Centereach clothing brand Noravie honors founder’s mother through fashion

Lehdis Zomerfeld launched her Centereach-based clothing brand, Noravie, during her first month of maternity leave in June 2023. She had spent six months developing the business while working in the corporate world, drawing inspiration from her mother, Nora.

Nora died of cervical cancer at 44. Zomerfeld remembers her as someone who consistently put others’ needs ahead of her own, including while enduring an unhealthy relationship.

With Noravie, she wanted to honor her mother and encourage women to make room for themselves.

“I wanted it to empower women to feel better about themselves,” she said.

A self-described former “fashion girl,” Zomerfeld developed an interest in fitness and found herself spending more time in athleticwear. That shift helped shape Noravie’s mix of workout clothing and everyday pieces.

But she also wanted the clothes to serve as a personal reminder.

“When I wear this, I’m not only going to take care of myself, but I’m not tolerating anything that no longer serves me,” she said.

Building the brand

Noravie has reached customers across Long Island and as far away as Hawaii, according to Zomerfeld. Many first discovered it at local pop-ups and other in-person events.

Its latest collection, The Follow Through Drop, includes leggings, shorts, sports bras, tanks and coordinated sets. Zomerfeld said one of its bestsellers is the Follow Through Luxe Lounge Set, a matching sweatsuit.

The collection’s name refers to following through on the promises women make to themselves.

Building the business has brought moments of self-doubt, Zomerfeld said. At those times, she finds comfort in thinking about her mother and believing she would be proud.

Beyond the clothes

Zomerfeld has also organized community walks, including one in October at Dark Horse in Port Jefferson, and collaborated with other women-owned small businesses and local groups.

She said some customers have become close friends, and she regularly receives messages from women who connect with the brand’s message.

“When I see customers post photos of themselves wearing the brand on Instagram, it’s so heartwarming,” she said.

If you go

Shop Noravie’s collections at shopnoravie.com and follow @shopnoravie on Instagram for upcoming events and collaborations.

Athleticwear and everyday pieces from Noravie, the Centereach-based clothing brand founded by Lehdis Zomerfeld. (Photos by Rachel Markowitz/@shotbyrachel_)

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Top: Lehdis Zomerfeld at a recent Noravie community walk in Port Jefferson. (Photos by Rachel Markowitz/@shotbyrachel_)