Founder, Nicole Gaviria (29), was made redundant during lockdown in 2020 and completed The Prince’s Trust Enterprise workshop online as an opportunity for professional growth.

After the course, Nicole explored several business ideas and settled on Lulah Collective as she battled with body image, and her market research revealed 70% of women cannot find activewear that fits their shape and size. 

This year, Nicole was matched with a specialist mentor from our network, entrepreneur Sara Fyfe (who’s a part owner of beauty brand Emma Lewisham), to support the launch of Lulah Collective. The business was the first to receive $20,000 from the inaugural He Kākano funding round in May, which Nicole says allowed her “to invest in my very first collection of sustainable, beautifully designed, size inclusive activewear.”

Lulah Collective’s first range for ‘curvy gals’ size 14-30 is about to launch and will be a “small collection so we don’t create any extra waste, fast fashion is yuck” Nicole says. 

As well as active wear, Lulah Collective is building and supporting a community of inspiring women through social media platforms who “choose to move their curvy bodies from a place of love and joy.” 

Nicole now knows who she is; has discovered her value and is looking forward to a future where she supports women struggling with body image and weight issues. Nicole remains connected with the Trust and appeared on TV Three’s AM Show earlier this year with fellow alumni Mokoia Rata from Kohatrade.