We love a good Aussie female success story, at The Carousel. Which is why it was a no-brainer to catch up with the dynamic duo behind Nakedvice: an Australian accessories and apparel brand that stands as a testament to friendship, financial success and fabulous accessories…
Founded in 2014 by best friends Jessie Gargan and Sarah Hanan, this year, Nakedvice celebrated a decade of success. And the brand’s growth into a multi-million-dollar enterprise, embodying the essence of quality, style, and affordability.
Inspired by the sleek aesthetics of the 90s, Nakedvice quickly captured the hearts of fashion enthusiasts with its clean lines and classic designs. What started as a casual conversation over dinner about the lack of affordable yet high-quality leather handbags, evolved into a thriving business venture born out of a shared vision and determination to fill a gap in the market.
“Pretty much from the start we treated it like a professional business. I think that was the best thing because we didn’t treat it like a side hustle,” Sarah says.
The brand’s name, Nakedvice, ingeniously coined by Jessie’s mother, encapsulates the essence of their products. A vice one can’t live without, yet feeling naked without it. This clever branding strategy, coupled with a relentless pursuit of excellence, laid the foundation for Nakedvice’s remarkable journey.
Navigating through challenges and uncertainties, Jessie and Sarah remained steadfast in their friendship and commitment to their brand’s vision. With Jessie overseeing financial and logistical operations, and Sarah spearheading marketing efforts, the duo complement each other’s strengths. And, foster a harmonious partnership essential for the brand’s success.
“We didn’t take a wage the first 12 to 15 months. Then, after that, we took $200 a week which was so much money back then. We were like, ‘Oh my God, we’ve made it! We’ve taken a wage,” laughs Jessie.
Despite early doubts and fears of failure, Nakedvice persevered, witnessing exponential growth even during the tumultuous times of the COVID-19 pandemic, with sales skyrocketing by 180%. The brand’s resilience and adaptability proved instrumental in weathering the storm and emerging stronger than ever.
From humble beginnings in Jessie’s brother’s bedroom to a fully-fledged operation employing 20 individuals, Nakedvice’s journey reflects a quintessential entrepreneurial tale of ambition, grit and unwavering dedication. Their online presence, boasting nearly 140k followers on Instagram, coupled with strategic retail partnerships, has propelled Nakedvice into the spotlight both locally and internationally.
Sarah explains, “It came at a good time. It was 2014, Instagram had just started. As soon as we came up with the idea, I basically started the Instagram straightaway. And, I was literally just posting inspirational pics of the mood of the brand.”
By the time we launched in April, I think we had 5000 followers on Instagram. That was purely people just following it. It was just literally like a mood board. It was so easy to get followers then
Once we posted, we went live with the website, then we had friends, family and word of mouth. But, it was definitely an easier time when not a lot of people have started businesses on Instagram.” Jessie adds, “We were so lucky. We had 10 orders on the first day that we launched. Instagram was relatively new; you could gain a lot more from it.”
Reflecting on their journey, Sarah emphasises the brand’s core values of quality, timelessness and affordability. Reaffirming their commitment to delivering products that transcend fleeting trends and endure the test of time.
As Nakedvice embarks on its next chapter, with plans for global expansion and a newly appointed management team, the brand remains true to its roots, embodying the spirit of innovation, authenticity, and camaraderie that propelled it to success. With Jessie and Sarah at the helm, Nakedvice continues to redefine the boundaries of fashion, one timeless piece at a time.
