Nada, how did you come to know about your passion for jewellery designing?
My fondest memory is sitting by the fireplace watching my grandmother’s delicate fingers weave pieces of art using string and her trusted crochet needle. I could sit for hours on end and never tire. I was fascinated with the intricate details of the pieces she created. I clearly recall the euphoric feeling I had the first time she held my hand and gently pressed my finger against that needle as she carefully guided me to tie my first knot. I knew back then and at the early age of 6 that I wanted to be an artist and an artisan.
Later as a teenager I aspired to emotionally connect with women around the world through my fine jewellery collections.
How do you define the style of your designs, I:e , the design DNA?
Nada G designs are contemporary timeless jewellery with an edge that has a soul, story and glamorous feel.
Who is the Nada G client?
When I work, I think of the powerful global woman, but I would rather not select the women, but let them select Nada G.
What are the sources of your inspiration?
My designs are a true reflection of my emotional sense, of my immediate surroundings and what invariably moves me. I am touched by everything I see and everyone I meet. It could be as simple as the icicles that were hanging down from the window of my parent’s house in the mountains to a sparkle in a child’s eye, so talking to myself, and digging deep into my soul is what kick-starts my ideas. I suppose that’s where my hard disc is
Having said so I think visiting and living in many countries have played a role in how I think about design, and one thing I claim is that Nada G jewellery has a global feel.
Can you take through the design process after your first sketching?
It is very challenging to create something unseen and unexpected, and that’s why I always aspire to explore my ideas.
Coming from an advertising background, I do not start by creating a piece, but instead I start by creating the concept of the collection which derives from certain feelings or experiences which I am going through, then I start sketching different items under the collection. Relevant items are then chosen based on different criteria. Prototypes are later produced, and accordingly a final selection is made.
What in your opinion sets the Nada G designs from others?
Going against established norms, the pieces exhibit fragility in their coarseness, docility in their textures, and vibrancy in their candid statements. Each piece of jewellery echoes a different sense of emotion, mirroring not only an adornment of the senses, but more so celebrating what they evoke to be a woman.
Every collection carries its own identity and is derived from my emotions; they all belong to one spirit, the Nada G spirit, so each one defines Nada G in its own way.
Having said that, I believe every piece we create has a soul.
What “Maison” of Jewellery do you admire and why?
I appreciate different work presented by different designers such as Cindy Chao, Lydia Courteille, Sevan Bicakci and many others…
Who would you like to see wearing your creations?
My biggest satisfaction is when the women appreciate and admire Nada G jewellery, no matter who she is.
Today Nada G boutique is located in Beirut Souks, can you tell us more about your expansion plans and the e-boutique project.
Besides our flagship boutique in Beirut Souks, Lebanon; Nada G is available in USA, London and now at Sauce Rocks Dubai.
Our plan is to grow our business in USA by expanding our presence.
As for e-boutique, at the moment we are already working with one and have plans to add more in 2016.
Being a mother, how do you manage between family and work?
I am an early riser, so I would say my day starts around 6am with my husband and three children.
By the time our little ones are all set, and on their way to daycare and school, I am already on my way for an hour at the gym. Then I rush to work to make sure I am there by 9am. In some cases even earlier.
I spend my day partly with the communication team, the financial team and myself at the office; with the sales team and the customers at the boutique; and with the production team and the stone setters at the workshop – the part that adds more glitter to my eyes!
I make sure to pass by the house to spend 30 minutes with the kids while they have their lunch, or share with them an activity, so I sort of learnt how to run in high heels rather than walk.
I also make sure I am at home early evening, but I am prone to going back to work, or working at night from home if need be.
I am the kind of person that needs to finish her to do list before going to bed.
You always say that your work is the true labor of love, can you tell us what is your personal motto and what do you still aim to achieve.
Being true to myself, creating with passion and transmitting feelings through my pieces is what I believe gives my pieces a soul. So I would say my motto is putting love in everything I do, and hoping to connect with the rest of the world through my timeless jewellery.
