Noora Raj Brown - Josefina Muse #48

Noora Raj Brown is the founder of NRB Creative, a boutique agency spanning brand marketing, creative direction, interior design, and editorial; all driven by her refined and sophisticated aesthetic. Today, she is considered one of the most brilliant and influential voices in fashion and beauty communications, known for her sharp perspective and her rare ability to articulate culture with both elegance and depth.

Before launching her own agency, Noora served as Executive Vice President of Brand at Goop, where she played a pivotal role in transforming the company from a niche newsletter into a global lifestyle authority. Her work has earned some of the industry’s highest recognitions, including a Cannes Lions award, and brands across the U.S. and Europe continue to seek her vision and voice. Noora is one of the rare figures every brand dreams of working with.

Since stepping into entrepreneurship, Noora has entered a new chapter: one defined by creative freedom and a steady flow of sought-after collaborations. From designing the interiors of a home in Beverly Hills to advising fashion and beauty brands or consulting on long-term strategy, she moves fluidly and confidently across disciplines.

She is also the writer behind Objects of Desire, her weekly Substack newsletter: a brilliant, sharply written exploration of what we buy and what it reveals about who we are. Today, it also subtly captures her life in Paris, translating the essence of the Parisian art de vivre through her uniquely attuned, elegant, and incisive eye.

All of this unfolds as Noora settles into her new life in Paris, discovering the city alongside her husband Ryan and daughter Lily. 

Noora, you are the founder of NRB Creative, could you please explain us what does exactly this envolve?

I run a small creative agency, called NRB Creative, where we operate a few different services: brand marketing, creative direction,  interior design, and editorial. Each day is different, but it all falls under the idea of taste, specifically focused on fashion and interiors. I also write a weekly newsletter, called Objects of Desire, about what we buy and what that tells the world about who we are.

What do you like the most about your job?

How creative and varied it is. One day, I’ll be designing a living room, scouring Pierre Frey for fabric samples, and the next, I’m working on brand identity and GTM strategy for a new fashion brand.

What does a typical day look like? How do you balance work, social and family?

I wake up around 7:30, and on a good day, I do a workout class (either hot yoga or Pilates) or go on a hike near my house. Then I take calls and do appointments for a few hours before taking my daughter, Lily, to school. She currently goes to school on the Stanford Campus, and so I sneak into the library and do my heads down work there while she’s at school. I’m definitely the oldest person there, but it’s a gorgeous old library, which I find very comforting. And after picking her up, I’ll spend a little time with her before going back to work, meeting friends for dinner or going to an event. There’s never enough time, but I strive for balance, not perfection. If I have a busy few weeks at work, or a lot of travel, I’ll carve out an afternoon for a special family outing.

I’m moving to Paris next month, so I’m sure my typical day will change when I’m there, but I hope it’ll have the same components: a workout, some time to be in flow with work, time to be present with my family and friends.

If you could have a drink with one icon (dead or alive) who would it be? where in Paris would you take him/her? and what would you ask him/her?

Maybe Toni Morrison, who has been one of my favorite authors since high school. Or I’d be eternally cliche and pick Eve Babitz. I’ve had many special evenings at Chateau Saint James, the Laura Gonzalez designed hotel in the 16th, where I often stay. It feels like a home away from home. But, Toni and Eve are much cooler than I am. I’d want them to pick.

What is the coolest vintage piece you’ve ever purchased or inherited and the story behind it?

I found this incredibly old, fragile, sort of ridiculous lamp made of plaster and lucite from the 18th century at Marché aux puces de Saint Ouen. It was ridiculously expensive, but something about it felt special and haunted, in the best way.

Favorite vintage Store in Paris? 

Mademoiselle Josephine. I’ve never left without finding one of my favorite things.

Favorite restaurant?

I just went to Ojii and absolutely loved it. The Japanese food, the sexy lacquer room, it’s transportive.

Other Favorite adresses in Paris?

Bistro des Tournelles for a quintessential French meal, Aux Pres, Le Grand Cafe (sitting outside is so quintessential Paris), Chateau Voltaire, Clamato and Tekes.

Tips for mums during pregnancy (sport or care routine?)

Listen to your body. Eat things you like. Go on long walks. And use belly oil.

How do you define your style? Tips for stylism during Pregnancy? 

Classic, vintage, sophisticated. I’m probably more dressed up more than most, but I gravitate towards streamlined silhouettes: lots of high waisted wide leg pants a great ballet flat, a boxy mini. I typically never wear tight dresses, but during pregnancy, I wore a lot of them in neutral colors and soft fabrics. And I love a flowy house dress, pregnant or not.

What do you like the most about motherhood?

Getting to know my daughter. She always surprises me.

What do you think is the biggest challenge as a mum?

Feeling like you know what you’re doing. Being present, and not pulled in a million directions.

Who inspires you as a mum?

I had children a little later in life (we tried for a number of years before it worked).  I was lucky to have many wonderful friends who had been through it all: juggling work and kids and their relationship and friends. They do it with such grace.

Which Josefina Bag did you choose and why?

The Sac de Voyage Cabine in Noir. It is so hard to find an oversized bag that you actually want to be seen with that also fits everything you need it to fit. This is actually my second Josefina bag. That’s how much I love them.