Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneur is all-around design pro Golbou Rad, whose work is a showcase of world-leading contemporary, creative aesthetic. We caught up with her to find out what inspired her career and what she considers her guiltiest pleasure…
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WORK
Describe what you do in less than 140 characters. Go.
I am the founder of both Rad Design Inc (multidisciplinary design firm) and RADform (retail and design gallery). My goal is to add something unique to the Canadian design market. Whether I am creating my own designs or importing design products from European bands, I am constantly doing international design research to stay on top of new innovations and creative ideas.
What was the inspiration for your career route?
Since an early age, I was exposed to great design through my family’s travels and multi-continent relocations. Growing up in my parents’ strictly modern homes that were renovated and furnished with great attention to detail instilled a strong sense of design appreciation in me.
I spent my early years amongst the shores of Cote D’Azur and then Paris, followed by shorter stints in Los Angeles, the Middle East, and extensive travels through most of Western Europe. Europe, and especially Paris, has been a great inspiration to me. You can’t grow up in Paris and not be touched by art, architecture, design and love. It really taught me how to be passionate.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career so far?
Opening my own design showroom, RADform, which is also the office location for Rad Design Inc. To be surrounded by beautiful designs all day is heavenly! It also gave me a chance to showcase my design abilities since I am constantly redesigning the layout of the showroom with new design discoveries I have had an amazing response to the showroom, which went well beyond my expectations.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years, 10 years, 20 years?
Continuing to create and design. Continue to bring new ideas and products to the Canadian design market for myself and my colleagues in design to benefit from and enjoy.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Don’t be afraid to follow your dreams and don’t wait. A lot of young professionals think that they are young and have lots of time to choose a career path and reach their dreams, but in reality you need to figure out what you want to do and begin working at it as early as possible. The most successful people I know were working towards their success as young as their early twenties, if not younger.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is it (or they) important to you?
I have been volunteering for Rethink Breast Cancer for 14 years. I first joined Rethink right after a very close member of my family was diagnosed and went through a lengthy but thankfully successful battle with Breast Cancer. I was on the organizing committee for Boobyball since the beginning of it and, sadly, after about 12 years I finally stepped down due to my busy work schedule with my two companies. I still volunteer for them when I can.
I also support the National Ballet of Canada and I am an Ambassador for the Turnout Program.
I am currently looking for more causes to help out with. I would like to possibly do something with sick kids.
What does the word notable mean to you?
Someone unafraid to take risks, work hard, and, above all, conduct themselves ethically in all aspects of their life.
PLAY
Where is your favourite place to wine/dine in your city and why?
Lee or Bent, both restaurants by chef Susur Lee. I have been lucky enough to eat at many amazing restaurants around the world due to my work travels, but I can still say Susur is one of the most talented and creative chefs in the world. We are so lucky to have him in Toronto.
What’s the most visited website on your Internet browser?
Design blogs! Constantly trying to stay up to date with the design world. I love learning about new design projects, products, up and coming designers and of course catching up on what my favourite designers and architects are up to.
Who’s one person you think everyone should be following on social media?
That’s a tough question. I follow a lot of design-related blogs, publications, renowned designers, architects, etc, but to be honest I never have the time to read tweets or see all the Instagram feeds. One of my favourite designers is Marcel Wanders, who I am also honoured to call my friend. His work is just pure magic. He’s one of the greatest inspirations to my design work as well as my career.
What’s your favourite cocktail?
Kir Royal (it’s a French thing…)
What gives you the greatest FOMO?
Missing design week (Milan, Paris, New York, etc.) because I have too much to do at the office. Although, I rarely miss Milan. The last time I missed it I had a back injury and wasn’t allowed to board an airplane.
What would be your last meal? And don’t hold back…
A meal by Chef Alain Ducasse, especially at his new gorgeous restaurant at the Plaza Athenee in Paris.
What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
Watching obscure French movies.
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