MY ACTIVEWEAR BRAND
4 years ago, I combined my love of fitness and design, to create LEON NORD. Focusing on small batch production and sustainable solutions, I have been working with all aspects from design, to manufacturing and sourcing, to marketing.
UPDATE: AS OF 2023 I have closed down my small business. Please contact me to see a virtual walkthrough of my online shop and all the work I did on the website.
Designing fashion forward activewear for the nordic market was where I began. From sewing samples in my living room and having them tested with various manufacturers globally, I was able to launch my first collection in 2018 consisting of 4 styles.
​
Along with the design of the clothing, I then started to work on the branding by creating the logo, taking pictures and designing the e-commerce site. Luckily, I am surrounded by amazing friend and family who were excited to get in front of the camera when I needed models! My past experience working with photographers and agencies came in handy when I needed to generate all the material myself.
Branding of LEON NORD was very important to me. Coming from a design background, I became a perfectionist when it came to launching my site and social media channels.
​
Very quickly, LEON NORD became my full time job (s). Many hats were put on every day as I continued to update the website, find new and interesting social media trends to recreate in LEON NORD's own way and also reply to customer emails. Photography quickly became a new passion of mine as I knew exactly how I wanted the social media channels to look in relation to the website and could create the media myself. This is where I feel I flourished in my own business.
I faced so many new challanges I hadn't before in my professional career and found these all so intriging. No one else could solve them except me. I believed I had to learn quickly and rely only on myself to get tasks done!
​
My second collection proved to be a winner. It was the smallest collection however, knowing you designed a trending pair of leggings, is truly a win! I designed the Matcha Leggings. A glossy pair of leggings that feel like butter. They earned a spot on ELLE.UK. Truly a milestone and great accomplishment for me.
At LEON NORD, I believe I can do things differently. That is why I have decided to put our planet and the environment first. A lot of the problems the fashion industry creates can be avoided but do not necessarily align with optimising profits (e.g., overproduction, using way too many plastics, riding on trends ...)
​
​
LEON NORD products are made in small limited edition batches and waste is minimised as no items are thrown away. Limited Edition Designs are great, because it makes them even more unique! Returned / faulty items are donated or sold through sample sales. Big brands throw away up to 40% of their items, which they can afford as they make enough money on the ones you buy - sounds sad doesn't it?
​
I believe the fashion industry and the way companies operate today is not the right way - I don't claim to have found a solution either. However, I do know that there are choices to be made which can help. Unfortunately, big companies mainly exist to make a profit and I am trying to show it can be done differently.
​
​
