Over one million trees, from zero to 50 employees, logo change and new website! A lot has happened in the last few years. On our birthday today, we look back at important milestones and personal highlights.
"Every new product is a milestone and always a reason to celebrate," beams NIKIN founder Robin at me when I ask him about highlights. In fact, we now have new products on a regular basis. We are proud of these, because a lot of work and trial and error goes into the sustainable designs. But what was it like just five years ago? What was considered a milestone back then?
[ product-handles list="treebottle-glass-allover-pines, treesocks-standard-single, folded-polylana-r-ripped1, treesweater-basic-unisex, treeglasses-round"]
NIKIN's first warehouse and the founding of the GmbH
It all started in 2017 with Nicholas and Robin, who founded NIKIN. The first big milestone was the first small camp in Seengen. The first full-time employees were already hired in 2018. In general, 2018 was full of milestones: NIKIN was professionalised by founding a limited company at the beginning of the year. We also changed the NIKIN logo. We ere able to visit our tree planting partner One Tree Planted in Canada for the first time in the same year. "A personal highlight for me," Robin notes. "A special moment was also the first time we saw someone unknown on the street wearing NIKIN ", adds Nicholas.
NIKIN Founders Nicholas (left) and Robin (right).
Always more sustainability
The product team sees another milestone in 2018 in the change of TreeCap producer: "Most such producers come from China. After a long search, we found someone in Europe!" In addition, NIKIN launched Green Friday in the same year. The counterpart to Black Friday was very well received and is now an integral part of the annual calendar. "At the time, we consciously decided against discount battles and in favour of sustainability," explains the sales team. Learn more about Green Friday in the video:
Appreciation for the team and from the scene
In 2019, team events were high on the agenda at NIKIN - as they still are today. Although perhaps not a classic milestone, everyone here agrees that they are among the big highlights. Founder Nicholas agrees, "Our team events always give me a sense of pride." Another milestone in the third NIKIN year is the nomination for the Swiss Economics Award.
The millionth Tree and off to the home office
In 2020, the time has finally come. NIKIN sells its millionth product and plants its millionth Tree ! A milestone for the whole team. Marketing boss Luca is already ready to crack the 1.5 million mark and says: "Maybe we'll even make it this year." Of course, the year 2020 had a special impact on Corona. NIKIN also had to move to the home office from one day to the next. However, HR Manager Swen sees a positive highlight in the rather negative situation back then: "It worked out great for us. The team cohesion was also great."
Masks thanks to community
We owe another milestone to our community. Still in 2020, they made us aware of their wish for NIKIN masks. At first, we didn't want to offer any, because we don't want to profit from a crisis. After clarifications and the many customer requests, we decided to offer community masks at the buyer price this year. Nevertheless, we planted one tree per product.
A look into the future
Besides the masks, the new website is also a big milestone in the current year. Also there was a funny highlight in spring: "I thought our 1 April joke was great. It was a really good day at work," smiles Patrick from Purchasing. You can find the video here.
And what does the future hold? Founder Nicholas looks forward to further milestones: "We will plant even more trees and grow as a team and a company. Sustainability will also remain at the forefront." Thanks to innovations and new fabrics, this is an area where you can always develop anyway, adds Robin next . And what else? "We can't reveal everything yet. But one thing is clear: it will be another great five years."
