Meet the Maker: The Be Kind Tribe

From an altruistic book and a scribbled design, @thebekindtribe was born. Nicole’s motivation stems from an innate need to give back in more ways than one, The business model not only centres around using purely sustainable materials, but all profits from the business are gifted to a rainbow of charities in need. The apparel is simple but it means something and TBKT hopes it means something to others. Let’s discover more about the salty soul championing the mission…

1. When did you start your business and how did you come up with the idea?

I started The Be Kind Tribe in 2017 after being inspired by a book about altruism. I wanted to create a meaningful and sustainable business, where I could then somehow donate all profits to different charities. A design that was scribbled down (which actually turned out to look pretty decent), magically made its way onto a t-shirt; and hey… people seemed to like them! So I kept at it and here we are.

2. What does your daily life look like and where do you find the time to create?

Pretty chill, like a lot of people right now! Currently loads of reading, listening to music, hiking haha. I do try and keep busy though, so if I’m not working I’m thinking of new ideas for TBKT and things for the future. It’s just the money side of things that can hold you back a little!

It’s just the money side of things that can hold you back a little!

3. What keeps you going when things get tough or you have a lack of motivation?

Definitely the people around me. Always surrounded by lots of love. I feel I have less of an excuse to fall into procrastination because I know I’m doing this for a cause much bigger than myself. Sometimes it takes a little mental reminder; “A stop rewatching The Office for the 5th time and go help the ocean” is usually enough to snap me out of it haha.

4. Tell us one of the most important things you have learnt since running your business.

As a not-for-profit with a philanthropic business model it is tempting to give away money the moment there’s a decent looking amount in the account. I’m still paying for that one, haha. I am slowly learning to save and invest more into the business! Which eventually creates more money to share widely with more charities. A total of $4000 has been raised and donated so far, supporting a few different organisations. You can see who on the donations page on the website.

5. What do you enjoy the most?
The ocean of course (you’d hope), anything outdoors, camping! I’ve grown a slight obsession with books and records, so that keeps me happy and busy – especially during iso (Arctic Monkeys anyone?). Travelling is also a big one.

6. And what does the future look like?

In a reality without Covid I would have been heading around Australia with a trip I had planned with @endurothonozau to help fight plastic pollution for a whole year, but Covid had other plans – so now, who knows!? I guess I’ll have more time to work on The Be Kind Tribe and see where that goes. I’ve dabbled with the possibility of going back and studying/working to save for a trip to the Himalayas. See what happens!

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