tastemaker series
Nicole berriE
founder, Bonberi Mart
Q: What inspired you to launch Bonberi and begin sharing online your approach to mindful living, and then in person when you opened Bonberi Mart?
I started to become interested in healthy living in college when I had to prepare meals for myself. First I started out as a "junk food vegan" that would microwave veggie burritos all day long and slowly my lifestyle began to include more whole foods, fruits and vegetables, and mindful living. At that time I was the odd one out from most and loved to research hippie blogs and health food stores in my free time. I started an online magazine called Bonberi.com that shared all these findings along with recipes that I would test and love, and it started to grow a following on social media. After a few years, I had an opportunity to open an IRL version of Bonberi on Bleecker St in NYC, it was only meant to be a few months but it was an immediate hit thanks to the community we grew online, and 7 years later we're still here.
"Luxury at home means thoughtful, well-made pieces with high quality fabrics and textures that support your lifestyle."
– NICOLE BERRIE
Q: How does your approach to food and wellness extend beyond the kitchen and into the home?
For me, it's all about living a mindful, clean, healthy life whether that applies to the meals I prepare for myself and my family, the products we use in the bathroom and kitchen, and the linens we sleep on at night. I truly believe in living holistically and that means being mindful about our choices and purchases in all areas of life.
Q: How would you describe your home aesthetic, and how does it support your wellness lifestyle?
My aesthetic is clean, cozy and neo mid-century. My meals and the way that I live and dress, is comfortable but also feels subtly indulgent. I love natural linens in earthy tones so that our home feels like a serene oasis.
Q: What does luxury at home mean to you and how do you bring that to life in your everyday spaces?
Luxury at home means thoughtful, well-made pieces with high quality fabrics and textures that support your lifestyle. If my home feels peaceful and serene then my mind is.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you’d give someone who wants to begin curating their home and habits through a more mindful lens?
My mom always taught me quality over quantity so I would say indulge in the pieces that you know you are going to use day in and day out--bedroom sheets, towels, linens that will elevate your daily experience and will last you years to come. In my mind, this is what sustainability means, choosing things you love that you will use again and again.
