
The Story Behind Noiraud & Carry the Load
Noiraud Shop LLC was born from the personal journey of Thérèse Mbaye, who was born and raised in Senegal, West Africa. As a creative director, Thérèse transformed her childhood insecurities into a celebration of self-acceptance and empowerment. Growing up, Thérèse was often called “Noiraud”—meaning “swarthy”—because of her dark skin, experiencing the painful reality of colorism. Like many who have felt out of place, she struggled with self-esteem, even considering skin bleaching to fit in.
But Thérèse’s story is also one of resilience, inspired by the powerful women around her—especially the African women who, in the face of adversity, carried the heaviest of burdens with unwavering dignity and strength. As a young girl, Thérèse was one of those women: walking miles to fetch water, balancing 17-gallon buckets on her head, and enduring long periods without water or electricity. In those moments of scarcity, these women did not complain or wait for rescue; they took action, finding solutions and providing for their families and communities, no matter the obstacles.
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This spirit of perseverance and resourcefulness became the foundation of Noiraud Shop. “Carry the Load” is Thérèse’s tribute to the women who taught her that true strength is not just about endurance, but about rising to meet life’s challenges with grace and determination. The act of carrying physical loads became a metaphor for carrying emotional and societal burdens—and doing so with pride.
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At Noiraud, every piece is more than an accessory; it’s a symbol of confidence, authenticity, and the power of embracing your story. The “Carry the Load” collection honors the resilience of African women and encourages everyone to walk boldly in their truth, carrying their own stories with pride and self-acceptance.

Why Noiraud
At Noiraud Shop LLC, we believe true luxury is rooted in authenticity and empowerment. Our mission is to elevate African craftsmanship, honor artistry, and inspire confidence. Every creation is a testament to the strength found in self-acceptance and the beauty of carrying your own load—with pride.