We recently had the chance to connect with Lubna Najjar and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Lubna , thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
Coffee in hand, walking my dog on the river walk in front of my condo, listening to a podcast and meditation.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a strategic innovation and brand development executive with more than 15 years of experience in shaping the fashion industry. I have built and scaled lifestyle and consumer brands, taken them to market, helped them to express who they are and how they connect with the world. I’m the Founder of IL Moda Brands, where I’ve guided over 150 labels from concept to market, helping founders merge creative identity with strategic, data-informed growth.
My work sits at the intersection of culture, visual storytelling, and business strategy. I’m currently completing my Doctorate in Business Administration, and I’m the co-author of The Power of Branding in Fashion, a university textbook exploring how brand identity, culture, and consumer behavior shape the fashion industry which is used as mandatory curriculum at various fashion schools in the USA.
Many of my projects and brand initiatives have been featured across major media outlets, and my strategic and creative work has appeared in publications such as CFDA Guild, Forbes, USA Today, Good Morning America, The Huffington Post, Business Insider, and Fashion Week Daily. These features highlight the cultural and business impact of the brands I’ve built and the ecosystems I’ve helped grow.
Today, my focus extends into growing IL Moda Brands and optimizing our mastertools into benefits for our clients and potential brands we will be working with in the new year with the first-ever industry trademarked tool called the IL Moda Smart Studio and the Smart Studio Retail which matches designer brands with the retailers that match them perfectly to get their products in store. The tool will also help brands create visuals, brand development and business presentations, linesheets, tracking tools, vendor forms and more.
Whether I’m building brands, consulting corporate organizations, developing visual narratives, or researching cultural behavior, my goal is always the same: to help companies express their identity with authenticity, intention, and long-term impact.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As an Arab immigrant in the USA, I tried so hard to fit in and be like everyone else at such a young age, and now, I believe from the deepest part of me that what makes me so special is how different I am and I honor that every day with my purpose and my work.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Absolutely! As a multi-business owner and self made entrepreneur, I most gave up too many times. But I just kept going. Sometimes we get distracted by people, opinions, the state of the world etc. I am grateful for the hard days as they made me stronger.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
A cultural and moral value I protect above all is that money does not define success. It is means to an end but it is not the goal. Money comes and goes but succeed must be defined by purpose and deep cause. I stand by this the older and more experience I have in life and in business.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
When I am with my family, all under one roof. It sounds so simple and so easy but it’s one of the hardest things to do anymore.
Contact Info:
- Website: Thelubnanajjar.com, ilmodabrands.com, ilmodaedit.com
- Instagram: @lubna__najjar
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lubnanajjar
Image Credits
IL MODA Brands
