Shopping on Saturday – nora fleming

I love it someone takes a clever idea and turns it into a successful business. Such is the case with Nora Napientek founder of nora fleming. After graduating from the University of Michigan with a degree in Political Science, Nora decided to explore a completely different vocation by starting her own paint-your-pottery-shop. Wanting to create unique serving platters for special occasions Nora came up the idea of an interchangeable dinnerware collection. She began by drilling holes in plates and gluing sticks on to anything miniature to adorn the plate.

After research and development, Nora took her “dressed up interchangeable dinnerware” concept on the road. Just as she had hoped the plates were a hit. “We were amazed at the response and still are,” she says. “People are clamoring over the platters and minis. Well done Nora!

What do you enjoy most about owning your own business?
Being in control of my own destiny. I never feel trapped. If I want to change something I can. If I want to change the look of my line, create something new, nix something old…I can. I also love working in my pjs with my babies running around. Not something most moms can (or want) to do.

What books are currently on your bedside table?
The Varieties of Scientific Experience-A Personal View of the Search for God by Carl Sagan; Second Glance by Jodi Picoult; Spider-Man versus Doc Ock (my son’s early reader we are working on).

What inspires your designs and creativity?
MY KIDS…without a doubt. Number one. They are so creative. They juxtapose, inverse, turn things inside out everyday. As we grow up we have these learned traits of what design should be. Color wheels and trigonometry…watch kids. Watch them draw, play dress up…they do what feels right. It is super inspirational. They rely on instincts.

What is your most prized possession?
My family. There is not a single material possession that would really upset me if it was lost or destroyed.

What is your idea of earthly happiness?
Inner peace. Tranquility. Contentment. Not sure if it will ever happen.

To what faults do you feel most indulgent?
Worry. I worry all the time. I wish I didn’t. I worry about worrying too much. It is exhausting, stupid and a total waste of time and energy. I am trying to learn that old lesson of “what will be will be.”