Our Story

It all started on a chilly December day in Kelowna, BC, Canada, when we stumbled upon a pile of wool sweaters at a local thrift store. With moth holes and stains, these once-loved sweaters were destined for the discard pile. But we saw something different: an opportunity to give beautiful, natural materials a second life.

At the time, our daughter Anouk was about to turn one and take her first wobbly steps. We were on the hunt for a pair of warm, cozy, and stylish booties with enough grip to help her confidently explore the world. So, armed with the thrifted wool sweaters, a repurposed leather purse, and a little imagination, we got to work.

The result? A pair of soft, breathable wool booties with flexible, slip-resistant leather soles. They were everything we had been looking for, and just like that, Nooks (short for Anouk's [shoes]) was born!

From Little Shoes to Big Dreams

What began as a simple solution for our own little one quickly grew into something much bigger. Other parents fell in love with the comfort, practicality, and sustainability of our booties, and before we knew it, our little family project had become a thriving small business.

We spent our early days at local farmers' markets and craft fairs, sharing our handmade, upcycled, and one-of-a-kind creations and connecting with families who loved them as much as we did.

By 2014, our creative ambitions had grown beyond footwear. We introduced a collection of children's clothing, including one-of-a-kind dresses and skirts made from vintage and upcycled fabrics. With our expanding collection came a new name, and Nooks Footwear officially became Nooks Design.

Made with Purpose, Crafted with Love

As Nooks Design continued to grow, we knew we wanted to do more than create beautiful products. We wanted to build a business that reflected our values, cared for people, and made a positive difference in the world.

In 2017, we found the perfect partner in Purnaa, an ethical Fair-Trade-certified manufacturing company based in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Purnaa is so much more than just a manufacturer - it's a purpose-driven social enterprise with a mission to provide exceptional employment opportunities for marginalized people and survivors of exploitation, empowering them to build fresh starts and fulfilling lives.

Purnaa demonstrates that great products and meaningful social impact can go hand in hand. Its commitment to fair opportunities, ethical working conditions, and environmental responsibility aligns beautifully with everything we believe in at Nooks Design.

Purnaa's dedication to doing business differently has even earned international recognition, including the 2021 U.S. Secretary of State's Award for Corporate Excellence.

Together, we've been able to grow our collections while creating meaningful employment opportunities. From carefully cutting and sewing our signature booties to the beautiful hand embroidery that bring our designs to life, the talented artisans at Purnaa are an essential part of the Nooks Design family.

And their commitment to sustainability doesn't stop at the sewing machine. Purnaa also recycles fabric scraps, composts food waste, collects rainwater, and promotes sustainable materials and suppliers.

Every Nooks Design purchase helps support this partnership and the people behind the products. That's something we're incredibly proud of.

Growing Together, One Little Step at a Time

In 2018, we added hand-embroidered designs, cozy hand-knit garments, and adorable headwear to our growing collection, bringing even more craftsmanship and personality to the Nooks Design lineup.

Today, our small Canadian team continues to dream up fresh designs, playful patterns, and timeless pieces made with natural materials. We believe children's clothing should be as comfortable as it is beautiful, thoughtfully made to be worn, loved, and passed along.

From our humble beginnings at a Kelowna thrift store, Nooks Design has grown into a brand carried by boutiques across North America and Europe. Yet our heart remains right where it started: creating beautiful, practical products for little adventurers while caring for the people that make it all possible.

Come Along for the Adventure!

We'd love for you to be part of our story. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for a peek behind the scenes, new designs, creative inspiration, stories from our wonderful team in Nepal, and plenty of photos of little ones rocking their Nooks Design goods.

Thank you for supporting our small family business and helping us make a big difference, one little step at a time.

Warmly,

Ruthy, Louis-Philippe (LP) & the Nooks Design team