Name: Liora Saad
Brand: Toodles Noodles – New Zealand Made and Owned
Job Title: Designer chick who owns the company
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
We love Liora’s cute and quirky stationery stylings!
1. What did you want to be when you were a little ‘un?
I loved going to the aquarium and really wanted to be a marine biologist! I love all the colours that you can find in the blue ocean.
2. What made you decide to start your own brand?
I’ve always had a soft spot for stationery and gift wrap. I found myself having some time on my hands a little ways back and thought how I’d love to start my own company. I was in a position where I had nothing holding me back. So I started working on some designs and took the plunge and opened my own Etsy store.
3. How would you describe your style of work?
My designs are all very minimilist using soft colours. It has a cheeky, quirky twist to it but overal is the kind of work that makes you say “aww”.
4. What is the best and worst thing about being a designer?
Being your own critique. I never believe my designs are quite finished. Being your own boss you are exposed to every part of the industry which brings a whole new level of intensity when you design a piece. You have to think more about if it’s pretty, but is it efficient to create, will the market buy it, can I produce it at the correct price, and will that in the end jeopardize my original design and vision. It’s one big balancing act. In saying that, I am my own boss, so in the end what I say goes – a win!
5. What is your favourite creative outlet?
Going to a cafe with my notebook with a whole afternoon ahead of me and just letting my imagination lead the way. Those afternoons are the most inspiring and successful work sessions.
6. There’s got to be something you’re shit at?
I can’t draw perspectives for the life of me. When I was taking drawing and painting classes while studying in Italy, that was my biggest challenge. And still to this day, I suck. I can draw you a bunny, flowers, any kind of lettering but just don’t ask me to draw you a house!
7. What are your top 5 websites/blogs at the moment and what makes them stand out?
Pinterest – such a great source of inspiration and finds.
Etsy – it’s great to see what other small business owners are up to. It can be a bit of a trial and error but when you strike gold, there are some real gems on there
Smitten Kitchen – I LOVE cooking and that woman knows some good recipes
DesignSponge – a great source of inspiration both visually and great source of knowledge
8. Date, Marry, Kill… List any celebrity (dead or alive)
Date: Richard Branson – not a movie celebrity but he fits the category. That man knows business, so he may not enjoy a “date” with me but I would pick his brain from here to high heaven
Marry: Ryan Reynolds, if we had to go on looks and personalities played in movies this would be my pick, hands down. I mean have you seen The Proposal, who couldn’t fall in love with that character.
Kill: I would kill to have Jennifer Aniston’s body – I mean common….
9. So in the next couple of years your brand takes off like a rocket, multi million dollar offers start coming though the door. Do you stick with it? Sell out? Start again? What and where will you end up in 10 years time?
One day the goal is to own my own shop! It would be a lovely boutique selling small designer products ranging from candles, to home ware stationery all the things we don’t “need” but “want”. Somewhat like the home section of Anthropology but on a much smaller scale.
10. What song or album are you currently listening to and is it any good?
I’m addicted to Florence and the Machine Lungs, can have it on repeat and listen to the album for hours.
Our absolute favourite item from Toodles Noodles is Liora’s ‘One Day At A Time’ notepad. This little gem has kept us from pulling out our hair and reaching for the gin. We also love Liora’s super cute calender so if you haven’t got yours already, get cracking! Check out more of Liora’s designs here.
Liora’s In the zone Playlist
“Whether its a big work session ahead, walking to the gym, cleaning the house, or a big baking session infront of me – this music gets me in the zone. I have these songs a others on my iphone in a current mix titled “fun times” because all those activities listed are things I enjoy and therefore relate this music to good times. The music pumps me up with great levels of energy that will help me face whatever challenge is put infront of me.”
Sail – AWOLNATION
S&M – Rihanna
Turbulence – Ministry of Sound
Hometown Glory (remix) – Adele
Rock This Party – Ministry of Sound
Holiday – Dizzee Rascal
Barbara Streisand – Duck Sauce
Tonight – Ludacris
POWER – Kanye West
My House – Kids of 88
