She tells us that, “My work is inspired by my heritage and travels, resulting in bespoke pieces commissioned by royalty, A-list celebrities, heads of state, and public figures. I take pride in my global network, awards, and ability to create exquisite jewellery designs based on client briefs. I have founded four successful companies, sold one to an international PLC, and am a creative consultant to individuals and companies.”
What were your initial years of growing up like? Tell us about your life before starting your corporate journey/venture/initiative.
It was a very happy and joyful youth surrounded with creativity as my grandmother and aunties were all designers. They would make clothing by stitching and being very creative. I would enjoy my time with my family and friends, playing outside in the playground with my brothers on my bike were very enjoyable moments.
Every industry that is now a large-scale, top-notch business once started as a small idea in the minds of entrepreneurs. What was that idea or motivation that made you start your business /initiative? What motivated you within to say YES, go for it!”
It was a very happy and joyful youth surrounded with creativity as my grandmother and aunties were all designers. They would make clothing by stitching and being very creative. I would enjoy my time with my family and friends, playing outside in the playground with my brothers on my bike were very enjoyable moments. I have always been very driven.
Tell us something about your initiative or current role. What is it about, and what impact are you trying to make?
My core mission is to unite people and communities, both Muslim and non-Muslim, through Islamic-inspired jewellery, art, design, and education.
Your journey and your vision are very inspiring, but are there any achievements or accomplishments you would like to mention?
I am a Public speaker and Mentor, have received Asian Women Achievement Award, and have been invited to speak at Central Foundation Girls school in Tower Hamlets. I have also implemented a programme for underachieving students, supporting them in setting up a jewellery business. It also resulted in students re-engaging with education.
Would you like to share with our young budding women entrepreneurs the change you would like to see in the world if given an opportunity?
I am Noreen. Noreen London is the unapologetic expression of me. My passion is to create precious jewellery that makes my customers feel whole. Each piece is a piece of art. Unique. Purposeful. Expressing all of me. To make people shine and sparkle. Allowing them to shine their light on others. NoreenLondon is my story. The story of empowerment. Of living the life I want. Of realising my dream. With no limit. The way I want. Why should I ever apologise for being me? I am unmistakably me. This is what I want for other women to never apologise for being who you are. Live your life dream big and achieve anything you want.
Women are a growing force in the workplaces worldwide, standing shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts. There are cracks in glass ceilings everywhere, with many women breaking through to carve out a space right at the top of the pyramid. What are your thoughts about women leadership today?
We need more women leadership roles and for organisations to give the opportunity for women to fulfil those roles. And for women to not be held back just keep pushing for what you want. Just remember you are more than capable of achieving anything you want, like your male colleagues.
What would you want to say to our young women leaders/audience reading this?
First of all believe in yourself, make sure you have a clear vision and a goal of what you want in life. Then do self development of how to reach that goal, make an action plan, how do I get to my goal within the next six months or 12 months, find people who have achieved your goal and learn from them. If possible speak to them, it is very important to keep focusing on self development and believing in yourself.