Today we’d like to introduce you to Nadia Valavanis

Nadia, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?

Creativity and design have always been at the core of who I am. From a young age, I was captivated by the power of storytelling through artistic expression, which naturally led me down a path where design became more than just a passion—it became my purpose. Born and raised in Greece until the age of 21, I studied fashion design there, which laid the foundation for my passion for creating and storytelling through art. I used to make clothes, a craft I plan to tap back into soon. This early exposure to fashion and design shaped my journey and set the stage for my future endeavors.

In 2018, I officially launched BSVII ( BS-SEVEN ) , a brand born out of my deep love for crafting bespoke headwear. BSVII is more than just a collection of hats; it’s a reflection of my journey, with each piece telling a story as unique as the person wearing it. Most of my work with BSVII is custom, and I find immense joy in connecting with people’s personal stories and bringing them to life through my designs. Calling Australia home is a strong part of my inspiration, where I recharge from nature and draw creative energy from the beauty around me. BSVII represents a significant part of my life’s work, where I channel my creativity into something tangible and deeply meaningful.

As BSVII grew, so did my vision for what I could offer to the world. In early 2024, I launched Kalailah Collective, a creative agency that extends my passion for design into the realms of branding and art direction. Kalailah is the natural evolution of my journey, born out of a calling to give back and share what I’ve learned. BSVII plays a significant role in this evolution, as Kalailah is now an integral part of BSVII. As the team at Kalailah grows, it manages all the creative aspects of BSVII, ensuring that the brand continues to resonate with its audience through bespoke artistry.

Currently, I’m also working closely with my life partner, who is deeply involved in the music industry. Kalailah is managing the art direction and all design aspects of his brand, from outfit design to visual art direction, events, and more, bringing a unique blend of creativity and strategy to the table. My goal with Kalailah is simple yet broad—having been on both sides as a brand owner, I understand the challenges of wearing many hats. This perspective allows me to work with brands on a bespoke level, understanding their needs through consultations and helping them execute their goals, whether it’s content creation, art direction, design, social media, or more.

I love working with fashion and music artists, where storytelling and psychology play a big part in helping brands find their ‘why’ and chart the path to get there. Through Kalailah, my team and I aim to help brands discover and express their true essence, guiding them in a way that’s both strategic and deeply creative.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

The journey has had its share of challenges, but failing was never a fear of mine; in fact, I’ve come to realize that setbacks often teach the biggest lessons. Each hard lesson brings a sense of deep knowing that I’m no longer the same, almost as if I’ve upgraded myself.

One of my “favourite” challenges was finding the balance between being an artist and a business owner. One moment I needed to be deeply creative, immersed in designing and crafting hands on, and the next I had to switch gears to focus on numbers and business strategies—wearing so many different hats, literally! The world moves fast—so fast that you have to be like water, adaptable yet solid. Overcoming this challenge came from accepting that it’s crucial to keep your eyes open, expect little, and just keep moving forward. I found that the key is to stay authentic to yourself, believe that you did your best, and stop comparing yourself to the world. My goal is to be better than myself yesterday. That’s it.

I also faced the challenge of managing my creative ideas. As a designer, I have countless ideas, and there was a time when I felt the need to execute them all immediately. I rushed projects because I wanted to do so much at once. But over time, I’ve learned to breathe, and give space, is started to add ideas to my list, and then revisit when I could bring them to life. Trusting the process and accepting that not everything will always come together as planned has been a valuable lesson.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

My work is all about creating meaningful connections through design. With BSVII, I craft bespoke hats that are more than just fashion—they’re personal stories brought to life. Each hat reflects the individuality of the person wearing it, making it a unique expression of who they are. What I love most is the opportunity to connect with people, understand their journey, and translate that into something tangible.

Through Kalailah Collective, I extend this passion into branding and art direction. My approach is always tailored—every brand is different, and my goal is to help each one find and express its true voice. What sets my work apart is the blend of artistry with thoughtful strategy. I’m not just creating to create; I’m crafting with intention, ensuring everything I design, whether it’s a hat or a brand, has depth and meaning.

I’m proud of the impact my work has—seeing someone light up when they wear a hat that feels like “them” or watching a brand thrive after we’ve worked together. These moments remind me why I do what I do: to create something that resonates deeply and authentically.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?

If you enjoy books that focus on self-development, business, and psychology, you’ll appreciate these recommendations. Books have become my biggest mentors over the last few years. I was never much of a reader before, but something shifted, and now I can’t get enough. Last year, I read over 30 books, and I’m still going strong. It’s hard to pick favorites because I find that each book resonates with me in different ways depending on the season I’m in. If I don’t like a book, I won’t finish it—simple as that! But if I had to choose, some of my top reads would be The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod, Living Untethered by Michael A. Singer, The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday, The School of Greatness by Lewis Howes, Limitless by Jim Kwik, and The Happiest Man on Earth by Eddie Jaku.

I could go on, but let’s stop there! Each of these books has offered me something valuable, whether it’s a fresh perspective, a new habit, or a deeper understanding of myself and the world around me. Reading has become such an essential part of my life, fueling both my personal growth and my work. Oh, and I can’t forget Atomic Habits by James Clear and The Magic of Thinking Big by David J. Schwartz—there, I can let this go now! Haha.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bsvii.com.au
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bs_vii?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
• Other: https://www.kalailahcollective.com