Our Story
The Voice
When I started defining the "voice" of Nurture the Naughty, my intent had always been to speak as a community.
From "us" and "our" - never "I" or "me."
However, this "origin" story is personal. My name is Michele Tullock, founder of Nurture the Naughty, and this is my story.
A Feeling
In 2015, I was having a conversation with my partner. My previous relationships had damaged my feelings of security and confidence with physical intimacy. This relationship was different.
It was supportive and healthy. No shame or judgment of things I did or didn't want to do. No feeling at risk. I was safe. I felt uninhibited and light.
I told him he nurtured the sassy, playful, fun, sexy, and silly pieces of me. He Nurtured MY Naughty.
I felt those words that night, and they stayed with me. They became Nurture the Naughty
Nurture the Naughty Is Born
No risk. Uninhibited. Sassy. I wanted the world to feel the way I did, so I took the first step and grabbed the domain for Nurture the Naughty. For the next 8 years, life had other plans for me.
Then, on a whim, Nurture the Naughty was born, and I pulled the trigger on making it legal. I didn’t think things through or overthink like I usually do. I just moved forward with setting up Nurture the Naughty.
Finding Your Naughty
How can we nurture that part of ourselves? For everyone, this looks different. What feels natural and fun to one might not to another. The key is being true to yourself. Nurture what feels right, always prioritizing your emotional and physical wellbeing. Accept yourself. Not being ashamed of what you desire.
It could mean reconciling what you’ve been taught and experienced, or even the things you tell yourself. This might be difficult if your belief system isn’t in alignment, but don’t give up.
Being with a partner who doesn’t judge or treat you in a derogatory way in relation to those desires…would be amazing. Acceptance.
Not Another T-Shirt Company
My friends asked “why? And does the world really need another t-shirt business?” Honestly, no, it really doesn’t. But this isn’t just a t-shirt company. It is my attempt to create a community. One to help anyone who has ever felt shame for what they want, whether the feeling was self-inflicted or came from another.
It's a community where you are not alone and there is a supportive family here for you.
A community for those who have found the balance and peace that comes with self-acceptance.
A community to embrace your naughty – whatever “naughty” is for you.
A community which helps you nurture those naughty parts of you, just like you would the other pieces that add up to define you.
I hope you will join me in creating this community of love and acceptance. It looks like this is an “us” story after all. Nurture the Naughty.
The Team that Made it Happen
Like any great thing in life, “Nurture the Naughty” took the help of others to get off the ground. This company is a small start-up, but it relied heavily on the knowledge, support, and graciousness of others to come to fruition. To these individuals I say “thank you” from the bottom of my heart. I can never repay you for all the kindnesses you have bestowed on me.
Lisa Mahar
I thought I knew exactly what I wanted Nurture the Naughty to be. Lisa took me under her wing and taught me about brand identity and what that means. It is like creating an individual with a voice, personality, and message. Everything that makes that individual unique. She helped me to focus and fully realize what I want Nurture the Naughty to be.
Felomeno Berte
This guy. Wow! I’m not a graphic artist, but I have thousands of ideas floating around in my head. He was so patient in listening, executing, and re-executing my designs until they were what I envisioned. This guy is a saint in my eyes. And many thanks to his amazing wife Autumn for the time he spent working on designs for me.
Rob Sparacio Photography and Design
Rob is a friend of a friend who knew I needed a photographer I could trust, who did quality work, but understood I was working on a startup budget. Not only did he take great product photos, but he worked with me to create what I believe is the basis for a mutually beneficial business relationship. Rob, you are the guy with the eye and the talent! Check him out! http://www.robsparacio.com/
Amy
Aside from raising two children who have become productive adults, beating cancer, and surviving an abusive relationship, this gal is also an elementary school teacher and just an all-around good person. If you want someone that has your back but also tells you things straight, Amy is your gal. Without her, I would not have been able to test all the products. She provided wonderful insight and honest reviews of what did and didn’t work from the manufacturers.
Emmalani Howe
Anyone who knows me knows that I have no talent in the makeup arena. With me there are three looks… absolutely no makeup, is she actually wearing makeup, or this gal looks like a five-year-old who got into her mommy’s makeup case. Imagine my joy when I crossed paths with Emmalani. She is an upcoming talented makeup artist who does everything from natural and glam to special effects makeup. Check her out on her website! www.em-mua-lani.com
"Wolfie"
Thanks for all the advice on starting up a company. For educating me on things to be aware of and to steer clear of. And, most importantly, believing so much in my concept that you threatened to steal it if I didn’t get off my backside and make it happen.
Best Images Graphics
This company was one of the best things that happened to me on my Nurture the Naughty startup journey! Every company I spoke with about printing, design, and embroidery wasn’t very helpful with the questions I asked. I did research, but there were some things I needed to talk through. Not only did Fred and Hugo answer my questions, but they held my hand and walked me through so much. Their patience and customer support are what every business should strive to be. Thanks to you and your team! Learn more about them! https://bestimagegraphics.com/
"Yoda"
Yup, you read that right. “Yoda” (ya know, the Jedi Master)… the nickname I gave to my romantic partner who Nurtured the Naughty in me. The man who inspired this entire concept. He helped me through so much damage and baggage. I would be in a completely different place right now if it weren’t for this man.
The Dog Park Mommas
The gals who listened to my ideas and answered endless questions about what they did and didn’t like in everything from baseball caps to hoodies. Who, I’m sure wished at one time or another (or multiple times) that I would stop talking about Nurture the Naughty. You guys are my tribe and my “keeping it real” team.
Rama Shotwell
When I first came up with the concept of Nurture the Naughty, I had in mind exactly what I wanted the logo to be. I ruin stick figures when it comes to drawing, so I needed help. My friend of MANY years, who is one of the most talented artists in just about every medium you can think of, came to my rescue. Love you my sassy talented friend. (She is also one of my models!!)
Emma, Andi, & Rama
AKA my models! I'll tell you, when I first asked all my friends who would be willing to model the clothing for the website, I received lots of volunteers. However, when I said they were going to need to share information about their bodies, many declined. These gals allowed themselves to be vulnerable for the Nurture the Naughty cause. They are my heroes !