NKPR’s Natasha Koifman Launches Socially Conscious Shopping Site

How do you connect with a younger generation and convince them to open their wallets for worthy causes? One Canadian PR executive is betting on this simple lure: give them something chic yet utterly useful, in exchange for their generosity.

Natasha Koifman, president and co-founder of NKPR, a Toronto-based public relations agency, launched ShopNK this week, an e-commerce site which mixes commerce with conscience. Featuring a curated collection of fashion, beauty and home products, the retail platform donates a portion of the proceeds on every item sold to a charity selected by the consumer.

“It’s a passion project for me,” says Koifman. The entrepreneur said she was looking for ways to marry two of her favourite past-times — philanthropy and retail.

Opening her little black book, she called upon friends and clients behind brands she personally uses and loves. Working closely with each brand, she helped them develop a special item for the site.  And her particular style stamp is pretty evident as all the items on the site are black. Koifman is famously known for wearing all black, for no other reason than the confidence boost it gives her.

But much thought went into the design of the items other than their colour.

“I wanted it to be all about ease and simplicity and to feel good,” she says. Such as the scarf from Toronto based fashion brand — Line the Label.  Made of a super lightweight modal and cashmere blend — and at four feet long — it works as a stylish fall shawl or the perfect travel blanket for long-haul flights.

Another item is a custom-made classic black blazer from Grace Martins, a long-time tailor Koifman frequents.  “I was thinking of a young girl starting out her career and who needed that perfect blazer,” says Koifman.  This wear anywhere-and-everywhere topper is the ultimate wardrobe workhorse and is made-in-Canada and takes around 10 days to delivery.

All items on the site range from $6 to $500 and consumers select one of five charities ShopNK have partnered with to receive a portion of the proceeds. The charity organizations include Dog Tales, a Canadian animal sanctuary; St. Felix Centre, a Toronto organization which supports marginalized individuals; and Artists For Peace and Justice, an international charity which helps impoverished communities in Haiti.

But besides the stylish items available on ShopNK, there is also a mentorship service. For just $100 — the entire amount goes to a charity of the buyer’s choice — individuals looking for a career change or to explore philanthropy can get 30 minutes of mentorship time with Koifman.

The launch of the site this week coincides with the Toronto International Film Festival, during which a star-studded annual gala is held for Artists For Peace and Justice, which is co-chaired by Koifman.  This year’s benefit is co-hosted by Susan Sarandon and Ben Stiller. During TIFF, a pop-up version of ShopNK will be open to the public and visiting celebrities at the Purman Building, right in the hive of film festival activities.

Please see below for a selection of items available at shopnk.ca

 

The Grace Blazer, $225.