I often ask myself, Is it worth it? I have never worked so hard for so little, and there’s a fine line between genius and stupidity. There’s also a limit to how long people are willing to work for zero pay.
But this last month has shown me why we have to keep trying. Being able to share the stage at Oslo Design Fair and Arendalsuka with Ragnhild Brochmann / Snøhetta / Minus / Fredrik Bull / Natural State and all of the amazing design talents from Norway feels incredibly good. A community of artisans and brands is coming together and creating a stronger voice and visibility for Norwegian design. We need this.
As Ragnhild Brochmann said so elegantly, there is nothing without friendship, community, and connection. NOVOOI is nothing without all of the brands, artisans, and partners that have come together and put so much of their time into Novooi. The people you meet along the way make everything worth it.
I cannot thank my co-founders and partners enough for their support on this journey. Helene Andersen, you are truly amazing, and I would be lost without you. Thank you for everything you have created at Oslo Design Fair, your strong creative direction, and most of all, your friendship. Liam Flood and Paul White, thank you for your trust in Novooi and your guidance in the finance and business world. I would have given up a year ago if I hadn’t met you both. Nils-Fredrik Winther-Kaland and Maksimer, thank you for leaping in and being the creative tech minds we need to scale Novooi! I am certain we can do this now with your help and expertise. Thank you Silje Johanne Låveg and the team at Oslo Design Fair, for giving us the opportunity and space to promote 12 design talents! Your support has also been crucial for Novooi and it has been so wonderful working with you the entire way.
Finally, thank you Becca Pierce, for being our photographer at Arendalsuka and Oslo Design Fair. I am so happy I met you and Mike, and I hope your new studio, StonerMakes and life in Norway will be everything you hope for.