In this June, we enthusiastically celebrate the third anniversary of this exciting adventure called Nordlys! It's the perfect opportunity to reflect on our key moments, the challenges we've overcome, as well as our successes and future projects. An interview with Anne-Sophie, co-founder of the brand.
Key Moments in Our History
We are a young brand created in 2021 by three passionate individuals in decoration and interior furniture. In a sector marked by a strong industrialization of tastes, our goal is to bring a breath of fresh air through authentic pieces made from sustainable materials. “In fact, the starting point of Nordlys is first and foremost our shared vision among my co-founders and myself and our desire to make a difference,” says Anne-Sophie.
Some Key Dates in Our Journey:
- August 2021: With initial funding, we were able to build our first stock and launch our productions. “This moment is truly one of the most memorable in our adventure,” says Anne-Sophie.
- November 2021: First sale on the site in November 2021, “the first real sign that our project is coming to life."
- August 2022: We began collaboration with Maison du Monde, boosting our sales and allowing us to establish ourselves firmly. This step symbolizes the recognition of our quality and commitment. According to Anne-Sophie, “the collaboration with Maisons du Monde truly boosted our sales and gave us real legitimacy in the market.”
- Spring 2023: Launch of our outdoor range, expanding our offerings.
- October 2023: We began collaboration with La Redoute, confirming our positioning in the segment.
Challenges and Resilience
Like any young company, we have overcome various challenges along the way.
The summer of 2022 was particularly tough due to challenges related to the euro/dollar exchange rate and inventory management. "The challenges of international trade are constant. We want to satisfy our customers while avoiding overproduction, which is a delicate balance between ethics, customer satisfaction, and logistical realities." Paradoxically, during this period of confinement and border closures, Anne-Sophie and her team chose to go against the tide by starting the internationalization of the brand. They understood that nowadays, with consumption and the need for escapism coming through online showcases, this step was essential. From the beginning, the furniture has been exported throughout Europe.
It was also at this time that the concept of Nordlys truly took shape! Because, like many others, Anne-Sophie became aware of the importance of inner well-being and family harmony during the Covid period: one always feels better surrounded by aesthetically pleasing and functional furniture. Thus, during the confinement, she began to shape the brand, making the famous hygge the pivot of her concept.
Thanks to the perseverance and intensive prospecting of our team, we overcame these difficulties! The collaboration with Maison du Monde has been a new breath that allowed us to realign our growth trajectory.
Towards a Promising Future
The future of Nordlys is filled with promises. We are continuously developing to always offer original and trendy furniture. The next step? Launching a new range using bamboo as the main material. According to Anne-Sophie, “This material is not only exotic but also perfect for humid environments.” Any ideas?
Moreover, bamboo has many other advantages:
- Durability and strength: Very resistant to tension, long lifespan.
- Lightweight: Easy to transport and handle while remaining robust.
- Eco-friendly: Rapid growth, absorbs more CO2, releases more oxygen.
- Aesthetic: Natural and warm appearance, adaptable to various styles.
- Water and moisture resistant: Ideal for bathrooms and outdoor furniture.
- Antibacterial: Natural hygienic properties.
- Easy to maintain: Simple cleaning, scratches easily repairable.
We firmly believe that integrating this new range will allow us to reach a wider audience and meet specific needs.
Growth in Line with Our Ethical Commitments
Since our creation, we have placed ethics at the heart of our mission. We collaborate with carefully selected manufacturers, subjected to rigorous social audits to ensure exemplary working conditions. Our products are made from sustainable materials, certified FSC and OEKO-TEX, ensuring our customers eco-friendly and health-conscious items.
Our pre-sale production approach, aimed at avoiding overproduction, reflects our commitment to ethical and ecological resource management. We constantly seek to balance supply and demand while respecting our vision of responsible production.
Conclusion
In three years, Nordlys has come an incredible way, overcoming challenges, celebrating successes, and laying the foundations for a sustainable future. As we look to the future, we remain true to our values of ethics, quality, and sustainability. Thank you for being part of our adventure and sharing our vision of a world where individual and communal well-being is at the heart of every creation!