Today we’d like to introduce you to Noelle Damato.
Hi Noelle, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I have been a nature photographer for about 20 years so as you can imagine I have a huge archive filled with photographs from my travels around the world. Some of the photographs were exhibited in galleries and placed in homes. I have always played with the idea of reintroducing my artwork in a way that would be beneficial for both women and our planet. When the pandemic hit, I lost my job as a studio manager for a celebrity photographer. This is when I decided to focus on the idea I had back in 2014. I was tired of seeing the same designs whether it be black and white, florals, pastels, etc. for activewear. I thought why not have original photographs be worn where women can feel empowered and be inspired by these natural wonders. Each piece tells a story.
And since I appreciate this earth so much, I wanted to also help fast fashion with the waste. The images transferred beautifully and here we are approaching our one-year anniversary from when we launched.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not a smooth road. One of our biggest struggles was finding the right recycled material and a sewer. There were many trials and errors before we settled on anything and anyone. We knew we wanted to remain local so there were many trips to downtown trying to find the perfect fit. Besides production, getting the word out and marketing our brand has been difficult since it is just me right now that is running the company while having a full time job other than NBT.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As I mentioned previously, I have been in the arts for a while. I started photography when I was in High School but my love for nature started very young. I remember being mesmerized and floored by the absolutely superb beauty of the jagged snowcapped mountains when my dad took me skiing for the first time. This started my relationship with the outdoors. I began to see my world in textures and contrasts, colors and lights.
I visually perceive to engender intriguing views of life and our world and give it apperception to function and comeliness of things generally taken for granted. Photography ignites in me a passion for exploring the world and the intricacies within it.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I have been very lucky to have the means to continue to travel and isolate myself in places that others wouldn’t. I am a very independent person so there have been times when I have felt alone in this huge world. With this new venture that I have created, finding someone who wants to take this company and help me build it from the ground up has been unlucky.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.naturebeyondthreads.com
- Instagram: @naturebeyondthreads
- Facebook: @naturebeyondthreads
- Twitter: @naturebeyondthreads
Image Credits
Noelle Kristine Damato (artwork photos)
Jeannie Albers (portrait/model photos)
