Nisa Manufactory: The Nisa Team Takes Over!!

Project 2023-07-24 22:36:00 +1200

What is Nisa?

Nisa is an ethical underwear and clothing manufacturer based in Wellington, New Zealand, who employ women from refugee and migrant backgrounds.

It was founded by Elisha Watson in 2017 to provide employment for former refugees in the process of settling into New Zealand life.

Nisa would provide meaningful work and training in New Zealand's garment industry: making comfortable and stylish underwear, swimwear and activewear, while also helping with employee's English skills and to navigate the new country they have arrived in.

What's happening?

In March 2023, Nisa was put up for sale. And in June, they announced they were closing.

In the final 5 weeks of business, it became really clear that you - the customers - valued the products that Nisa's staff made in their Wellington workshop.

This response inspired Production Manager Pam Lowe to make a last-ditch effort to save Nisa; the jobs Nisa provides; and to keep making the clothing you love into the future.

And that's where you come in - restarting a company is a mammoth task!

We need to pay the staff to re-stock the briefs and bras you know and love; buy fabric for new lines to keep things rolling; pay the lawyers and advisors to make it all official; and to start paying for all the shop fittings, fabric, elastic and machinery that otherwise would've been sold.

We Funded! What Now?

Wow. Wow. Wow. We funded in under 24 hours from 498 backers. And the pledges have not stopped coming in!

So we decided to set a stretch goal to buy a casing machine when we reached $100,000. And you smashed that on Day 2!

That's going to allow us to put underwire into bras and swimwear. It'll also give us the funds to develop our first underwire bra.

1000 pledges

Next, you took us past 1000 pledges! So we released a digital cookbook filled with 22 recipes from the kitchens of our staff and alumni. You can download this culinary tour around the world as soon as you make a pledge - just check Update #8 for the link. We'll make sure we send it out again after we close too, just in case you miss it.

What's next?

It's hard to keep up with such a great crowd. Know that every pledge you make creates work for our team. 

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!!

Why are we doing this?

Nisa is one of a dwindling number of clothing manufacturers in New Zealand.

We feel strongly that it's important to keep these skills on-shore where we can. 

You can only by New Zealand-made if it's an option in the first place!

We also know you love what we make - and if we're not in business, we're not making the clothing you love!

Finally, we're an employer, and that's at the heart of all this. Our employees find meaning in their jobs with Nisa.

Watching them apply for other jobs was heartbreaking. We knew the jobs they had at Nisa provided them with the living wage, meaningful work and surrounded them with people who love and support them.

But that's not just our opinion. Last year we received a GoodMeasure report from ImpactLab, which quantified the effect Nisa provides to it's employees. It showed that every $1 invested in Nisa created $3 in social value for our employees. You can read more about our employment mission here.

We want to continue sewing: not only the briefs, swimwear and activewear you know and love - but we also want to open up our workshop to others.

We will be providing a new contract manufacturing service to New Zealand and international designers and labels looking for high quality manufacturing of knit garments. We are a fantastic manufactory who can provide patternmaking and sampling, right through to production manufactured stock runs.

So we have to at least try, right?

Our vision for the new Nisa

We're shaking things up in the fashion world. We're not just about comfy, stylish undies and swimwear anymore – we're diving into contract manufacturing too. Yep, you heard it right! We're spreading our wings to team up with select designers and brands who share our ethics and passion for sustainability . 

This move isn't just about expanding our reach; it's about creating more opportunities for  amazing women from refugee and migrant backgrounds who’ll make up our team. With our top-notch skills, transparent practices, and a commitment to quality, this felt like the natural progression to keep Nisa going and expand our impact, making the world a better place. 

We believe that fashion can be a force for good, and by diversifying our revenue streams through contract manufacturing, we're not only ensuring a brighter future for Nisa but also empowering women to thrive and contribute to their communities. 

Together, let's stitch a tapestry of positive change, one garment at a time. Join us on this exciting journey and be a part of something truly transformative.

What does Nisa need money for?

New ranges - last year our swimwear sold out and we want to be able to offer you a new range.

Replenishing our stock - after closing down, the cupboards are bare.

Lawyers and accountants to make everything official. PledgeMe fees. And to make a start paying for all the shop fittings, fabric, elastic and machinery that otherwise would've been sold.

Socks

Our gorgeous Checked Merino socks sold out in the begining of June. We need to commission the wonderful team at Norsewear to make us some more. 

