We’d like to take a minute to introduce you to a new friend of ours – Olivia Smith, the face behind Nodi! A rugs and textiles brand designed in New Zealand and woven in India. Olivia was heavily influenced by her time studying in Milan (Nodi, coming from the Italian word for ‘knots’) her interest in the craft of weaving and tying knots was born. She was fascinated by and embraced the perfect imperfections that handmade products create. Travelling through India Olivia was able to research new techniques and also form invaluable friendships with makers and artisans.
Name: Olivia Smith
Brand: Nodi
Job Title: Founder/Creative Director
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
Instagram @nodirugs
1/ What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a fashion designer – I came up with some pretty frightening, unique creations when I was a little girl.
2/ When and what was the moment that prompted you to start your own brand?
It was when I was making hand-knotted necklaces out of fabric whilst I was an intern in Milan to make some extra money, I loved the process and having something of my own that came from within and was totally true to myself that I had created. Whilst making the necklaces I became fascinated and obsessed with the word Nodi – which means knots in Italian and decided at the moment that if I was ever to start a business that it would be called Nodi. ( That was 6 years ago, so the idea sat in my mind for four years before it came to life.)
3/ In 3 words, describe your occupation.
Layered, unpredictable and exciting.
4/ What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Lean into it! When it gets hard, lean in even deeper.
5/ What is your favourite creative outlet to get the juices flowing?
I feel most creative when I’m travelling and in nature – so trips to the coast & getting on an aeroplane are things that happen regularly. Off to France and America to escape winter!
6/ Where do you see yourself and the brand in 10 years time?
Exhibiting at Salone Del Mobile in Milan (where Nodi all began), selling into new countries + becoming a leading worldwide rug brand.
7/ If you could invite any 5 celebrities to dinner, who would be on the guest list?
Pablo Picasso, Opera Winfrey, Richard Branson, Jamie Oliver and Dean Martin.
8/ What was the last rule you broke?
Carried far too many kgs of carry-on luggage + got away with it.
9/ Do you have any hidden talents?
I speak fluent Italian.
10/ What was the last movie you saw and was it any good?
I watched The Danish Girl on the plane – it was exceptional!
Why do we love them? We think Nodi themselves sum it up best: “All our rugs are lovingly made in certified Care and Fair factories in India. The combination of the skilled artisans that weave them and our focus on developing unique textures and designs result in quality pieces made to last.” All 100% ethically made, the artisans and factories use fair trade practices ensuring all weavers have a clean, safe work environment. Nodi is also actively supporting the fight against child labour.
What is the beat of your drum?
Beats
It’s a jumble of what’s playing on my Spotify list at the moment – a mix of old and new, fast and slow, my taste in music is pretty eclectic and random.
