Meet Jess Hill, the East Auckland-born, Bali-based founder of Nana-J — a brand designed as an antidote to burnout and a love letter to slowing down. From live-in knitwear to versatile lifestyle essentials, Nana-J’s ethically made staples blend grounded glamour with everyday ease, moving effortlessly from sofa to sand to street. In this Q&A, Jess talks about the philosophy behind her “great recharge,” the intimacy of working with local makers, and how she’s building a brand that’s as much about recharging as it is about getting dressed.
In conversation with Jess Hill
Let’s get up to speed. Tell us a bit about you and your career to date.
Hi! I’m Jess Hill, East Auckland raised, ex-Sydney resident, now based in Bali, and the founder of Nana-J. My creative beginnings started in music in Aotearoa – within design and brand strategy. Eventually, I landed in Sydney post-Covid, and spent two years working within marketing and advertising, where I honed my eye for story and aesthetic. Nana-J is the first thing I’ve built that feels like a true reflection of me. A little nostalgic, a little subversive – a brand grounded in the kind of care I think we’re all craving.
What inspired you to launch Nana-J?
It came from a desire to build something that didn’t just look good, but genuinely felt good. Nana-J was born from the quiet tension of burnout and creativity – I wanted to design pieces that spoke to women who crave softness, edge, and meaning in equal measure. The name is a tribute to nana culture, the glamorous, strong, and unfiltered women who are living in their own rhythm. It’s only 7 months old, but already is growing into a space that feels bigger than just garments – it’s a creative world, a mood, a way of moving through the day.
What does the act of “being a Nana” mean to you?
It’s an energy. A kind of grounded glamour. It’s making your space feel good, wearing the silk slip for yourself, and finding softness in the moments you’d normally rush through. It’s also deeply intuitive – tuning into what you need, honouring your rituals, and letting care be sensual rather than strategic. Being a Nana” is less about age, and more about agency. It’s care as confidence. It’s choosing to move a little slower in a world that wants you to move fast and doing it with intention.
How did working with local designers and manufacturers in Bali influence the quality and feel of your garments?
There’s a real tenderness in how things are made here. It’s not a production line – it’s an ongoing conversation. I work closely with suppliers and agencies, where local artisans are finessing and tweaking things by hand. The process feels alive. And that intimacy makes its way into the clothes. Bali has given me the space to continue to build more consciously – both in terms of materials and relationships, and that’s a huge part of Nana-J’s DNA.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
“Take the risk that feels like home.” I think about that a lot – especially this past year. Moving countries, starting a business, reshaping my whole lifestyle – none of it came with a guarantee. But the moment I stopped waiting for certainty and started trusting what felt right, everything shifted. I’ve learned that some of the most radical things you can do are also the most personal.
How would you describe your personal style, and what influences it the most?
My style sits somewhere between vintage muse and elevated tomboy – I love contrast. Silk slips with sneakers, or cowgirl boots with an oversized shirt. I’m constantly influenced by music, nostalgia and the creative energy of women around me. Living in Bali has already made me even more tactile, I want everything to feel good, to breathe, to move with me.
How do you define success – not just in business, but in life?
Success, for me, is waking up excited – not necessarily to smash goals, but to live slowly, creatively, and on my own terms. It’s building something that feels real and intimate. As someone in their first year of business, I’ve realised success isn’t a launch or a number – it’s the quiet days where I feel proud of what I’m making, and the brave days where I keep going anyway.
Who or what inspires you creatively?
Women. Always. The way they care, move, build, rest, cry, laugh, and stretch. I’m also forever inspired by music – it’s how I connect to emotion and mood, and definitely how I design. Nostalgia plays a big role too, I’m drawn to anything that feels romantic, sensual and imperfect.
Quick-fire questions
The next item on my wardrobe wishlist is… A buttery oversized vintage tan leather jacket – the kind that looks like it lived through the 70s.
The book currently on my bedside table is… The Creative Act by Rick Rubin – I take this with me everywhere I go. My favourite kind of writing.
My favourite place to dine… Well since I’m in Bali, then it’s Alchemy at sunset – laidback, chill music, and the food is incomparable.
My next holiday destination… Margaret River. Western Australia is next on the list.
My guilty pleasure TV show or movie is… The Office (U.S., obviously). I have the sense of humour of a suburban dad and still quote Michael Scott like it’s 2011. No regrets.
My ultimate day off looks like… A morning sauna, eating mango in a towel, convincing myself I’m off-grid (but still checking emails). A beach swim, a nap, maybe some journaling if I’m feeling particularly smug – and making it through the day without crashing my scooter. That’s luxury.
The song I currently have on repeat is… My favourite question, always. I’m a sucker for anything soul or R&B – right now I’ve got the new Loyle Carner album on repeat (that man never misses). Also loving Jadu Heart, Pale Jay, and a recent discovery: Qendresa. Her track ‘2 Much’ has been playing on loop – silky, nostalgic goodness.
Three beauty products I can’t live without… Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint Daily, Nimbus Scented Body Oil, The Original No.5 Chanel (classic).