This will cover the minimum run in each of our popular colours.

New swimwear

We're planning to bring back 8 of our most popular styles by the end of October, ready for New Zealand Summer '23/'24.

We will be making this from ECONYL® - a recycled nylon/spandex fabric made from nylon waste.

The colours need choosing, the materials need purchasing, producing, cutting, and assembling. All this requires investment up front. 

We're offering a swimwear pre-sale as part of our rewards so you can get first dibs on our latest collection.

The changing rooms

We have... feelings about our changing rooms. This picture probably says more than a thousand words - one that comes to mind is 'grim'.

We want every aspect of visiting Nisa to be a great experience for every customer, and that means our changing rooms need an upgrade.

Better lighting, new mirrors, a rug that is going to last and the names of our supporters forever immortalised in gold on the walls. 

Buying the company

We've bought the business! The deal was done at the 11th hour. Nisa had already closed it's doors, sold all it's stock, and closed down the website. But miraculously, on the day of the goodbye party, we signed the sale agreement.

This was no mean feat, and there were costs incurred. Not only getting the deal over the line, but also paying for machines, shop fittings, fabric and elastic stocks that would have otherwise been sold off.

When Elisha founded Nisa, her dream from the begining was that one day it would be taken over by it's staff.

Dreams can come true - but we need your help now to continue this one.

Rewards

We've spent some time trying to come up with great rewards for our backers. We hope you like them as much as we do!

Name our socks

Every dollar truly counts and we want every backer to feel appreciated.

Every backer, big or small, will have the opportunity to vote on the name of our new socks.

We reserve the right to veto offensive names, but otherwise we'll respect the democratic process.

50% off briefs or socks

Pledge at this level and get a voucher for 50% off a pair of briefs or socks once we're up and running again. Can be redeemed online or in-store. Does not include postage.

Choose from our top selling brief styles - Ada, Jules, Sabina, Marilyn or Quinn.

You'll also get a vote on the name of our socks.

Your name on the changing room wall

Our changing rooms need a makeover.

While we're there, we'll put the name of every backer who contributes $25 or more on the changing room wall, so every customer knows you helped us in our hour of need!

You'll also get a vote on the name of our socks, and a voucher for 50% off a pair of briefs or socks.

The Bird of Helping Hands Print Briefs (formally the 'I Helped Save Nisa' Undies)

A exclusive run of underwear only for supporters of this campaign. With the Bird of Helping Hands Print on them, designed by the Royal Master Artist at the Kingdom of Klah.

You'll get to choose your size and style from our four most popular styles - Ada, Quinn, Sabina, or Jules.

You will be contacted after the campaign closes for your choice of size and style. Briefs base colours will vary. 

This reward includes postage inside New Zealand, but international shipping may need to be arranged at additional cost after the campaign closes.

You'll also get your name on the changing room wall, and a vote on the name of our socks.

Workshop tour and morning tea

Backers who pledge at this level will receive an invite to our workshop for morning tea and a tour. Pam's even said she'd bake scones!

Tours will run in small groups of up to 10. We'll aim to hold one each fortnight once we're open again. 

Come see what we do, see your name on the changing room wall, and pick up your 'Bird of Helping Hands' briefs while you're in the store.

Surprise Me Pack

Do you just want to buy some good undies at a great price? We don't have the materials to make entire lines right now, but we do have a lot of 'blanks' - cut undies that just need to be assembled.

When you buy this reward, you'll recieve three pairs of underwear in your choice of style and size. You will not recieve a choice on the colour. That's the surprise!

Choose from Quinn, Sabina, Ada, Marilyn or Jules styles.

You will be contacted after the campaign closes for your size and choice of style, BUT remember the colour and elastic combo is the surprise!

This reward includes postage inside New Zealand, but international shipping may need to be arranged at additional cost after the campaign closes.

You'll also get your name on the changing room wall, and a vote on the name of our socks.

First dibs on swimwear

Part of the funds we're raising will be used to purchase the materials for and manufacturing our 2023/4 swimwear range. 

We make our swimwear from ECONYL®, a regenerated nylon made from nylon waste including fishing nets, old carpets and industrial waste. 

Instead of polluting the Earth, this waste is transformed into ECONYL® regenerated nylon. It boasts the same qualities as brand new nylon. But unlike traditional nylon, ECONYL® can be recycled, recreated and remoulded again and again - Please return it to Nisa for recycling at the end of it's life.

