Chatting it up with 1/3 Tribal

One of the best things about social media, and Twitter in particular, is the opportunity to connect with other creative individuals that you wouldn’t have met otherwise. One such person that you may know is Nik Rivers of One Third Tribal. However, on the off-chance that you don’t, consider this your introduction and read up on this female making her way as a business owner, stylist and visionary.

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When and why did you start One Third Tribal? What inspired you to go in business for yourself?

I started One Third Tribal in January 2012 as a way to focus my creative energy and share my talents with the world. I have always had an appreciation for fashion and was always told by friends, family and even strangers that I had a great eye. After purchasing my first condo and while attending classes for a Master’s degree in Interior Architecture I really began to understand the connections between fashion and interior design. I really get excited about making people, things and places look beautiful. Of course, the idea of beauty is completely subjective, but I think that’s the cool thing about creation and design. Each person brings their own unique perspective/talent/experience when doing a project or creating a thing. My business is my outlet for creativity and a way to actively grow and nurture something special that I truly believe in.

What is the style statement/mission of One Third Tribal?

The aesthetic and ethos of One Third Tribal is all about celebrating the specialness of what is unique and one of a kind. One Third Tribal is about eclectic, bohemian and global style. When we provide interior styling service to clients we try to encourage them to really use their home as a canvas. I think that a person’s home should reflect the tastes, interests, experience, etc. of the person living in the space. The same is true on the retail side of the business. I try to work with artists and designers directly so I understand the story behind the brand and how products are made. The fact that the goods are handmade often limits production which in effect makes the product a bit more exclusive because it’s not likely to be seen everywhere on everyone. The company mission statement is ‘Boldly expanding Love, Beauty and Happiness’.

How do you discover new artisans and creatives to work with? Can potential artisans reach out to you?

Research and more research! I attend trade shows and events a few times per year. I network constantly. I think I’ve become really good at striking up random conversations everywhere I go. I’m often surprised to see how things link up and who knows who. Social media especially blogs have been a big help as well. I read about 50 different blogs. When I read about or see something I like I relentlessly research it until I’m able to connect with the creator or designer. That’s how I connected with Karen Jackson who owns the Ambiguous Jewelry line. After seeing Anya Ayoung Chee’s jewelry on Project Runway I knew I wanted to carry her line. I ended up meeting Karen through her sister who I met by chance while dining at one of my favorite NYC haunts, Ms. Lilly’s. I get a lot of referrals as well. When people know that you’re trying to do certain things they send people your way that they think might be helpful.

Who and/or what are some of your influences, in business and creatively?

Creatively I am inspired by visionaries like Frida Kahlo, Muriel Brandolini, Kelly Wearstler, Tom Ford, Steve Jobs, Romare Bearden, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Oprah Winfrey, Richard Branson, Seth Godin, and Coco Chanel.

Do you have any tips for novice vintage hunters? How should they go about picking goods for their home?

Keep an open mind. ‘Previously loved items’ are like cats with 9 lives. Just because an item was one thing before doesn’t mean that it could not have another use in it’s life with you. And trust your instincts. If you don’t need it or feel connected to it laying on the ground at a flea market let it go because the love is not likely to develop once you get it home.

And now for the nitty-gritty questions. I borrowed this style of short questions from Get Togetha…

Green Tea or Salted Caramel Mocha? Green Tea for the antioxidants of course!

Mariah or Nicki? (Yup, I had to go there.) Lol. That’s tough Mariah is classic and timeless and Nicki is innovative, fun and now. I like them both!

Bravo or HGTV? HGTV.

Tumblr or Pinterest? Pinterest.

Day or night? Night.

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Much love to Nik for letting me pick her brain a litte bit and to get her perspective and voice as an business woman. Now go on over to her shop and follow her on your social media channels of choice.

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