BeatbyNordz – In the business of building confident women
NORDIA Brown describes her job as an obsession. It is not merely a collection of tasks that she completes daily for compensation, it is a duty that occupies her mind and every fibre of her being and it goes way beyond an eight-hour work day. She is the owner, model, procurement officer and customer service representative for BeatbyNordz digital boutique.
Brown has always been known to be stylish. Working at one of Jamaica’s largest media organisations, she would always be turning heads with her professional style. Whenever she travelled overseas, she would return with pieces for her co-workers who always received compliments on their fits to which they responded “beat by Nordz”. With her unofficial models, Brown’s popularity as a stylist began to grow and so she started getting not only orders, but demands for classy pieces.
Changing jobs, Brown saw the opportunity to expand her passion while being a mother of two, a wife and having a full-time job. Over time, the demands multiplied. With a very supportive sister, and the popular social platform, Brown developed an efficient and responsive system and she was able to deliver timeless classy pieces to her loyal customers.
“My sister has been an integral part of my operation. She packages and disseminates all the packages. She is the one who is on the ground and liaises with couriers to ensure the best service experience,” Brown shared.
The novel coronavirus pandemic hit and so the dynamics of the world changed. While sadness and uncertainty rose to alarming levels, Brown, too, was affected. Yes, there were still a few who supported the business, but for the majority of her customers, the focus had shifted, especially since there was nowhere to go. As she tried to adjust to the new norm, Brown saw herself being overwhelmingly grateful. She took stock of the importance of her support system and wanted to share with those who were less fortunate. She managed to help more than 10 families who were in distress at the time.
As she continued to reflect, she made the huge decision to resign her nine to five and follow her passion and obsession of building confidence in women.
“I don’t know how to explain it but seeing how happy I make other women when they feel confident, that always makes my heart smile. It’s not about just selling the clothes, it’s the relationship that comes with it,” she shared.
Her decision to invest full-time in her business has also allowed her to be more present at home with her children and her husband, which is of utmost importance to her.
Now, Brown is involved in every aspect of her business. She has an intimate relationship with her customers as she has an open WhatsApp line which she personally responds to every request or concern. All her pieces are handpicked by her.
“I physically go to the shopping district to source all my pieces. I try them, touch them, stretch them just to make sure they are good enough for my customers. I then take great care in showing how they can be styled so I have to steam press the samples — my daughter used to do this part but she quit on me so I have to do it, and my son gathers all my shoes and accessories and then I get my Tyra Banks on.”
Brown also shared that her husband is extremely supportive as he conducts the shoots for her website and social media posts and also has to double as her motivator, confidence booster and also soaks up her tantrums.
The entrepreneur is also supportive of others who are on the same path or who want to begin. “You will get 100 views before you get 100 likes. They still see you. The support will come. Just keep working, Nobody wants to be a part of the movement until it’s moving,” she said.
