Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Elise Brigandi and Morgan Murray. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Elise Brigandi and , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
Nuku was founded in Newport Beach, California. Two daughters of the ocean with a passion for design and eyes on the horizon. Morgan Murray and I [Elise Brigandi] joined creative forces after an inspirational trip to Fiji.
On Tavarua island, Morgan and I found ourselves captivated not only by the breathtaking turquoise waters but also by the vibrant culture. Inspired by the tropical paradise around us, we hatched the idea to create a swimwear company that embodied the spirit of sustainability and island living.
As we lounged on pristine beaches and shared our vision under swaying palm trees, the concept took root. We envisioned swimwear that mirrored the colors of Fiji’s coral reefs, and committed ourselves to crafting each piece with environmentally conscious materials.
Back home, we translated our Fijian inspiration into a collection that reflected the essence of the islands. We sourced recycled materials, partnered with eco-friendly manufacturers, and embraced a commitment to reducing our environmental footprint. The result was a swimwear line that radiated the carefree spirit of Fiji and embodied our dedication to sustainability.
Our swimwear company soon gained traction, attracting customers who shared our passion for both fashion and the planet. With each sale, we felt a connection to the island paradise that sparked our entrepreneurial journey. Our business became a celebration of sun, sea, and sustainability.
Elise Brigandi and , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
As we dove into the world of sustainable materials, we discovered innovative fabrics made from recycled ocean plastics and discarded fishing nets. Inspired by the desire to contribute to cleaner oceans, our swimwear designs not only showcased vibrant patterns and flattering cuts but also carried a powerful message of environmental responsibility. Every bikini became a testament to our dedication to transforming waste into fashion.
We bring you swimwear for the new generation. Endlessly mixable separates that you can bring along on your next adventure. Mix and match or wear the set. Our brand is committed to bringing you a collection of swimsuits that are flattering, comfortable and well made. Made from the sea for the sea.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
We found ourselves at a crossroads, faced with the need to pivot from our direct-to-consumer model to a wholesale business strategy. As a small brand with no investors, we lacked a large marketing budget. We felt as our sustainable swimwear brand gained momentum, we recognized a need to expand our reach and impact by forging strategic partnerships with retailers.
The decision to pivot was not made lightly, and it required a reevaluation of our business model, marketing strategies, and production processes. With a vision to share our eco-conscious designs with a broader audience, we decided to lean towards wholesale. Collaborating with retailers allowed us to showcase our swimwear in diverse markets, reaching customers who may not have discovered us through our online platform.
Can you open up about a time when you had a really close call with the business?
After years of experience, we’ve learned not to take things too seriously. It often feels like every mistake is a major setback for our brand, but in reality, these hiccups are minor in the grand scheme of things. Each time we stumble, there’s a silver lining urging us to persevere, whether it’s an enthusiastic retailer reaching out or a local news channel showcasing our brand. These experiences reassure us that we’re on the right path, turning what initially seemed like a catastrophic mistake into a minor bump on our journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nukuswim.com/
- Instagram: @nukuswim
Image Credits
Valerie Vogt Bauer and Tahnei Roy