This is our first post in a series of featured makers. We aim to introduce our makers one at a time and give you a bit of a behind-the-scenes story and insights to their practice. This week we would like to introduce:
First up. Who are you and what do you do?
WealthClothingCo. is a vision shared by the three generations of our family.
My Grandmother Esther Nitschke is recognized by the British Empire with an MBE medal for her services to weaving and wearable arts career. She creates our unique materials and is still actively exhibiting her weaving.
Carol Nitschke is a Legal Executive by trade, she is the legal brains and the logical thinking behind WealthClothingCo and also brings her energy to the mix.
I, Jeremy Russell, am the brainchild and creator of WealthClothingCo. I established the branding and designed the marketing and am totally passionate about my brand.
We work well as a team.
How and why did you get started (instead of getting a proper job like your mother told you)?
My good friend Henry Dickson and I wanted to make some money in our holidays, so we decided to make clothing, we designed what I can only describe as male dresses, sewing the bottom half of Op-Shop collared shirts onto cheap singlets and tees. Our original brand was ‘Retrograde’. Henry went back to Uni and that was that.
A few months Later I decided I wanted to start a business, with the support of my grandmother, my mother and my father whom owns a sock factory. Carol Nitschke (mum) and I started WealthClothingCo.
What was the first thing you made?
Prototypes of our hand-dyed knitted pocket v-necks. Early designs for WealthClothingCo.
Who or what influences you or inspires you?
The bizarre fact that people will pay such huge money for established brands.
My parents, whom are both highly-skilled business people.
My world-famous grandmother.
What is your favourite part of making?
Weekends spent with the three generations together.
How do you market your business?
Facebook/Tumblr
We have a website all ready to release we are just waiting for some new products.
What tips do you have for others starting out in this game?
Do as much research/homework as you can, and don’t invest too much in one idea if that idea has not proved itself yet.
If you could gift one of your creations to anyone living or dead. Who would that be and what would you give them? Why?
My grandfather, I wish he could see us working together as a family.
Do you have any new ideas on the drawing board?
Releasing our website! A sock selection is also not far away. Autumn/Winter release.
World Domination! How will you achieve it?
Extract everybody’s wealth.
What is next for you?
I have a plan for another brand, which will take the form of a clique/crew, with multiple entrepreneurs working in a web to be endorsed by WealthClothingco. I see them working with each other and sharing customers.
Thanks for sharing your time and giving us an insight to your brand. We look forward to seeing your development and growth. Wealth Clothing can be found online here and on Facebook. You can view their creations in-store at The Department of Curiosities and Fine Things in Napier, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand.