We had the good fortune of connecting with Noora Pohjanen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Noora, we’d love to start by asking you about lessons learned. Is there a lesson you can share with us?

Make mistakes and learn from it ! Also, never hesitate to ask questions. I have learned everything so far in my designing career just by doing mistakes and learning from it, I never went to college and received degree for this profession. I do think education is really important ! But I also think that in schools they give you the tools and the answers right away. Which is not always a bad thing either. But when you try to find the answers alone first you’ll learn so much more problem solving skills. And there are so many different ways to learn than just sit in the school. Since I’ve learned pretty much everything by myself instead of learning in school, I needed to find other ways to find answers and help alone. It took me a long time to find the right people next to me who I can ask help and advice when needed. There are always people ready to give their opinions and their thruths and answers but it’s also really important to find THE right people. So you’re not just asking questions but the right questions from the right people who actually care about you.

For the longest time I tried to survive alone. After I started to open my mouth and work as a team with other people in the industry I found myself having so much more fun and learning new skills faster and avoiding mistakes. Working with others is so much more fulfilling than working alone.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

I started designing really young and started my business before graduating from high school. I was so young and full of energy and didn’t second guess anything. Which was a good thing! Everything started so fast in so I never did have time to sit down and really think it thru or make big goals or plans. One job led to another and now ten years later I can still work full-time as a designer. Which is crazy to even say out loud.

Nowadays I mostly design costumes for dancers and gymnasts for their performances and competitions. Sometimes I also make everyday clothing such as sweatpants and hoodies etc. I’m also working as a professional dancer so it’s really important for me I can combine both of my careers. Sometimes people get confused what’s my job because I dance and design. People have tried to put me in such a small boxes based on where they know me, either I’m a dancer or designer but for some reason for a lot of people it’s hard to understand I’m doing both, dance and design . For me it’s just all about creating art and I love the fact that I’ve been able to find a way multiple different ways to put my art out.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

I love nature so I’d take them to hike or to the beach. Venice area has some really good vegan food spots I always love to visit. I also love to spent my time in museums and art galleries in Downtown or Hollywood area.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

I’d like say thank you to everyone who I have worked with, to all of my customers and of course to my family and friends. Without my co workers I wouldn’t have the skills I have right now. They have helped me and shared their knowledge when I needed answers and help. My customers, no matter if they have ordered one costume or the ones who keep coming back year after year, they are the ones who are believing in me and keeping me busy. I’m so grateful for them! They have challenged me in so many ways and because of their crazy ideas what they want in their costumes I’ve learned so much. And of course I’m so grateful for my family and friends. Without their support since day one I wouldn’t be here. So thankful for every single one I’ve met thru my work who have believed in me and my talent.

Instagram: @noorapohjanen @ateljeepohjanen

Image Credits
Tanssipiste Loiste, Divet Drag Show, Olarin Voimistelijat, Move School Espoo, IAF company, Petri Kekkonen, Sebastian Visa

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.