Full Circle: Where Nikiolee Made Begins

My earliest memories of creativity trace back to a small, handcrafted wooden kitchen set built by my father, a proud, 100% Italian man who poured creativity into everything he did. That little kitchen became my first “studio,” a place where making wasn’t a task—it was simply part of life.

Over the years, that same kitchen set made the rounds—shared with my siblings, passed on to my children, nephews, and now my grandchildren. It’s more than a toy. It’s a legacy. A spark that’s ignited generations of imagination, storytelling, and hands-on moments.

That creative energy has always stayed with me. It shows up in all sorts of ways—a no-recipe meal pulled together from whatever’s in the fridge, a stitched tote bag with a story woven into the fabric, or a found object given new life and purpose. Whether it’s food, fabric, or form, my work is never perfect, but it’s always personal.

For a while, life pulled me in a different direction. I earned my paralegal degree and built a stable career in law and compliance. But something was missing. The work didn’t reflect how I saw the world or how I wanted to shape it. I craved something more tactile, more expressive—something that felt alive.

So I returned to school. First to complete my Bachelor’s in Textile Merchandising and Design, and now—just a few classes away from finishing my Master’s—I’ve never felt more aligned with my purpose. This journey has deepened my love for textiles, making, and the stories behind what we create.

Nikiolee Made is more than a brand—it’s a reflection of everything I value: creativity, connection, and finding meaning in the materials around us.

Here, I share the things I love—pieces stitched with intention, meals made with instinct, and objects formed from what’s been found. I hope they spark something in you, too.

Thanks for being here. The story’s just getting started.