How I Got Here: Armanda Smit

When I was younger and had to choose a university, all I knew was that I had to learn ‘something international.’ So, I went to an Institute for International Studies, learned about doing business across different cultures, and lived in France and Cuba. Afterwards, I worked in several international companies and became a Sustainability Consultant.

A few years after meeting my husband, I became pregnant with our first child, and we moved to Manila for his job. It took me some time to get used to being a full-time parent in a tropical country. Then, we moved to Bangkok, where I joined a mothers group as a volunteer for the charities commission.  We moved once more, this time to Tokyo. After giving birth to our second child, I found the opportunity to start a business of my own: my goal was to start a local branch of NOOX Designs, which designs child-safe fabric souvenirs for ‘tiny grown-ups.’

After conducting my own feasibility research, I joined FEW and the FEW Women’s Start-Up Club. The resources and women from these groups helped me find inspiration, motivation, support and practical information to launch my business. I then started ordering my own stock and creating sales channels.

I really enjoy having my own business. Although of course it can be hard to start from the ground up, I also find it challenging and satisfying. It’s such a pleasure to realize that I have accomplished something great that I initially had no clue about!

Unfortunately, my family and I will be moving from Tokyo at the end of this month. I cannot take NOOX Tokyo with me, but I would LOVE it if someone else in Tokyo would take over and enjoy the role as I have. If you would like to run your own business and have the freedom to manage your own products and time along with the support of a group of ladies across Asia, please check http://www.nooxdesigns.com and contact me for more information!

You can learn more about NOOX and contact Armanda at: armanda.nooxdesigns@gmail.com .