wonder woman: NICCII KUGLER

MEET NICCII KUGLER, FOUNDER OF NASH +BANKS and our favourite place for all things ‘sustainable’. We chatted to her about what makes her tick, what she can’t live without – and how she’s inspiring people to shop sustainably, one consciously-created product at a time…

The Nash + Banks Story

Niccii created Nash + Banks as a platform for change. A one-stop-shop for people looking to enrich their lives with products that have a positive impact. Her vision is to Make Better Possible and to help anyone looking to live a more conscious life to discover the best ethical and sustainable solutions available today. Think ethical, with an edge; sustainable, with swagger; heart and soul, and a bit of rock ‘n roll. Niccii is committed to sourcing and curating authentic brands committed to people & the planet and supporting this community of passionate founders and change-makers to innovate for a better tomorrow.

We asked Niccii the bellamumma q’s, scroll to be inspired…

You, in three words? passionate, curious, clumsy!

What inspires you? My family – first and foremost. Being in nature fuels me; but I also find inspiration in architecture, street art and the linear forms of urban environments. I’m drawn to objects that have a Wabi-Sabi quality to them; handcrafted pieces where the devil is in the detail and no two are the same – like Sashiko denim, hand-thrown ceramics, artisan accessories, or an insane custom fedora.

What’s your work title? I struggle with titles. Being a founder in an evolving business like ours, means that you wear many hats and rotate them often. I think my LinkedIn profile says founder + director, but I’d prefer – business owner / curator / wonder seeker.

What was your first ever job? Randomly, it was selling audio tours for the gallery at the State Library of NSW. Beautiful location….very boring gig.

What did you want to be ‘when you were little’? A horse trainer by day and artist by night.

How did ‘Nash + Banks’ come about? After our boys were born, I felt an overwhelming responsibility to invest my time, energy and skill set in creating a better future for them. I was already feeling a heightened sense of awareness of the increasing cost of the hyper-consumption that was occurring globally, so I started looking for individuals, founders, designers, craftsmen, and businesses that were creating conscious alternatives. What I discovered was an inspiring community of change-makers, innovators and artisans all dedicated to rewriting our future. However, the process of sourcing, researching and vetting the products and brands was time-consuming and I couldn’t find one lifestyle platform that offered me what I was looking for…so I built one.

Explain your usual day? It starts with cuddles and chats at sunrise with our boys, followed by the parent hustle to get them to school. I then head to the NASH + BANKS Avalon store or the office (via a much needed coffee stop!). After work we do the evening shuffle (sports, homework, dinner etc) and then my husband and I sit down for a debrief on the day followed by some reading, or any leftover work that needs to be done.

What ‘makes your day’? Quality time with my boys.

Three things in your life you can’t live without? The ocean, a good laugh and my family.

4 fave songs you’re listening to? ‘Going South’ by The Odd 910, ‘Someday’ by Two Another, ‘Sisyphus’ by Andrew Bird, ‘Jealous Guy – Live at the Bitter End, NYC, 1971’ by Donny Hathaway,

Fave place to escape to? Under a wave in the ocean.

How do you relax? Walking is my favourite meditation.

Best piece of life advice you’ve received? “If you don’t jump off the precipice, you’ll never fly.” At the time it was given it equipped me with the courage to take a big, bold leap into the unknown…and it has served me well ever since.

What will you be doing 5 years time? Who knows!! I’m not really an avid forward planner. I would like to be back at it exploring the big, wide world, this time on the hunt for magical goods to add to the Nash + Banks staple. I’d like our platform to have matured to a place where we can be using our force for even more good, impact investing in the brands that we believe so deeply are driving our future for good. Hopefully, less chaotic!

connect & contact

Visit nashandbanks.com for more about the brand and to shop
Follow: instagram.com/nashandbanks/
& instagram.com/niccii_kugler/