Sue Tsai - Nico Nico

Mother Stories

Meet Nico Nico’s Cool-Mama Designer, Sue Tsai

Written by Katie Hintz-Zambrano

Photography by Photographed by Michelle Drewes

Dec 29, 2015

When it comes to buzzy kids’ labels, the L.A.-based organic clothing brand Nico Nico definitely makes the cut. Based on the idea that kids’ wares should be simple, beautiful, and extra comfy, the indie brand also boasts a womenswear label with the same ethos (mommy-and-me dressing, anyone?!). One of the women behind the operation is Sue Tsai, who recently invited us into the beautiful home she shares with her 9-year-old son Nico and his father, to talk about motherhood, less-is-more style, and being a workaholic mama.

: "Our friend had told us about this place and it was perfect for what we were looking for. We have lived here for 10 years now. Wow, it goes by fast!"
Sue wears a Nico Nico blouse and pants. Nico wears all Nico Nico.

: "I love our couch, dining room table, and chairs. It’s very simple but just beautiful."

: “Idiosyncratic. It’s a blend of our interests, from our everyday life and travels."

: "No philosophy…just go with what feels right. Also, less is more."

: "Nico keeps his toys and gears in his room. I’m a bit allergic to clutter, so he cleans up after each play."

: "The house is his playground and he knows to put everything away once he is finished."

: "It’s made me work harder and made me focus on what’s really important in life. The bad: I would say having to clean up consistently to keep the house clean."

: "The endless amount of love that one can give. I would do anything for Nico."

: "My mother. She’s my world and is the most kind and generous person I know."

: "Be easy on yourself. Do the best that you can and don’t beat yourself up. Enjoy every moment of it! It really goes by fast!"

: "I am Taiwanese and his papa is Greek; we wanted to find a name that tied both ethnicities and that had a nice, clean ring to it. Nico’s middle name is Lee, which is my mother’s maiden name."

: "We have similar demeanor. He is very mellow but stubborn at the same time, very kind, respectful, and easy going."

: "Waking up, making his bed and cereal for breakfast, rush, rush, rush, out of the house for school, soccer practice afterwards, homework after practice, then off to bed time."

: "That I am able to create and guide a little human and show them that anything is possible."

: "Making sure that I am doing the best that I can do and I am guiding him in the right direction."

: "It’s hard, not easy. I would advise another mother to make sure to take time for yourself. It will give you the balance that is needed."

: "I am much harder on Nico than my parents were on me. I don’t let Nico give up so easily."

: "Not that I can recall. I go with intuition.”

: "There are so many great things about raising a child in L.A. We have the mountains, ocean, great museums, restaurants, and resources to do whatever we dream of."

: "Drop him off at school, head into work, pick him from school, off to sports, homework, dinner, and snuggle time before bed."

: “For restaurants we love Terroni, a family-friendly place with a back room that we dine in frequently with the kids. Larchmont Village is great. We like Larchmont Village Wine and Cheese for the subs, Petit Greek, and the farmers market on Sunday and light shopping. On Sawtelle Boulevard we love ROC Kitchen and getting boba on the weekends. As for parks and outdoor spots, we love Pan Pacific, the Beverly High School Track, La Cienega Park, and Griffith Park."

: "Minimal, classic but with a twist, a little boho. My mood changes daily, so it depends on the day."
Sue wears a Nico Nico jumpsuit, Golden Goose sneakers, Rolex watch, and a Roseark bracelet, custom bracelets, and Grace Lee Designs rings.

: “My chord bracelets are friendship bracelets from my travels to Costa Rica and the South of France. My gold band bracelet was custom made in Morocco.”

: "I think a little. I don’t wear heels as much as I used to."

: “A great t-shirt, jeans, and military jacket."

: "Heidi Slimane, Jonny Johansson of Acne, Phoebe Philo of Celine, Isabel Marant, Rachel Comey, and Creatures of Comfort.”

: "I’ve become an online shopper due to the little time I have during the day. Online shopping makes it really easy to shop late at night, and before bed is generally when I browse/shop."

: "I am really simple, I use very little product. Wash, apply a serum, moisturizer with SPF, and off I go. I wear very little make up."

: "I workout 3-4 times a week. I mix it up between hot yoga, hikes, and running."

: “Not to stress on the small stuff, have patience.”

: "I am the creative director and owner of Nico Nico Clothing. I was born in Taipei, Taiwan. We moved to the U.S. when I was 5-years-old. At 18 I moved to Los Angeles to attend FIDM for fashion design. After graduating, I landed a position designing juniors surf/street wear in Orange County. After a few years in OC I relocated back to L.A. and designed for various LA companies—Freshjive, William B, and Earl Jean. I later began to style for various publications, campaigns, and celebrities around the world. It was definitely an amazing time and experience in my career. I became pregnant with Nico and everything slowed down (for a bit). I started Nico Nico with my friend, Momo Suzuki, when Nico was around 2-years-old. I would say creating/designing was always something that was innate."

: "Nico Nico is a simple, classic brand that is built to last, made in the U.S., with the most comfortable fabrics for your little one. Price point is a key factor when I design, so I try and keep prices affordable."

: "Yes! I think I work harder and more efficiently, since time is quite limited."

: "I am a workaholic, so I can work around the clock. But I have realized that time is so precious and I need to shut work off when I am with him. He is growing much too fast and I don’t want to miss a moment.”
Sue wears a Nico Nico blouse and pants. Nico wears a Nico Nico top, H&M pants, and Vans.