Your pledge will get you exclusive first-access to the new swimwear collection, and one item from it.

If you don't like the collection when it's released in October, then you'll get $220 store credit available to use from January 2024.

You'll also get your name on the changing room wall, and a vote on the name of our socks.

Make your own undies or t-shirt workshops

These are half-day sewing workshops held in the Nisa Workshop in Wellington.

Tickets are available in single, double, or coporate teams options and are limited to 6 attendees per session. Transport and accomodation are not included in your pledge.

Single and double ticket attendees will be offered a range of dates in late 2023 and early 2024 after the campaign closes. Please book a ticket to either the undies or t-shirt workshop by pledging for the appropriate level.

Corporate teams will be able to choose from either the t-shirt or the undies workshop for your team. We will also give teams first-priority for December dates so you can book this for your end-of-year activities if you want.

You'll also get your name on the changing room wall, one pair of 'I saved Nisa' briefs, and a vote on the name of our socks.

Bespoke briefs

Every body is different, and Nisa loves everybody’s body. If you struggle to find the perfect pair of pants, Pam will work with you to design the perfect fit for your body.

Pam will meet with you in person if you are located in Wellington, or via video call if you are elsewhere in the world. She will listen to your needs and work with you to design a pair of briefs that work for your body.

You will then be provided with 14 pairs of your bespoke briefs in your choice of colours - plus one pair of 'I Saved Nisa' undies designed to fit you as part of your pledge. Your pledge includes postage within New Zealand, but international postage may be additional and collected after the campaign closes.

If you wish to purchase more of your perfect pants in the future, you will be able to do so at additional cost at the time.

You'll also get your name featured on our changing room wall, a pair and a vote on the name of our socks.

Name our swimwear

Our new swimwear collection is going to need naming. Backers at this level can choose the swimwear item (on a first-pledged, first-served basis), and then name it.

Nisa reserves the right to reject offensive names, but otherwise it's up to you!

You'll also get one item of swimwear in the size and colour of your choice, a pair of 'I Saved Nisa' undies, your name will be featured on our changing room wall, and you get to vote on the name of our socks.

Silver Card

Thank you so much for your support. Your pledge gets you a Silver Card, which will entitle you to 30% off all online or in-person orders for 3 years.

Your name will also feature on our changing room wall, you'll recieve one pair of 'I saved Nisa' undies, and you get a vote on the name of our socks.

Sample Run

Are you a new or existing designer looking to get your swimwear, underwear, or activewear line off the ground?

Pam will work with you to make patterns and samples of up to 10 designs.

Includes the option to engage in an ongoing manufacturing contract with Nisa so your designs will be made by a living wage employer in New Zealand.

We'd really encourage you to get in touch with Pam before making your pledge at this level. Her email address is at the bottom of this page.

Your name will also feature on our changing room wall, one pair of 'I saved Nisa' undies, and you get a vote on the name of our socks.

THE GOLD CARD

You are our biggest fan and our new VIP. As a thank you for your incredible generosity, you'll get 50% off all orders for 5 years online or in-person, as well as free shipping.

You can expect VIP treatment in-store, and Pam might even make you a batch of scones if you let her know you're coming!

Your name will also feature on our changing room wall in the colour of your choice, you'll get two pairs of 'I Saved Nisa' undies, and you get a vote on the name of our socks.

This is what you get, when you Pledge at each level:

The Team

Li Ling Ho - All-round business generalist, with a soft spot for creativity. She holds the purse strings so Pam and Yuri don't blow the lot on shoes....

Yuri Mahecha - Lead Machinist and the person who has put more elastic on Nisa briefs than anyone else!

Pam Lowe - Production Manager/GM/terrible singer of 80's power ballad's. 

Queen Sudagar - Production Supervisor. Gets the things done. It's because of Queen you've got briefs on.

Hannah McHalick - Marketing and E-comm extraordinaire with a background in Graphic Design. Boom!

You can read more about us over on the Nisa website.

Media scrapbook

We're blown away by the support we've had so far. We're going to collect our media coverage about our re-launch and campaign here:

Trying to re-open Nisa, providing jobs for migrants and refugees (Radio New Zealand, 9 August 2023)

Workers raising $80k to save ethical fashion brand Nisa (Stuff.co.nz, 9 August 2023)

Want to contact us?

If you've got a question for Pam and the Nisa team, you can contact us through our website.

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