Maker: Isabella and Yanni of NO & YO

This company is fully inspired by the outdoors. It’s evident in their product and as you read this interview you will see how much of a part it has played in their business. Meet Isabella and Yanni and check out their company!

~Angie~

Please introduce yourself.

I, Isabella, and Yanni are founders of NO&YO; the Outdoor Inspired Lifestyle Clothing company.

I grew up in the Czech Republic but made the move right after high school to SoCal where I live now. I love spending as much time in the outdoors as possible and that’s what inspired me to start NO&YO.

Yanni is a dreamer and the inspiring force of NO&YO, he’s a visionary and has unlimited amount of energy and enthusiasm to propel NO&YO for many years to come.

What do you make or do?

We make great design tees, sweatshirts to die for and cool hats. We not only create the designs which are all inspired by the activities we can do outdoors but we also pay attention to the quality of tees, keeping in mind where our audience is going to take them. Outdoor use means lightweight, quick to dry and easy to pack. The tees are all a blend of 65/35 polyester cotton material and after they’re printed, all the tees get a wash to get super soft feel and even more comfortable.

Where can we find your creations?

You can find all of the tees and other clothing on our website at www.noandyo.com. You can also meet us in person at one of the many market shows on the weekends.

Is there an interesting story behind the name of your business?

The name of the business is one of the best conversation starters. So many people are baffled by what NO&YO could mean they end up asking us. NO&YO is based on the last name NOYOLA to leave legacy through the venture. People came up with some fun explanations for NO&YO though.

When you’re not making things, what do you do?

When we’re not making things, we like to spend as much time outdoors as possible. For that reason we also travel throughout the year to different market shows, anywhere from Austin and along the west coast to Seattle. It gives us the opportunity to access the local markets but also spend some time exploring each state or city. We camp, visit our brand ambassadors and enjoy what each area has to offer like paddle boarding, climbing or hiking. This year we’re planning to venture further East for more adventure.

Where do you find inspiration?

We find inspiration in the outdoors and our customers. Being outdoors where you can refresh your mind as well as your spirit, the inspiration is endless. And our customers also like to ask us for designs to include their favorite outdoor activity. Keep them coming!

What’s on the horizon for you and what you do?

There are huge plans for NO&YO this year. Starting from new fresh designs to developing the NO&YO offering to more variety like sweatshirts, hats, jackets as well as some accessories. We’re also expanding our wholesale market, defining brand ambassadors and modifying our manufacturing processes.

What would be your perfect day off?

A perfect day off would start early so that I can fit everything in. It would start with a challenging hike, great sushi for lunch, a movie and drinks with friends to end the day.

What inspiring advice would you give to other creatives be they established or just starting out?

I would advise them to just start. That may mean to start before they’re ready, before everything is in place, and before they feel really comfortable. People delay starting a business for so many reasons and sometime they don’t ever begin because everything is not the way they would want it. But if you’re really serious about building your own path, you just have to start because there will never be a so-called perfect time. NOW is as good time as ever!