Business of Home Podcast Summary: "Why Nicola Harding Started Her Own Brand Dedicated to 'Quiet Hero' Pieces"

Release Date: June 23, 2025

Hosted by Dennis Scully, the Business of Home Podcast delves deep into the inspirations, challenges, and successes of leaders in the home industry. In this episode, Dennis engages in an insightful conversation with Nicola and Andy Harding, the dynamic duo behind the award-winning interior design firm and their burgeoning home goods brand, Nick's.

1. Beginnings: From Diverse Paths to Interior Design

Nicola Harding shares her unconventional journey before committing to interior design. Initially studying theology at the University of Edinburgh, Nicola explored various interests, including aviation and the military. She humorously recounts her time in the University Air Squadron:

“There were a few different ideas that I pursued… I was hands down the worst pilot they'd ever had. But I did get to wear really great flying suits…”
[04:11]

Her ventures ranged from being a podium dancer to working with Red Bull, where her design skills first found expression. Nicola emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with inspiring individuals, a lesson imparted by her mentor at Red Bull:

“Make sure they're people who you want to be rubbing up against.”
[04:32]

Andy Harding, with a robust background in e-commerce—including stints at House of Fraser and McKinsey—highlights the evolution of his career from retail to consulting, ultimately leading him to co-found Nick's with Nicola in 2023.

2. Launching Nick's: Recognition of Market Needs

Launched during challenging economic times in 2023, Nick's was conceived to offer quality, design-driven home pieces at accessible price points. Nicola reflects on the entrepreneurial spirit fueled by adversity:

“I think difficult times can be actually fantastic windows of opportunity for small businesses because people are looking for value.”
[01:57]

Initially focused on garden design, Nicola pivoted to interior design after successful property flips and word-of-mouth referrals. This organic growth underscores the firm's commitment to creating meaningful homes rather than merely stamping their presence.

3. The Power of Collaboration: Integrating Residential and Commercial Work

Nicola and Andy discuss how their dual focus on residential and hospitality projects has been mutually beneficial. Nicola explains:

“Each can inform the other and sort of cross-pollinate each other.”
[16:52]

This synergy allows them to maintain strong relationships with suppliers, enabling bulk orders that benefit both their residential and commercial clients through better pricing and quality.

4. Building Nick's Product Line: Addressing Practical Needs with Aesthetic Design

The Nick's product line emerged from real-world needs encountered during hotel projects. Nicola details how practical challenges inspired their designs:

“How do you create a table where you can squeeze as many people around it as possible?”
[28:22]

Their offerings span various categories, including lighting, furniture, and upholstery, all designed with durability and functionality in mind. Nicola emphasizes sustainability:

“There are ways of making a home user-friendly without having to fill it full of toxins.”
[35:28]

5. Commitment to Sustainability and Responsible Manufacturing

Sustainability is a cornerstone of Nick's philosophy. Andy elaborates on their dedication to environmentally responsible practices:

“We really want them to be generational, to be passed on… as long as they can withstand real-life use.”
[30:45]

Both Nicola and Andy discuss their aspirations to achieve B Corp certification, highlighting the challenges of aligning with small artisans who may lack the resources for comprehensive documentation. They prioritize local and European suppliers to maintain quality control and reduce environmental impact.

6. Expanding Horizons: Entering the American Market

Andy outlines the strategic considerations in launching Nick's in the U.S., focusing on a fully transactional e-commerce model:

“We would include the shipping cost in the price… offering customers exactly what they're going to pay upfront.”
[42:37]

Despite uncertainties in the U.S. market, particularly regarding tariffs and shipping logistics, Andy remains optimistic about the brand's reception, bolstered by positive feedback and thorough groundwork with partners like Brooks Thomas.

7. Homing Instinct: Nicola's Reflective Journey

Nicola introduces her forthcoming book, "Homing Instinct," set to launch in September. The book serves as a reflection on her personal journey and the essence of creating homes that resonate with warmth and belonging:

“It's a chance to really kind of bring them to light for the first time.”
[41:44]

8. Balancing Growth and Well-being: Managing a Multifaceted Business

Both Nicola and Andy acknowledge the complexities of managing multiple ventures—interior design, Nick's product line, and authoring a book—while maintaining personal well-being and family life. Nicola attributes her success to the unwavering support from family, friends, and their dedicated team:

“It's trying to sort of do the best by all those people who we rely on.”
[48:35]

Andy expresses excitement over the brand's evolution while candidly discussing the challenges of adapting to a startup mindset from a corporate background.

9. Looking Ahead: Future Endeavors and Continued Collaboration

As Nick's expands into new markets and explores additional product categories, Nicola and Andy remain committed to their core values of sustainability, quality, and meaningful design. Their strategic partnerships and continuous innovation position them for enduring success in the competitive home goods landscape.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Nicola Harding - “I think difficult times can be actually fantastic windows of opportunity for small businesses because people are looking for value.”
  [01:57]

• Nicola Harding - “Make sure they're people who you want to be rubbing up against.”
  [04:32]

• Nicola Harding - “Each can inform the other and sort of cross-pollinate each other.”
  [16:52]

• Nicola Harding - “How do you create a table where you can squeeze as many people around it as possible?”
  [28:22]

• Andy Harding - “We really want them to be generational, to be passed on… as long as they can withstand real-life use.”
  [30:45]

• Andy Harding - “We would include the shipping cost in the price… offering customers exactly what they're going to pay upfront.”
  [42:37]

• Nicola Harding - “It's trying to sort of do the best by all those people who we rely on.”
  [48:35]

Conclusion

In this episode, Nicola and Andy Harding exemplify the blend of creativity, strategic thinking, and unwavering commitment to quality that drives success in the home industry. Their journey from diverse careers to founding a brand dedicated to "quiet hero" pieces offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs and designers alike. As Nick's continues to grow and make waves in both the UK and the US markets, their story serves as an inspiring testament to the power of passion and purposeful design.