(NEST Helsinki)
One of my favourite things to do on days off is to just walk the streets of Helsinki and simply “wonder” around without any specific schedule or reason besides just to be present in the moment and hopefully discover something new, what I haven’t noticed before.
As we live our daily lives, it’s easy to get “stuck” in our usual routines and places which we commute to or walk by. The most interesting shops, secret spots, cute cafes and such are usually found scattered through the outside of the strict city centre. It’s the same case with NEST Helsinki which just recently opened on Korkkeavuorenkatu in Ullanlinna district.
NEST Helsinki is like a breath of fresh air in the most stylish and frequented part of Helsinki. There are lots of little cafes and special shops with different local designer names but only NEST sells unique, ecological and sustainable designs all handmade!
Three inspiring ladies have opened NEST Helsinki with so much love and thought put into it and every detail at the shop is just as if it was supposed to be like that or there. I’m happy to support them and their business and I hope that you’ll be interested to learn more about them and what you can find at NEST Helsinki. 🙂
I’m starting with Tracey, my sweet friend, known under brand name Nest Factory. I’ve known her for couple of years and since the day one, she’s been one inspiring, spot of sunshine human in my life. From her passionate support for women in India who are making all of her designs by hand and in the oldest tradition known, something that’s almost dying out and therefore so rare nowadays to her vision and constant belief in bright future of small businesses and supportive community.
Nest Factory will surprise you with some of the most beautiful patterns and prints which beautifully fall over the most softest and of best quality cotton you’ve ever put on! From kaftans and tops to robes and dresses, you will for sure find something that’s just perfect for you and Tracy will be there to answer any of your questions or give you a style suggestion.
Tracey’s inspiration are colours, her trips (especially to India) and bringing two opposites like India and Finland together in her designs. When deciding on the designs her leading though is “romantic vs. ethnic”.
She loves working at NEST Helsinki and even though Nest Factory has webshop, she loves the interaction with her customers which pop by the shop daily and sharing the space with other two likeminded designers but least favourite part of the job might be the “unknown” situation during pandemic times and depending on delivery services/ post to receive her designs since they’re all made in India.
I asked Tracey if she has any vision or what’s her wish for the future of NEST Helsinki and with a significant spark in her eye she mentioned that she hopes one day they will expand to Copenhagen and Stockholm and maybe become a lifestyle brand.
*This post has been made in collaboration with NEST Helsinki / Nest Factory but all of the opinions are my own.
*Text and photographs by me.
