Member Article

Incubator initiative winner Kati Kaia strides into Seven Dials

Shaftesbury has announced Kati Kaia, the final winner of the ‘Start Up with Seven Dials’ incubator initiative, has launched its debut activation at 9-11 Shorts Gardens, Seven Dials, which will be open until June 2023. Kati Kaia, named after its founder, is an inspiring, specialist wellbeing brand and offers unique Artist Yoga Mats, Meditation Kits and Wellbeing Accessories. Translated literally as ‘Pure Joy’, Kati Kaia uses abstract and considered expressionist, hand-painted artworks to inspire and energise.

Identifying Seven Dials as a destination with similar values that attracts the conscious consumer, the ‘Start Up with Seven Dials’ winner selected the destination to launch a first-to-market product, a circular yoga mat made from recycled diving suits, in collaboration with Circular Flow, at the pop-up store.

Championing sustainable and eco-conscious criteria, Kati Kaia’s yoga mats are all made from 100% non-toxic, natural rubber that contains no plastic or PU fillers. The designs are finished with a vegan suede soft-touch top and are machine washable, aiding their longevity. The brand has also partnered with Rainforest Trust UK to work with grassroots organisations around the world, striving to protect biodiversity and natural habitats.

Kati Kaia is the final ‘Start Up with Seven Dials’ winner placed in its long-awaited debut bricks and mortar store in Shorts Gardens and follows in the footsteps of three other female entrepreneurs, Billi London, a 100% certified biodegradable tights brand, Tihara Smith, a London based vibrant stationery, accessories and lifestyle brand inspired by Caribbean heritage. Finally, Olive Jennings, a home and lifestyle store and creative studio, known for handmade and curated homeware.

Samantha Bain-Mollison, Retail Director at Shaftesbury, commented: “Having launched this initiative post-pandemic to support independent brands, Kati Kaia’s creative, eco-conscious and inspiring products stood out and her brand ethos is also reflective of our own at Shaftesbury. Kati is a fantastic ambassador for Seven Dials and a great addition to the community. We are pleased to have been able to provide Kati, and the other start-up worthy winners, with a bricks-and-mortar platform to launch in the heart of London’s West End.”

Founder Kati Kaia added: “Seven Dials has given us a fantastic opportunity to grow our brand awareness in a debut store. The location is perfect alongside such creative and inspiring UK and global names from fashion and beauty, and we are lucky enough to work with a landlord who has the same brand synergy as ours. We always want to challenge and innovate in everything we do and Seven Dials is such a great launchpad for us.”

This news follows the recent openings of two significant, sustainable fashion brands within the Seven Dials community. Meander Apparel unveiled its debut England store and contemporary womenswear brand, Rakha launched its new flagship location, reaffirming Seven Dials as London’s go-to destination for the conscious consumer.

Hanover Green, Nash Bond and Cushman & Wakefield represent Seven Dials. Kati Kaia dealt direct.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Nick Thornton .