Meet Therese Mbaye

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Therese Mbaye. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Therese below.

Therese, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

Finding my purpose has been a journey filled with twists and turns, much like life itself. Like many, I followed the conventional path—getting an education, marrying, and raising a family. However, I never took the time to pause and truly reflect on what my purpose was. We often voice our dreams, saying things like, “I want to be this or that,” but how often do we dive deep into understanding who we really are and what we genuinely desire?

For me, it was through overcoming numerous obstacles and hardships that I began to uncover my true purpose. As a child, I was full of dreams, proclaiming that I would become the biggest model and designer in the world. But as life unfolded, I faced rejection and disappointment that pushed those dreams deep down, almost to the point of forgetting them entirely.

Yet, life has a way of bringing us back to our roots. The challenges I faced taught me that sometimes it’s through pain that we find the courage to confront our fears and rediscover our passions. For instance, during my middle and high school years, I often found solace in sketching clothes instead of paying attention in class. Those sketches were my escape—a way to channel my emotions and disconnect from the pain I was experiencing at the time as a sexual abuse survivor.

It wasn’t until later that I realized those sketches were more than just drawings; they were the seeds of my creativity, helping me navigate through tough times. Just like my favorite book the “Alchemist” we search and look and adventure just to end up realizing what we were looking for was right under our eyes the whole time. They ultimately led me to launch my own brand www.noiraud.com a manifestation of that little girl’s dream I had buried for so long. So I turned pain in power & purpose.

Today, I embrace the idea that our struggles can illuminate our path. Each challenge has been a stepping stone, guiding me back to my purpose and reminding me to dream big, just like I did as a child. I hope my journey inspires others to reflect on their own paths and to never underestimate the power of their dreams, no matter how distant they may seem.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

My name is Therese Mbaye, also known as the Bag Lady. I am the creative director and founder of Noiraud Shop LLC, as well as a confidence coach and motivational speaker. My journey has been one of passion and purpose, and I’m thrilled to share it with you!

Recently, I launched a collection of exclusive, limited-edition luxurious handmade bags crafted from Raffia—only 100 will ever be made. Each piece in “the Carry the Load”collection is not just a bag; it’s a symbol of empowerment and inspiration. These bags honor the resilience of women everywhere, reflecting the strength I witnessed in my mother and countless others who carry their burdens with grace and determination. Growing up, I saw how women around me, despite being tired and overwhelmed, continued to show up for love and family. This deep-rooted resilience is unteachable, and it inspired me to create a brand that celebrates self-acceptance, self-love, and the recognition of our worth.

In June, I was honored to be recognized as the Best Emerging Designer at the Florida Fashion Shows 2025. This accolade was not just a personal triumph; it served as a catalyst to showcase the endless opportunities for creativity in fashion as a means to empower and inspire others.

What makes my brand even more special is that our products are made in Africa by Africans, creating jobs and fostering craftsmanship in my homeland. As a first-generation immigrant, this endeavor fulfills a deep desire to give back to my community while honoring our rich heritage.

Excitingly, just a few days ago, we relocated our business to Los Angeles, California to expand our reach and share the beauty of African craftsmanship with a broader audience. I believe that through our bags, we can weave stories of strength, resilience, and empowerment, inviting everyone to embrace their own journeys.
I am going to navigating the environment in Los Angeles in order to get the bags in front of the ride audience, in movie sets, fashion & showrooms. And what a privilege and great way to start with an article with amazing magazine.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

At first, the journey felt overwhelming. I didn’t know where to start, but as I progressed, I discovered that three key qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge shaped my path:

1. Having the Courage to Take Action: It’s all about taking that first step, even when fear tries to hold you back. Courage is the fuel that propels you forward, allowing you to embrace uncertainty and move closer to your dreams.

2. Being Resourceful: Do your research to find exactly what you want and where to get it. It’s essential to merge your authenticity with your vision. Understand your unique voice and how to express it in a way that resonates with the world.

3. Knowing How to Bet on Yourself: This is perhaps the most important lesson I learned. For years, I sought investors and faced countless rejections. Ultimately, I took a leap of faith and used a portion of my alimony, right after my divorce, to invest in my own brand and bring my creative ideas to life.

The reality is that the longer we procrastinate, the less likely we are to take action. It’s crucial to set your intentions, focus on your goals, and have the courage to act—even if it means swimming through hundreds of “no’s.”

Along the way, you will encounter failures, but I believe these are valuable lessons that contribute to your growth. Each setback provides insights that help you improve and ultimately deliver a better product or service.

To anyone early in their journey, embrace these qualities. Develop your courage, be resourceful, and always bet on yourself. Your path may be challenging, but remember that every step you take brings you closer to your dreams

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Absolutely! As the Bag Lady, I’m on an exciting journey to launch my own clothing line as well and maybe become the “the dress lady “ 😂
featuring hundreds of unique designs for dresses and women’s outfits that I have accumulated and travelled with since high school all the way from my country in Senegal. My vision is to focus on creating high-quality, luxurious pieces made in Africa, and I’ve already assembled an incredible team to help bring this dream to life.

I’m actively seeking investors who share my passion for empowering women and supporting women-black-owned luxury businesses. My goal is to not only create beautiful clothing but to tell a story that resonates with many, celebrating the strength and resilience of women everywhere.

Additionally, I have a deep appreciation for art and would love to see my brand represented in movie sets and embraced by celebrities who champion small luxury brands. As I navigate this new city, I’m eager to connect with like-minded individuals who are passionate about high-end fashion and share my vision for showcasing our unique creations.

I’m particularly interested in collaborating with those in the high-end market who can help display a selection of my bags in upscale stores, highlighting their versatility and craftsmanship. Together, we can create something truly special that inspires and empowers others.

If you’re interested in collaborating or investing in a brand that stands for empowerment and authenticity, I’d love to hear from you! You can reach out to me directly through [email protected] or social media channels and all platforms @therese_mbaye Let’s connect and make magic happen together!

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Laura Fernandez photography
IG @laurafernandezphotography

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