LAUNCHING:
HANA NOGUCHI
Company:
Lickalix Ltd & Hana Noguchi Photography
THE BIG QUESTIONS
WHAT IS YOUR PROFESSIONAL TITLE?
I’m a freelance photographer and content creator but also a marketing mastermind in my full-time job at LICKALIX LTD.
WHAT DO YOU DO ON A DAY-TO-DAY BASIS?
Every single day is different but at LICKALIX, I create/post content, work on packaging and product development, and do everything in my power to raise brand awareness for LICKALIX. Then in the evening, I’m usually sorting through photos, editing them and posting them on socials. Weekends are for shooting so I’m busy planning all the time.
WHAT DID YOU WANT TO DO WHEN YOU WERE A CHILD AND WHAT CHANGED?
For as long as I could remember I wanted to be an editor in chief of a fashion magazine (Vogue to be exact) in NYC! When I didn’t get accepted into the journalism program at NYU, I decided to move to London and have exposed myself to other experiences.
WHAT ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS DO YOU HAVE?
I have a Bachelors in Communications (Creative Arts).
WHAT’S THE BEST CAREER ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN?
This is cliché but to follow your dreams no matter what. I see why people say it… passion projects take consistency, patience and persistence. If you love something you have to keep reaching for it and working towards it. I’m doing it every single day.
WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL AND WHY?
My dad… he’s taught me the meaning of sacrifice and why not everyone in the world can be the big fish. Sometimes to strive for the bigger picture and the long term goal, we must be patient and make sacrifices. He sacrificed his passions and life so that I can have a future… and I will be forever grateful for that. I’m also inspired by my boyfriend Dan who really pushes me and drives me to keep working hard and producing work… him and I have this amazing partnership and have created some beautiful projects together like ’10 Days One Road’ and ‘Faroese Memories’. And my girlfriends… I don’t know where I’d be without them. I have some kickass babes who challenge me as a person and as a creative. I also can’t leave out my directors at LICKALIX. Karis and I drive each other insane but she’s taught me about work ethic, organisation and about taking the initiative in different situations. She’s been guiding me and I’m really thankful for the life and business lessons she continues to teach me every day.
WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT YOUR CURRENT WORKING ENVIRONMENT?
I love my team and colleagues. They’re a group of women and men who really believe in equal rights and don’t judge. We’re a mixed group of individuals and come from all parts of the world.
WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE ABOUT YOUR DAILY WORK ROUTINE IF YOU COULD AND WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 5 YEARS' TIME?
I don’t love the Monday to Friday 9-6 rhythm. It can be a little tedious and repetitive sometimes. Especially those months where there isn’t as much going on. I love the freelance lifestyle… waking up early and getting sh*t done until late lunch then taking the afternoon to unwind and experience the sunshine and cultural activities in London… then going back to work in the comfort of your home until late at night! Very unrealistic, I know but that’s the dream!
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I’m a planner so I have a very detailed vision of where I will hopefully be… I will be a full time freelance content creator, a brand consultant and a director of my own production company and guiding young individuals to also reach their dreams.
DO YOU FEEL YOU CAN BE THE SAME PERSON AT WORK AND IN PRIVATE?
Yes… almost too much. I think it’s why people feel so close to me but I do realise that I need to draw a line. It hasn’t happened yet, oops!
WHERE AND IN WHAT ROLES ARE WOMEN IN THE LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE AT YOUR COMPANY?
Actually I’m quite proud to say that all three women in the company have senior titles (at LICKALIX). I have a big influence in the decision making process which I’m really proud of as I’ve worked hard to help build the brand identity and have a very close friendship and working relationship with the founders.
DOES DIVERSITY MATTER TO YOU?
I think next to equality, it’s the next most important aspect of a workplace, especially in big cities like London. It’s so important to be surrounded by different cultures, heritages and people of all skin colours, backgrounds, and religions. If we base our opinions off of textbooks and the media outlets, we won’t have a human perception of the world. I think diversity keeps us grounded… it’s almost like a home… a foundation of a home…
HOW GOOD IS YOUR WORK LIFE BALANCE?
Awful. All I do is work but I think it’s because I love it… and outside of my full time job, I constantly am looking for other work and passion projects.
WHAT QUALITIES DOES BEING IN YOUR ROLE NECESSITATE?
Organisation, honesty, patience and being surrounded by friends and colleagues who ground you.
ANY FINAL COMMENTS?
These are some very long answers but thank you for getting to know all these amazing women!