The Short Cut:
A quick fire chat about working life with Nadien Klages
At the heart of the Nurture Network is the power of sharing experiences. From breakthrough career moments, to best ever advice, how to deal with stress and the women that inspire them.
The Short Cut designed to bring you a snapshot of our members’ working lives. Today we’re speaking to Nadien Klages, founder & designer at Wild Clothes Alchemy.
Tell us about your breakthrough career moment
There are two and both involve doors which is quite symbolic in this context as both events have opened up new ways, positive change, and possibilities for myself and my small business.
The first one is the opening of a brick-and-mortar shop and the starting point of a makers collective I founded.
From all of those empowering connections and collaborations, friendships grow and I’m still sharing a studio space with one very close friend, where we run creative workshops and work with an inspiring community.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever had?
“Be a curator of your life. Slowly cut things out until you’re left only with what you love, with what’s necessary, with what makes you happy.” Leo Babauta.
Have you ever felt held back as a women?
I started my business working around my baby’s schedule and still do it to this point while my children grow and become more independent, I can dedicate more and more time and energy to my business and ideas.
Of course, there are moments when it feels all too much and overwhelming, but that’s also part of life and I’m very lucky to have a wonderful support system of friends and family.
Furthermore, the women I work with are mostly mums, too, so there’s a strong sense of empowerment, deep understanding and mental support within the community that we’ve created together over the years.
How do you protect your mental health in moments of pressure?
With my daily yoga practice and mindful moments of journaling, I ease stress and negative thoughts and also by bringing awareness and creativity into my day.
In an acute stressful situation, I return to my breath and focus on what matters the most to me. That simple act of stepping out usually puts things back into perspective.
Do you have any hobbies to keep you busy in your spare time?
I enjoy nature walks and gardening and have recently started to learn about how to create colour and dye textiles naturally.
Yoga and meditation have become an important part of my life and I’m always looking for creative inspiration in art exhibitions, performances and good conversations with friends.
I feel empowered when…
…I work with people on creative projects and run my upcycling sewing workshops where I invite you to slow down and take pleasure in the joy of creating something with your own hands and some simple equipment.
The world would be a better place when…
…we cultivate awareness and compassion and create a deep connection with ourselves and the world around us.
The woman everyone should know about is…
…there are so many inspiring, important women everyone should know about from Georgia O’Keeffe, and Ella Fitzgerald to Gwendolyn Brooks but to know about the women in your community and the work they do is as valuable and empowering.
The woman who empowers me the most is…
…My grandmother, she was an extraordinary seamstress, passionate teacher, storyteller and loving mother.
She shared her joy, knowledge and wisdom that shaped my creativity and curiosity of textures, colours and craftmanship.
Where is your favourite place in the world?
…wherever I can go barefoot and feel grounded.
