We were lucky to catch up with Nicole King recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Nicole, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?
Naming a brand feels like naming a firstborn—except instead of diapers and milestones, you’re dealing with trademarks and domain names. I
It’s a full commitment.
You want it to capture your spirit, your vibe, and, if possible, make people stop scrolling.
For N’gai, the story runs deeper than brainstorming over coffee.
N’gai (pronounced n-gay) is my middle name, a gift from my artisan mother, Arianne King Comer—a textile designer so talented, she could probably dye watercolors onto clouds.
In Swahili, N’gai means “the chosen one,” and in Kikuyu spirituality, it represents the creator of the universe, the bringer of dazzling light. No pressure, right? Lol!
The name felt fitting for what we do: bringing together an intersection of creative talents—textile designers, painters, photographers, graphic designers—and creating something larger than the sum of its parts.
It’s not just a brand; it’s a collective, an ecosystem of artistry.
So really, naming the brand N’gai wasn’t so much hard as it was inevitable.
It felt like the universe (and maybe my mom) had already made the decision for me.
After all, how could I resist honoring a name that literally means “the chosen one”?
And hey, if the name inspires people to channel a little dazzling light into their own lives—through fashion, art, or creativity—then I’d say we nailed it.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m Nicole King, a Creative Director, Designer, and Entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in the fashion and design industry. My career began with an early love for art and creativity, a passion undoubtedly influenced by my parents—my father, a Harvard-educated architect, and my mother, a Smithsonian-recognized indigo textile designer. I grew up immersed in the worlds of design and craftsmanship, which shaped my own creative journey.
My path into the fashion industry started with a deep appreciation for the transformative power of clothing. Fashion is more than just garments; it’s a way to tell stories, evoke emotions, and connect people. Over the years, I’ve had the honor of leading design teams and creating collections for globally recognized brands like GAP, AG Jeans, Ralph Lauren, and Seven For All Mankind. I’ve also had the privilege of consulting for luxury labels, start-ups, and household names to give their collections what I call “style facelifts,” where we reimagine classics with a modern twist.
At my own design consultancy, Modern Masterpieces Collective, I help brands bring their visions to life through innovative designs that focus on fit, fabric, and finish. Whether it’s developing a new product line, creating cohesive brand aesthetics, or crafting timeless pieces that resonate with today’s consumer, I thrive on solving creative challenges for my clients.
My latest venture, N’gai the Collective, is a brand deeply rooted in celebrating individuality and self-expression. It’s a reflection of my personal style—equal parts tomboy chic and ultra-feminine. My designs are effortless and timeless, meant for those who appreciate exceptional craftsmanship and a unique point of view.
What sets me apart is my hands-on approach and genuine connection to my work. Every piece I create tells a story, often inspired by my own life or the incredible people I design for. My clients know that I prioritize authenticity, quality, and attention to detail, and they trust me to deliver not just style but also substance.
The moments I’m most proud of are those when I’ve empowered others through my work. Whether it’s helping a client feel confident in their clothing, mentoring emerging designers, or even inspiring someone to take a bold step in their career, these are the victories that fuel my passion.
For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that my work is about more than just fashion—it’s about creating experiences and connections. I design for individuals who appreciate thoughtfulness in every stitch and detail, who value pieces that stand the test of time, and who want to express themselves boldly and authentically.
If there’s one takeaway, it’s that my journey has always been about pushing boundaries and celebrating the unique perspectives that make us who we are. Through my designs, my work, and my brands, I aim to create something meaningful that uplifts and inspires.
I’m thrilled to connect with anyone who shares my passion for creativity, style, and authenticity. Whether it’s through my collections, consulting services, or storytelling, I hope to leave a lasting impact that resonates far beyond fashion.
Any advice for managing a team?
One of the most important things I prioritize is leading by example—showing my team through my actions what it means to work with integrity, creativity, and resilience. I strive to create an environment where everyone feels seen and valued, especially as I understand the challenges marginalized voices often face.
I aso emphasize creating a safe and inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives are welcomed and respected. By investing in professional development and encouraging creativity, I empower my team to bring their best selves to work every day.
Owning a small business is challenging, but when you prioritize your people and build a culture of trust and respect, you create a foundation for sustained success.
Okay – so how did you figure out the manufacturing part? Did you have prior experience?
Yes, 75% of my business operates on a direct-to-consumer, on-demand model, which has been instrumental in aligning with our sustainability goals. By partnering with Resonance and utilizing their innovative Create.One platform, we’re able to produce high-quality, on-demand clothing that minimizes waste and ensures each piece is crafted with intention. This approach allows us to make only what customers request, creating a more thoughtful and sustainable production cycle.
The remaining 25% of my business consists of pre-ordered styles, manufactured through Intercity, who handle our inventory items with the same level of care and precision. These pre-ordered styles are based on partnerships with two incredible stores: “Val and Jess” in Nyack, NY, and “Jolie Jordan” Boutique in Mt. Kisco, NY. These collaborations not only offer amazing marketing opportunities but also allow us to experiment with curated capsule collections tailored to their clientele’s desires.
How did you get started?
When I launched N’gai the Collective, I was deeply inspired by the idea of creating intentional, timeless designs without contributing to the fast-fashion cycle. I didn’t immediately know how to manufacture sustainably, but discovering Resonance and their Create.One platform was a game-changer. It enabled me to adopt an on-demand model that aligns with my values while maintaining exceptional quality. For inventory-based production, Intercity has been a vital partner in ensuring that our pre-ordered styles meet the highest standards.
For our custom pieces and capsule collections, working with Val and Jess and Jolie Jordan has been a dream—they’ve not only supported our sustainable mission but also provided valuable feedback through their unique clientele.
What lessons have you learned about manufacturing?
Leverage Technology: Resonance’s Create.One platform has taught me the power of technology in achieving sustainability goals.
Partner with Experts: Collaborating with Intercity for inventory items has reinforced the importance of choosing manufacturing partners who share your commitment to quality.
Stay Flexible: The on-demand model requires agility and a commitment to listening to customers. While it’s rewarding, I’ve learned to balance efficiency with personalization.
Partner Smartly: Collaborating with the right stores—like Val and Jess and JolieJordan—has shown me the value of partnerships that align with your brand’s ethos.
Quality Over Quantity: Manufacturing fewer but higher-quality pieces ensures each item resonates deeply with its wearer.
Celebrate Curiosity: Custom orders often push us creatively, encouraging capsule collections that test new ideas in a low-risk way.
Every step of this journey has reinforced my belief in sustainable, thoughtful production, and I’m proud that N’gai the Collective reflects that ethos.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ngaistyle.com
- Instagram: ngaithecollective
- Facebook: N’gai. The Collective
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-king-burroughs-98154053
Image Credits
Solo Images of Nicole – By Lisa Silvera @soulvercreates
Group Shot by Timothy Hill @timothyhill1