Meet Nataasja Isard

We were lucky to catch up with Nataasja Isard recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Nataasja, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

I found my purpose when I realized fashion could be more than just how things look and how it could actually make a difference. Growing up in Indonesia, I saw how much waste the industry creates, and it pushed me to start reworking materials and turning them into something new. Over time, sustainability became more than just a design approach, it became part of who I am. For me, it’s about creating with intention and showing that beauty can come from being responsible too.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I focus on sustainable design and knitwear. What I love most is how every fabric has its own story — even the ones people throw away. There’s something really meaningful about taking something worn out or forgotten and turning it into something new.

For me, fashion isn’t just about making things look good; it’s about creating with purpose and care. I like experimenting with texture and shape to show that even “waste” can become something valuable again. Lately, I’ve been exploring more ways to work with leftover yarns and zero-waste techniques, just pushing myself to see how far I can go with what already exists.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, I think the three things that really helped me were curiosity, persistence, and adaptability.

Curiosity kept me going — always wanting to learn new things, experiment with materials, and figure out how things work. It’s what keeps design exciting for me.

Persistence definitely mattered too. There were so many times things didn’t go as planned — samples failed, deadlines were tight — but learning to keep going, even when it’s messy, taught me a lot.

And adaptability — that’s a big one. Entering unfamiliar spaces, working with different teams, or even just switching directions in a project — being open to change helped me grow faster than I expected.

For anyone starting out, I’d say: stay curious, don’t give up when it gets hard, and be open to wherever the process takes you. It’s not always linear, but that’s what makes it worth it.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

I’ve learned that having a good community around you makes such a huge difference. Being surrounded by people who believe in your potential and cheer you on especially on the days you want to give up really helps you stay grounded and positive. Their support kept me going more times than I can count.

But at the same time, I’ve realized that at the end of the day, I’m the one who has to decide my next steps. No one can push for my growth except me. Choosing to stay in rooms where I can learn, be challenged, and constantly grow has helped me push my limits and become the designer I’m becoming.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataasjaardelia
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataasjaisard