Letting fear be the fuel

Early this year I had the privilege of being interviewed by House of Coco regarding all things GNGR Bees. 

Below in the interview, you can learn a little bit more about me as well as how the brand came to life and what values it holds.

"Nathalia Grisard is the brainchild behind GNGR Bees and someone who is not only well traveled but well suited to the role of entrepreneur. She started in the fashion industry at the mere age of 16, back in her hometown of Brazil and from here she went on a mission to conquer the world, not letting fear hold her back. Having worked with a number of fashion houses, she decided that the time had come to launch her own brand and express her passions through nature, empowerment and health. That is when GNGR bees was born.

Here, she tells us more about why her clothes make you feel empowered, her plans for the future and more…"

Tell us about the journey that lead you to launching GNGR Bees…

I didn’t start out wanting to create my own business but as a consumer looking for brands that were consistent with my own values and beliefs. For me, that meant finding a brand that wasn’t driven by mindless consumerism and had a greater sense of responsibility and identity. GNGR as a brand started as I struggled to find that. Today, having embodied those values into a business, I’m very proud to have created fashion with purpose for a much better world.

The brand is all about reclaiming, recycling and up cycling. Can you tell us more about this?

Giving new life to materials that would otherwise be disposed in our environment is at the heart of what we do. We partner up with social enterprises and companies that have the same values as us and believe business should be done differently. Together, we create every element of GNGR Bee’s supply chain, such as our up cycled packaging that can be used in many different ways once they get to our clients homes and of course our clothing, which is currently made by recycling plastic bottles.

What is your mission with the brand?

My mission put simply, is empowerment. We want to empower people to consciously make better decisions when they purchase new products. Everything we buy tells a story, and it’s up to you to choose which one you want to tell.

How do you want people to feel when they wear your clothes?

I want them to feel like they are wearing more than just clothing. They are wearing fashion that is empowering, cleaning and saving the planet. They are wearing their values and standing up for everything they believe in. Our garments are more than clothing, they are a  story – from the plastic bottles that are rescued, to the special needs adults that hand paint the clothing sacks and the community in Rwanda that create our packaging. I want them to feel proud of telling this story and realising that when they join the GNGR family they are writing the next chapter.

What are your plans for the brand in 2020?

There is a lot happening in 2020. Since launching last September, I came to understand even more so what I wanted GNGR Bees to be. Our mission and our values are strong and drive everything we do. 2020 will bring collections that will go beyond reclaiming materials, a special wellness retreat and we will be embracing more community partners and also funding our own projects!

Who’s your dream customer? 

Every woman is my dream customer! A free spirit, she loves moving her body and doing whatever gives her joy. She is taking on the world whilst still caring about how her actions impact the ones around her and our planet!

Outside of the brand, what do you do for fun?

I am a true life adventurer – I absolutely love everything that has movement involved. I have a lot of energy so I am always trying new active things and I try finding life balance with yoga and cuddles with my golden retriever, Sammy.

Looking back, since launching the brand, is there anything you would do differently? 

No. I wouldn’t. My brand took me on a journey where I learned a lot and I think every mistake I made was essential to its development. Before I even launched there was a lot people with different opinions over what and how I should do it. Was nice to hear different feedback however I quickly learned to trust my gut, and since then, it has become my best business partner. 

What does self care mean to you?

To me, it means respecting my needs and wants and prioritising them over my crazy routine. Usually my body asks for activity and nature, and doing that feels wonderful. On rare days, all it wants to do is to eat vegan junk food and watch Netflix, also fine! The body asks what it needs and it’s important to listen!

You have learned a lot on your journey since launching the brand, what has been the biggest lesson? 

A product without a purpose and brand is just a product.

Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list?

Peru!!!! I have always loved travelling to culturally rich places and immersing myself in the middle of it all. Nothing beats knowing a place like the locals do and I have been curious about the forests of Peru and Machu Picchu for an eternity!

Tell us your favourite quote to read when you are lacking inspiration…

“A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle”. When we support each other and expect nothing back, the room becomes a lot brighter and it’s important to trust the ones around you. My family, husband and friends are always encouraging me to go a step further and I never need to look far for inspiration and love.