About Us
Discover the journey of NILO: From a passion project to your first stop for unique accessories.
NILO stands for colorful uniqueness and responsible action. Our accessories, handcrafted in the heart of Hamburg, are an expression of the personality of their wearers and a testament to our commitment to sustainability. We believe that fashion and responsibility can go hand in hand, and we are proud to contribute to that.
Where individuality meets sustainability
Our story began in 2019 when Lotte sewed her first pillow and neck roll covers from fabric scraps. What started as a small hobby soon grew into a continuous project that not only excited friends and family but also caught the attention of people on Instagram.
The first sale to a "foreign" customer at the end of 2019 was a turning point for NILO. The enthusiasm and support we received from our community was overwhelming and confirmed our mission to create high-quality, sustainable, and individual accessories. We still vividly remember the days when we rode our bikes through Hamburg to personally deliver each order. It was an exciting and formative time that still inspires us.
Our products are a reflection of our core value: individuality. With an impressive range of patterns and variations, we offer our customers the opportunity to express their personality. We take pride in the fact that each NILO handbag, every phone strap, and every camera strap is a unique piece crafted with love and care.
But individuality alone is not enough for us. As a Hamburg brand, we feel a deep connection to our city and our country. That’s why we are committed to sourcing and producing locally to support the local economy and reduce our carbon footprint. We use organic cotton for our straps and recycled genuine leather for our bags to contribute to sustainability.
Since our beginnings, we have achieved many exciting milestones. In mid-2020, growth continued to increase, and we launched our own online shop. Shortly thereafter, we could no longer handle our orders alongside our studies. We were sold out for weeks at a time, and the frustration of our customers became palpable. Therefore, we decided to bring Stephanie on board as support. From that point on, Lotte and Stephanie sewed our NILO straps together. Hiring our first employee showed us that NILO is more than just a project - it is a living dream that is becoming a reality. And this dream is supported by a continuously growing team, without which NILO would not exist in this form.
In mid-2022, when space in our student apartment became tight, we needed a larger alternative as quickly as possible. Thus, the old children's room had to be converted into a temporary NILO storage. One could say we found a whole new meaning for the term 'family business'!
The mother was of course less enthusiastic when she realized that her lovingly decorated children's rooms were suddenly filled to the ceiling with colorful accessories.
At the beginning of 2023, it was finally time: We moved into our first own office/storage. NILO finally got the space it deserved.
"We are proud of what we have achieved so far, but we do not rest on our laurels. Our vision for NILO is clear: We want to continue to grow with sustainability in mind and inspire as many people as possible."
NILO is not just a brand, but a community of people who believe in the power of individuality and sustainability. We invite you to become part of this community and join us on this exciting journey.
Welcome to NILO Hamburg – where every belt is a unique piece.
