2016: Two childhood friends meet for a beer - with an idea in mind. They want to sell products and give something back to nature in the process. Nine years later, this idea has become a movement. Over 2.5 million trees planted later, we ask ourselves: What has happened during this time? Which moments, which learningswhat mistakes? We asked our founders Robin and Nicholas and collected their most important lessons for you.
Lesson 1: Trust beats Excel
Long-term relationships cannot be planned, but they are priceless. Working with partners, producers and suppliers in particular has shown that trust pays off. Not immediately, but over the years. That's why we attach particular importance to maintaining these relationships and sometimes going the extra mile. For example, when we at NIKIN made early payments to a producer so that he could afford a machine, this was not a "business move", but simply fair. Today, we benefit precisely from this trust when it comes to spontaneous changes or fast productions. The raclette evenings with Albert, our Treeanie manufacturer from Poland, are perhaps the best reminder that good partnerships are not just based on contracts, but on humanity, mutual respect and a common goal.
Lesson 2: Standard does not always make sense
Right from the start, we wanted to do things differently. Not because we were rebels, but because we questioned things, didn't want to copy anyone and wanted to implement our own ideas. That's why we asked ourselves: why does every T-shirt need a plastic sleeve? Just because "that's the way it's done"? We never understood that - and to this day, no shirt or sweater comes in a polybag. Simply because it doesn't make sense. Sometimes common sense is enough to make things better. And that's exactly how we want to continue thinking in the future, not the way everyone else does it, but the way that makes sense for us and for nature.
Lesson 3: Real impact looks different
Sure, we celebrate every Tree we plant, and after 9 years we've already planted over 2.5 million. But the biggest impact for us is something else: inspiring people. When someone writes to us to say that they have started doing without single-use plastic because of us. Or that someone goes for a walk in the forest more often again because of NIKIN . These are the moments that count. Because real impact can't just be counted, it can be felt, in small changes that can trigger big things. That's exactly what we're continuing to do.
Lesson 4: Values are more than words
A brand is only as strong as the values it lives by - not the ones on a poster, but the ones that can be felt in everyday life. Over the past nine years, we have learned that honesty is more effective than perfection. And real trust does not come from words, but from actions. That's why we focus on clarity, openness and sticking together, in the team and with the community. Because only when values are lived can they really make a difference.
Lesson 5: Mistakes? Belong to it
Speaking of perfection: no master has ever fallen from the sky. Mistakes are part of life and business. Even at NIKIN , things didn't always run smoothly. But we are convinced that as long as you recognize mistakes, learn from them and do better next time, they are not setbacks, but steps forward. Because without failed attempts, spontaneous decisions or even a product that didn't take off, we wouldn't be where we are today - and we certainly wouldn't have grown as much.
Lesson 6: Just do it or "Just do it"
A lot of what works today didn't come from a perfect plan, but simply because we tried it out. Especially in the beginning, our motto was: do instead of procrastinate. Pragmatism, initiative and the courage to start things imperfectly have paid off. Of course, we also made mistakes from time to time - but a lot of new things came out of that. Because sometimes it's not how much you can already do, but how ready you are to get started that counts.
Lesson 7: The community knows more than we do
Never just assume what you think is right for yourself - after all, we don't (just) make our products for ourselves, but above all for others. That's why we keep asking ourselves: What is really getting through? What is missing? What works? Our community has often shown us the right way. And yes, sometimes that means: it's better to listen more than to make a hasty decision. Because not everything can be explained logically, it's often the emotional things that make the difference.
Lesson 8: Rethinking growth
For us today, growth no longer just means bigger, faster, further - but above all more consciously. It's about quality instead of quantity. Sustainability instead of speed. And about shifting down a gear when it feels right. Because real growth is not just about numbers, but about attitude, attitude - and the courage to go your own way.
Lesson 9: Staying true to yourself
After nine years and many developments, we have learned one thing above all: staying authentic still works best. It's not about being perfect, but about being honest. And sometimes a simple "yes" is enough to get things moving. Because if you stay true to yourself, you stay on the move - step by step, together with all those who follow you along the way.
9 years, many learnings - and even more ahead of us.
We look back with gratitude on everything that has happened and on all those who have accompanied us. NIKIN would not exist without you. And as we continue to grow together, we are already looking forward to the next chapter: in 2026 we will be celebrating 10 years of NIKIN and we can already tell you that something big is coming. Stay tuned, it's going to be special!
