About The Artist
Background:
Nikki-Leigh, a visionary entrepreneur and artist, is at the forefront of celebrating and promoting Māori culture and entrepreneurship. As the founder of Piki Toi, she has created a dynamic platform that showcases Māori creativity in the e-commerce space. Born and raised on the West Coast of New Zealand, Nikki-Leigh's journey is deeply rooted in her Māori heritage, drawing inspiration from her connections to Kāi Tahu, Rangitāne, Te Arawa, Ngāpuhi, and Ngāti Porou.
Career and Contributions:
Nikki-Leigh's journey in the e-commerce and marketing world began in 2014, marking the start of a path that would see her becoming a pivotal figure in Māori business mentorship. In 2015, she expanded her expertise by joining Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu as a business mentor, guiding many entrepreneurs towards success. Her experience in this role, coupled with her entrepreneurial spirit, led to the birth of Piki Toi, a testament to her commitment to centralizing Māori commerce and providing a supportive network for artists and businesses.
Vision and Philosophy:
At the heart of Nikki-Leigh's work is the desire to give back to the community and support Māori business owners in thriving within and beyond New Zealand. Her approach is holistic, blending commercial success with cultural integrity and community support. Through Piki Toi, Nikki-Leigh aims to create a hub where Māori art and entrepreneurship can flourish, providing a platform for learning, exposure, and collective growth.
Personal Life:
As a mother of three, Nikki-Leigh balances her professional endeavors with her role as a nurturer and mentor at home. Her personal and professional lives are interwoven with the values of her Māori heritage, driving her to make meaningful contributions to her community and the broader cultural landscape of New Zealand.
Looking Forward:
Nikki-Leigh continues to be a driving force in the realm of Māori e-commerce. Her dedication to empowering artists and entrepreneurs through Piki Toi is a reflection of her deep commitment to her culture and her vision for a future where Māori creativity and business acumen are celebrated and uplifted on a global stage.
Piki Toi's Commitment To Slow Fasion
At Piki Toi, we embrace the philosophy of "slow fashion," a conscientious approach to clothing production that prioritises sustainability and quality over mass production.
Piki Toi values the essence of slow fashion as a commitment to reducing environmental impact and maintaining the independence of our business. This means we produce each 'Toitū Te Tiriti' shirt on a one-off basis, aligning with orders as they come in.
By avoiding excessive inventory and minimising the need for external funding, we strive to uphold ethical and eco-friendly practices while ensuring that every piece is crafted with care and purpose.
Clothing Delivery Timeframe
We sincerely appreciate your support of slow fashion and your commitment to making a positive impact.
As a result of our unique approach, the delivery timeframe for each 'Toitū Te Tiriti' shirt is approximately 1 week to 10 days.
This slight delay is a testament to our dedication to sustainability and reducing waste. We thank you for your patience and understanding as we prioritise quality, ethical practices, and the enduring message of toitū te tiriti.
Your contribution not only extends support to our business but also stands as a statement for a more sustainable and mindful fashion industry.