MK Nordika brings a little bit of Sweden to Victoria’s Surf Coast with nature play initiative

For business woman Marie Kullenberg, the expression “there’s no bad weather, only bad clothing” rings true, bringing back memories of her own childhood where “you have to go outside, no matter the weather, because otherwise you’d stay inside all the time.”

She recently shared the story of her business, MK Nordika, with local publication Bellarine Times, explaining how the presence of high-quality Scandinavian designed rainwear is impacting early childhood education and care (ECEC) programs in her local area. 

The business imports waterproof, windproof, PVC-free and machine-washable Scandinavian outdoor clothing, including outerwear, winter parkers, raincoats, boots and more, but Ms Kullenberg has a special affection for supplying children’s clothing, not only as a mother of three, but also as an advocate for outdoor education and play. 

In her own early years she attended a forest kindergarten, and spent every day outside. 

“We had snow, rain…even in minus temperatures. We dressed up, we ate outside, we had our naps outside, which is not very common here in Australia,” she shared with the paper. 

When she moved to Australia and started seeking care for her own children, her son joined a bush kindergarten, and from there, she began to approach services with her products, many of whom have now purchased class sets of waterproofing to support their programs. 

“It’s inspiring to see here in Australia there are many kindergartens that want to adapt to that approach, so the children can be outside,” she added. 

“Being in nature boosts immunity, stimulates the imagination, encourages problem solving and promotes physical activity.”

“In terms of my business, I love how many kindergartens are embracing this ‘there’s no bad weather’ policy. They’re getting the children outside.”

For more information about MK Nordika, visit the website, or the @mknordika_kids Instagram account. To access the original coverage of the story, please see here.