Noor Essa — Portfolio

Noor Essa

Founder of streetwear label ADAPA, Baghdad marketing agency Daraj and interior design business Yona Interior. Former COO at Yona Department Store. Studying Politics with Business Management at Queen Mary University of London, and working across business, marketing, fashion and retail.

IstanbulSchool · Harvey Nichols
BaghdadYona · Daraj
LondonQueen Mary · Now

Ventures

Three businesses, built from scratch

Streetwear label · Since 2022

A streetwear brand I founded and run. I design the collections and graphics myself in Adobe Illustrator, and handle production, sales, suppliers and the brand's social presence.

  • RoleFounder & CEO
  • DesignCollections, graphics
  • RunsProduction, sales, marketing
Instagram · @adapa.official ↗
Marketing agency · Baghdad · Since 2026

Daraj

A marketing agency giving Baghdad businesses social media, branding and content. I win the clients, lead the pitches, set campaign strategy and direct the creative work.

  • RoleFounder
  • ServicesSocial, branding, content
  • LeadsPitches, strategy, creative
Instagram · @daraj.iraq ↗
Interior design · Iraq · Since 2025

An interior design business I founded and lead. I take projects from the first consultation through to final installation, and run strategy, operations and client relationships.

  • RoleFounder & CEO
  • DeliversConsultation to installation
  • RunsSuppliers, budgets, marketing
Instagram · @yona.interiors ↗
+40%

Yona Department Store · 2024–2026Sales growth as COO, after bringing marketing in-house instead of paying outside agencies and building direct relationships with clients.

Experience

Record of work

  1. 2026 – Now

    Founder

    Daraj · Baghdad, Iraq
    @daraj.iraq ↗
    • Founded an agency offering social media, branding and content to local businesses.
    • Lead client acquisition, pitch meetings and campaign strategy.
    • Oversee creative direction and content production.
  2. 2025 – Now

    Founder & CEO

    Yona Interior · Iraq
    @yona.interiors ↗
    • Founded and lead an interior design business: strategy, operations and client relationships.
    • Oversee projects from first consultation to final installation.
    • Manage supplier sourcing, budgeting and brand marketing.
  3. 2022 – Now

    Founder & CEO

    ADAPA · Streetwear
    @adapa.official ↗
    • Lead design, production and sales.
    • Design collections and graphics in Adobe Illustrator.
    • Manage marketing, social media and supplier relationships.
  4. 2024 – 2026

    Chief Operating Officer

    Yona Department Store · Iraq
    @yona.iq ↗
    • Grew sales by 40% through client relationships and an in-house marketing team.
    • Ran daily store operations, inventory and staff coordination.
    • Built the marketing function: campaigns, promotions and social media.
  5. Jun – Aug 2023

    Personal Shopping Intern

    Harvey Nichols · Istanbul, Turkey
    • Helped personal shoppers prepare styling selections for clients.
    • Managed client appointments, correspondence and follow-ups.
    • Assisted with in-store client events and stock coordination.

About

Education

  • BA Politics with Business ManagementQueen Mary University of LondonSep 2026 – Jun 2029
  • University Foundation ProgrammeWorthgate School · A*AB2025 – 2026
  • High School DiplomaBritish International School, Istanbul2017 – 2024

Skills

  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Social media marketing
  • Brand development
  • Retail operations
  • Leadership
  • Client relationships
  • Negotiation
  • Communication
ArabicNative
EnglishFluent
TurkishFluent

Contact

Let's work together

enquiries@nooressa.world

Open to opportunities in business, marketing, fashion and retail. Based in London.