Humans of Stern is a series in which we meet the real people who study at the NYU Stern Undergraduate College. Today, we’re excited for Noelani Getfield (BS '28) to answer our questions about everything from her ideal weekend, on-campus involvement, and her favorite restaurant in NYC. 

Name: Noelani Getfield 
Class Year: 2028
Degree Program: BS in Business
Fun Facts:

• Hometown: Bronx, NY
• Creative Director and Stylist
• Founder of Hair By Noelani Jaide (hairbynoelanijaide.as.me)
• Stern Business and Law Association, SBLA Corporate Law Program
• Academic Achievement Program - World Changers Mentor
• NYU Welcome Leader 

What brought you to NYU Stern/NYC?

At the end of eighth grade, I started my own hair business. I was very passionate about it and decided that I’d continue to grow it throughout high school. As I grew my skills in doing editorial hair, I also learned about business etiquette, financial bookkeeping, marketing, and customer service. And to think, eighth-grade me just wanted to braid some hair. By the end of high school, I had become more curious about operations and understanding business in aspects of my everyday life. When I’d walk into a coffee shop with a friend, we would guess how much random things in the shop cost, from the chairs to the coffee maker, and even down to how much the workers were paid. Despite this new curiosity in business, I hadn’t abandoned my creativity. When applying to NYU, I knew that I wanted to be in Stern to feed my curiosity and try to bridge the gap between both my business and creative interests.

What’s your favorite class and why?

My favorite class at the moment is Comparative Politics. Although it isn’t a Stern course, it sparked my interest in the intersection between business and government policy. I decided to take this course to learn more about electoral systems and strategic behavior. The class exposes you to a lot of common business concepts, such as Game Theory and Value Creation, but more importantly, why these concepts are important and how governments and people in power can use and exploit many of these tools.

What do you do with your weekends?

On the weekends, I usually go to the Bronx to see friends and family, enjoy some home-cooked meals, and attend church. I also work on my business, Hair By Noelani Jaide, with things like organizing inventory, servicing clients, and planning future campaign shoots. I also try to get as much sleep as possible (this rarely happens), journal, and plan out the things I have to do for the following week. This way, I can stay ahead of assignments while also doing the things I enjoy.

How has your time at Stern shaped what your goals are for your future?

Stern has exposed me to so many opportunities that have taught me not to put myself in a box, and that I can tailor my education to what I want to pursue. When I got into Stern, I was excited to learn more about business and law; however, I was afraid that I would lose sight of my creative interests. As I attended alumni and career events at Stern, I was able to speak with people who have used their business skills in different career paths. As a current sophomore, there is still so much for me to learn, but so far, just having access to various resources allows me to figure out what I like by figuring out what I don’t like.

What is your fondest memory so far during your time here?

My fondest memory so far at NYU would have to be my NYU Welcome during orientation week. I met some of my current friends there. We had so much fun together. I am still friends with them today, and we hang out often doing paint nights, karaoke, and just being each other’s confidants. I loved NYU Welcome so much that I became a Welcome Leader this semester! I highly recommend applying to be a Welcome Leader if you enjoyed your NYU Welcome, so that you can help make sure an upcoming first-year student also has a fun and seamless transition into NYU.

Where is the coolest place Stern has taken you globally? Or where would you like to go?

In the Spring semester, I will be studying away in London. I’m really looking forward to learning from NYU professors abroad and experiencing what it is like to study in a different city. London is a great place for creatives like myself. I plan on working on my YouTube channel and creative direction projects while also taking some business classes. I am also very excited to travel throughout Europe and make new friends and connections abroad. Specifically, I want to visit one of the Disney Parks and try new foods!

Where’s your favorite place in the city and why?

I don’t have a favorite place in the city, but I love visiting new restaurants, not just for the food, but also for their interior design. My favorite is probably Little Basil on 26th Street, the interior design makes you feel like you are eating a home-cooked meal at your grandparents' house. From the lighting to the plates, it really enhances your dining experience.

Anything exciting you’d like to share?

Yes! I am looking to start a new club here at NYU, called TCIC (The Creative Initiative Club). The club will be for various creatives to come together and have a place to work on their projects. They can learn about film, photography, cinematography, fashion and design, creative direction, and shoot for various ad campaigns. Members will be able to reveal their creativity, while also learning about project management and everything that goes into creating campaigns, as well as networking with other creatives. I am excited to bring this club to life and introduce members to professionals in various creative fields.