Our Why: NNS LLC Holdings Company
is a Proud Veteran, Woman and Minority -Owned Company
Natasha Norie Standard: Her Story
Combat Veteran, CEO and Founder, Norie Shoes and Eqwal Footwear
Natasha Norie Standard gained the leadership, management and organizational
skills that support her as founder and CEO of two thriving footwear companies from
an unusual source: the United States Army. Her ability to set goals, a course for
implementation, and motivate teams, were formed by managing 6,500 people as a
Company Commander and her direct responsibility for a $684 million supply chain
contract.
During the 15 years that the Bronze Star awarded Airborne Logistics Officer served
in the U.S. armed forces in Italy, Iraq, and Germany, Standard’s skills were proven
as she supervised supply chain logistics for equipment and personnel on a global
scale. She learned to trust her judgement and hone the traits that make her a
successful entrepreneur: being decisive, strategic, research-driven, analytical,
technical, and unstoppable.
Today, Natasha Standard’s two footwear divisions include Eqwal and Norie Shoes.
In 2020, Eqwal developed the first military combat boots designed specifically for
women. Surprisingly, female service members today still wear boots designed for
men. Eqwal was selected by the business accelerator NYU Tandon Veteran’s
Future Lab for 20-21, and is being considered for the SBIR/AFWERX accelerator
program for the next stage of development. The mission of Norie Shoes, founded
in 2017, is comfortable, stylish and high quality shoes at an “affordable luxury” price
point.
After leaving the Army, Standard worked for Williams Sonoma as Global Supply
Chain Manager for two years. There she recognized her calling and passion for
fashion, and decided to “bet on herself,” which became her personal motto.
Standard’s supply chain experience drove her desire to know everything about
designing, producing, distributing and selling shoes. She pursued two Masters of
Arts degrees, and moved to Milan to study with footwear experts at the prestigious
Arsutoria School.
Standard graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in marketing from Hampton University
in Virginia. She earned a Master of Arts from Webster University, and a Master of
Arts from Savannah School of Art and Design. She holds a Professional Diploma
from the Arsutoria School in Milan, Italy.
Committed to supporting her community, Standard created the Norie Foundation
which mentors high school students who have aged out of the foster care system.
She is a member of The Links, Inc., and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
OUR MISSION
Excellence at Every Step
We want to change the future of women’s footwear and design, moving away from “pain is beauty” towards luxury that combines unique fashion with comfort and performance.
In the face of fast fashion, we focus on Italian Artisan craftmanship, quality material and a shoe that is truly designed for the female foot. Everything we make and sell is built to last by the worlds best Italian Artisans and shoe designers. We cut out the middleman and sell directly, to save you up to 50% compared to other retailers while still using the finest materials.
The Norie Shoe Company specializes in taking a commonsense approach to women’s luxury footwear design, offering 1) premium quality materials, 2) never designing with a 4-inch high heel as a rule, 3) presenting a platform on sneakers, and 4) choosing a block heel in design over a stiletto heel.
OUR BELIEF
Women's Organic Power
"It is my entrepreneurial mission to design the most beautiful handcrafted yet wearable and walkable Italian made shoes that foster a woman’s organic confidence."
REPRESENTATION MATTERS
Our Shoes Are Named After Powerful Women
