Nicki Carapella has styled thousands of women in her role running Wild Child Stylelab on King William Road. Nicki tells SALIFE what brings her joy in life, how she’s learnt to trust the journey when it comes to her two young boys and how kindness and compassion matter.
Give us a brief insight into what you do?
I am the fashion buyer and run Wild Child Stylelab boutique on King William Road in Hyde Park. I’m also a mum to two beautiful boys Leonardo, 12, and Isaac, 10, and a wife to Daniel. I am also a friend and comedian to some lucky people (ha ha).
What brings you joy in life?
Making memories with those who matter. Spending time with my family of Greek and Italian backgrounds, so that usually revolves around food and drink and lots of loud voices and laughter. My 98-year-old Nonna reminds us to live life, dance, laugh and have a little wine with every meal. She truly brings me joy every time I see her. Succeeding in my career also brings me joy. To me, that means not just selling out season after season but most importantly connecting with women every day, because fashion and clothing are transformative, not only to the way you look but it can empower you from within and give you the confidence and self-love we all need.
What is the hardest lesson you’ve had to learn?
As a parent of two young boys, I have learnt that you can offer guidance and support, but ultimately, my boys have their own unique path to follow and will navigate their own journey. When my eldest started school I felt a wave of anxious feelings that I’ve never felt before in my life as the reality hit me “what if he isn’t going to be okay?”. I’m so used to making sure everything is okay. I’ve learnt I need to let them make their own way and maybe sometimes they may not be okay, but they will find their way. Accepting this has given me great peace. They know I’m always here for them. They make me proud every single day.
What is your most treasured photograph and why?
My most treasured photo is of my first-born Leonardo, when he was 15 months old, head full of curls and he is bathing in a bucket of water in the backyard on a summer’s day. This photo made me realise that the best things in life can be the simple things. In a world where we are made to believe we need the biggest, the best, the newest, this photo reminds me that being present is what really matters.
My life philosophy is …
Be the change you want to see in the world. To me, this emphasises personal responsibility and leading by example. By embodying the values and behaviours you wish to see in the world, you not only contribute to positive change, but also inspire others to follow suit. Kindness and compassion are everything to me.
This story was first published in the September 2024 print edition of SALIFE Magazine.
