Our Story

Nakoa The Label was created by childhood sweethearts who poured their heart and soul into creating a beautiful selection of clothing, handbags and fashion accessories in Australia, that are then ethically crafted by their artisan friends in China, Thailand, Bali, India and around the globe.As a family owned business, they have put all their love, energy and passion into creating a distinctive and unique collection under their beautiful brand Nakoa The Label.Nakoa The Label is inspired by the ocean and the relaxed vibes of a bohemian lifestyle.… And so the adventure of Nakoa The Label, began.

It All Started

What started as shy smiles and endless conversations soon grew into a love that felt timeless, built on years of shared dreams and unforgettable memories. In 2006, Caitlin and William began their journey as childhood sweethearts, finding love in the little moments that made up their days. Over the years their story blossomed into something beautiful, one adventure at a time.

Working as an assistant retail buyer Caitlin found herself at trade fairs surrounded by brands that felt all too similar. She struggled to find the unique products she was truly passionate about. She longed for something different, something that truly spoke to her vision. Disheartened by the lack of options and inspired by this frustration Caitlin and William decided to create their own brand, Nakoa the Label—a bold decision that would transform & change their lives forever and redefine their future.

Caitlin and William realised the only way to move forward was to create something truly their own; they’d have to design it themselves. Determined to break free from the ordinary, they got to work on building their brand, Nakoa the Label. Fuelled by their passion for unique, meaningful products, they poured their hearts into every detail, ready to carve their own path and redefine what they had been searching for all along. Driven by a vision for a brand that stood out from the rest, they began dreaming up designs that felt fresh and full of life. They began to build Nakoa the Label from the ground up - a new journey together that had only just begun.

Every Journey Begins… With a Few Simple Steps

For Caitlin and William, the journey started with small, determined steps. Caitlin began by sketching & designing their first line of leather handbags, pouring her creativity into each detail over the course of 2 years. Each bag was then carefully handcrafted in India. The bags were then followed by a collection of vintage-washed cotton scarves—a unique piece so beloved, it remains a bestseller 5+ years later.

Their “warehouse” was nothing fancy—just the first home they ever bought together, a modest place they were busy renovating at the same time. By day, Caitlin worked as an assistant retail buyer and William as a mechanic; by night, they became the heart & soul of their women’s fashion accessories brand. Every evening, they’d handwrite addresses on envelopes & parcels, carefully pack each order, checking every piece and double-check every detail. The next day, they’d take their parcels to work and send them out during their lunch breaks —this was their reality. .. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was real—proof that a dream takes shape one small step at a time, with a lot of heart and even more hustle.

Then They Took Their Dreams… To Exotic Shores

With their dreams gaining momentum, Caitlin and William expanded Nakoa the Label to captivating new horizons. Interest from retailers began to pour in, and soon, their brand was making waves on exotic shores. Retailers from around the globe showed interest, leading to wholesale partnerships in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Hawaii, the USA, France, the Netherlands and more!

As the brand reached new corners of the globe, it also gained a loyal following online. From their retail website, they connected with fashion-forward individuals who embraced their unique style. Each new sandy shore brought fresh inspiration, allowing Nakoa the Label to evolve and enchant a growing audience of fashion enthusiasts worldwide with its unique, global charm.

They Had to Make Sure… That What They Did Was Right

They were committed to ensuring their practices were as ethical and responsible as possible. This meant rigorously vetting their factories to guarantee they operated with integrity, and sourcing sustainable materials whenever they could. They both believe that everyone involved in their supply chain deserves to be paid a fair wage and work under humane conditions. They wanted to build a brand that not only thrived but also left the world better than how they found it.

So began their journey into the world of ethical and sustainable business. With minimal prior business experience, every step was a new challenge. It was a blend of excitement and hard work as they navigated the complexities of making a positive impact. But through it all, their dedication to building a better world remained at the heart of everything they did.

They Took the Leap… and Found a New Home

As their business soared, they knew it was time for a change. Quitting their full-time jobs was a nerve-wracking decision, but they knew it was the only way to fully embrace their dreams. They both quit their day jobs, ready to fully embrace their entrepreneurial journey. With their first home bursting at the seams from storing their growing collection of beautiful pieces, it was clear they needed more space.

So, they embarked on a house-hunting adventure together. Finding a new home wasn’t just about more room; it was about creating a space where their dreams could continue to bloom —it was about creating a new chapter where their business could expand and flourish. It was a place where their dreams and their growing business could truly take root and thrive.

Now We Look Forward… With Smiles of Excitement

As Nakoa the Label continues to grow, they look forward with excitement and anticipation. Their journey has been incredible, and they’re thrilled to help people around the world with their fashion accessory needs. With every new design and every satisfied customer, their smiles grow wider, knowing that their brand is making a difference and bringing joy to so many. Here’s to the future and all the new adventures it holds!