When clothing becomes a powerful movement for change, we pay attention! Nisa is an ethical label renowned for its sustainable, beautifully crafted underwear, activewear and swimwear, and above all else, the NZ brand embodies a mission of solidarity, empowerment and environmental stewardship.
Every year more fast fashion giants contribute to the climate crisis through their huge carbon footprint and convince us that we should fill our closets with the latest looks for quarter the price. In case you didn’t know, the low price of fast fashion often comes at a high cost to the environment and to the people who make it.
Beyond the small environmental footprint and high-quality, low to zero-waste garments they produce, Nisa’s impact is far-reaching, fostering education, savings goals and overall stability for their employees and their families.
The brand’s name, meaning ‘women’ in Arabic, is a testament to its commitment to uplifting women from refugee and migrant backgrounds, providing them with meaningful employment and opportunities for a brighter future.
Since its inception in 2017, Nisa has created employment opportunities in Aotearoa for 30 women from refugee and migrant backgrounds. This support extends beyond the workplace, impacting the lives of their families and communities. Pam Lowe, owner of Nisa, proudly shares, “Last year, three sisters from one family and the daughters of two of our longest-serving employees went off to university to become nurses. We’ve also had staff members buy homes in Wellington, which is no mean feat!”
Lowe, the new owner of Nisa, has an inspiring journey with the brand that began in 2018. Returning from the UK after nearly a decade, Pam applied for a seamstress position at Nisa. “I went in for what turned out to be a hilarious interview with Elisha Watson, the founder,” Pam recalls. A mix-up during the interview led to shared laughter and a job offer from Elisha later that evening.
When Watson decided to sell Nisa at the end of 2022, Lowe had always believed wholeheartedly in the potential of the business. Despite economic challenges, Lowe and the staff couldn’t bear the thought of closing down such a meaningful enterprise. The success of the closedown sale sparked an idea: what if the staff took over?
With no initial capital, the staff turned to crowdfunding through PledgeMe, aiming to raise at least $60,000. “We had awesome help from some of the PledgeMe staff and former staff who came out of retirement to support us,” Lowe says. This community effort ensured that Nisa could continue its mission, preserving jobs and the brand’s positive impact on both the environment and society.
Under Lowe’s leadership, Nisa has doubled down on its sustainability practices. The brand recently launched its first-ever underwire bra, the Adele, and introduced a range of Low to Zero-Waste Activewear. These innovations align with Nisa’s goal to become a zero-waste manufacturer by the end of 2025. Their new Zero Waste Leggings and Low Waste Activewear are made from recycled nylon, sourced from textile waste and boast a buttery soft feel – and the best part? They are made in New Zealand.
Despite current economic challenges, Lowe remains optimistic about the future of Nisa. The upcoming Swimwear collection, featuring underwire options, promises to cater to fuller-busted customers, offering both style and support. There is also a great range of men’s underwear available so that the men in your life don’t miss out!
Lowe and the team at Nisa are committed to ensuring their products not only fit and look great but are also made with the planet in mind. “We’ve made the decision to ‘Just do it better!’” she says.
To support this inspiring brand, use their code GOOD10 to get 10% off the new Low-Zero Waste range. Explore their sustainable practices and innovative products at Nisa’s sustainability page.
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