Meet Hannah McKay: Just Go For It!
Get ready to be blown away by Noah and Fey: Etsy shopped turned full time business owned by Hannah McKay! Her path to the place she is in now happened unexpectedly, but her insights as a young business owner are helpful to all of us out there working towards a better world. Read her story, and find helpful advice for running your business as well!
1. Can you share a little of your journey with us and who you are?
My name is Hannah McKay and I own a jewelry business called Noah and Faye! It began my freshman year of college when I was making a few pieces for myself and had friends who were interested in them. I opened up an Etsy shop with 4 items without thinking much of it and just let it play it's course. Eventually, it began to pick up and it transitioned from a fun hobby to a brand that I could take to pop-up shops and trade shows to share. Noah and Faye now has an independent website and is sold in several boutiques! It's been such an exciting journey that I never knew I'd get to experience!
2. Tell us about the mission of your brand- how does it empower women?
The mission of Noah and Faye is to create jewelry for the modern minimalist to help women feel confident in the everyday. It was a really cool moment when I started to realize that the jewelry I was making had become some women's everyday jewelry. I have gotten to see women come to trade shows for a second year in a row and show me the piece they're wearing that the bought the year before. I love that I have the opportunity to see how jewelry can bring confidence in the smallest way! Noah and Faye also partners with a non-profit called Pure Hope which I will expand on later.
3. What is the biggest challenge you’ve had to press through as a female entrepreneur? What are the steps you had to take to overcome it?
As a female entrepreneur I've had to really push to be heard. My biggest challenge in moving forward is the need to have my jewelry sold in more boutiques. I've found that when communicating with possible sellers I tend to have to reach out several times for followthrough after they've told me they're interested. I think a lot of bigger business owners can feel as if they have an upper hand and not take small businesses very seriously.
4. What sets your brand apart from others?
What sets my brand apart from others is that it is a student run business. I think this shocks a lot of people which I like to take as a compliment! It's a neat opportunity for me to be able to work on somethingI love while getting my education rather than waiting until I'm out of school to pursue my passion!
5. How do you collaborate with others working towards a better world?
As I mentioned earlier, Noah and Faye partners with a non-profit called Pure Hope Foundation that works to strengthen families and restore survivors of sex trafficking. This means that we donate a percentage of our profits to them each month and work alongside them to bring awareness to their cause. Pure Hope Foundation's mission is to "F.R.E.E. the captives" which stands for "Fighting Human Trafficking, Restoring Survivors, Empowering Advocates, and Ending Demand". I had the opportunity to see Katherine Lee, the founder speak at The W Conference last spring and I was immediately drawn Pure Hope. Since then, I've been able to establish a partnership with them, visit their home base, and work with them in several ways. One of my absolute favorite things about Noah and Faye has been that I've gotten the opportunity to work with another organization working toward a better goal. You can read more about their mission at https://www.purehopefoundation.com.
6. What advice would you give to female entrepreneurs in the beginning stages of launching their brand or business?
My advice would be the cliche to just go for it! The truth is, you'll never know if it can be successful until you give it a shot. Ask questions, seek help, and don't be afraid to put yourself out there!
7. Anything else you want to share with our readers?
Where people can find us:
Instagram: @noahandfaye
Facebook: Noah and Faye (It's a business page!)
Website: https://www.noahandfaye.com
Email: hannah@noahandfaye.com