Streetwear designer Naomi’s determination recognised with prestigious awards shortlisting.
An inspiring Birmingham streetwear brand founder who fought back from attempting suicide as a teenager has been shortlisted for an award recognising her vision and resilience.
Naomi Maria is a finalist in the Entrepreneur of the Year due to be held on Saturday, November 30, after her first year of business.
Naomi, 31, founded DETERMINED Streetwear last year to show others that despite their setbacks, they can conquer them.
https://www.determinedstreetwear.com/about-us
She has seen it help people who are suffering emotional health difficulties feel less hopeless, after she herself attempted to take her life as a teenager.
Naomi said: “DETERMINED stands for Determination Equals Trying Endlessly Regardless (of) Mountains, Individuals & Nonsense Every Day.
“I want it to be a statement that others and I can live by, that regardless of the trials (mountains), others (individuals) and setbacks (nonsense) you can overcome and be victorious.
“I want DETERMINED Streetwear to make people who feel hopeless feel hopeful, people who feel useless feel useful, and people who feel powerless to feel powerful.
“I’ve had people (some I know, and some are customers) say to me that my brand inspires them to achieve their goals in life, and they buy and wear my brand as motivation for themselves.
“Some of these people suffer with issues of mental health, and to know that my brand makes a difference to them is more than I could ever imagine.
“I can relate in that when I was a teenager from the ages of 13-17, I attempted suicide numerous times. At the age of 17, I then became a Christian because I knew someone was keeping me alive and I knew it wasn’t me cos I didn’t want to live, because prior to this I never saw a way out or really believed in God. This is why when I hear my brand makes people feel they have self-worth is just priceless.
“I’ve faced many challenges and setbacks in my life, but have always overcome them. I like to see things through to the end. I’ve always been told I’m a hard worker, but I see it as I’m determined to do well in everything I do.”
Naomi, a Coventry University Graphic Design graduate, who graduated with a 2:1 said she was delighted and grateful to have been shortlisted.
“So many remarkable people are being celebrated and I’m thrilled to be among them.”
MBCC Awards founder Zoe Bennett BEM said: “We’re delighted to recognise Naomi’s strength and determination with her motivational DETERMINATION brand. Our awards are all about highlighting people who help others and Naomi’s work achieves that daily.”
