As someone who started her own company from nothing more than a good idea, I know how critical the elements of timing, persistence and vision are. 

At that moment in time, 15 years ago, an “exercise dress” wasn’t a thing and we were dealt our share of raised eyebrows. But I had identified a void in the market for women’s apparel and… fast forward to today’s athletic apparel scene and dresses are a staple. For me, being part of that progressive movement was life-defining and I am proud to have played a role in offering women more options to feel good when moving in their bodies.

As someone who cares deeply about sustainability, I built my own company with an awareness that the long-term success of any business depends on nurturing the health of our planet and the beings who live here. 

Of course, one of our company goals was to be profitable, but we had other goals: to build community, to help women feel good about themselves and to minimizing the impact of our business environmentally. It turns out that you can successfully run a business without focusing only on profit and that, in doing so, the rewards are many.

And, as someone who finds her truest joy playing in the great outdoors, I strive to protect the wild places I love. Although my personal boat of choice is a rubber river raft powered by two long oars and my own internal “battery,” I am profoundly drawn to practical technology that can offer great value to our marine ecosystems and efforts to curb climate change.

Given all of this, investing in Photon felt, for my husband and me, like a rare opportunity because it linked our belief in sustainable action with our love of practical solutions to real-life issues.

The timing is right. The vision is right. The world is on the verge of ready.

We believe in the mission and are excited by the technology. Also, the tangible markets that Photon has identified are compelling and without end. Combine that with a team that is crazy smart and dedicated and it wasn’t at all hard to decide to be part of this. 

We are proud and excited to have invested in their journey right at the beginning.

My Mother-in-Law has lovingly shared the following with me and my daughters:

“Before you speak, ask yourself: Is it kind, is it necessary, is it true, does it improve the silence?”

I believe the same criteria work well for taking other actions – including investment. And for me, investing in Photon is a resounding “yes.”

Christine Nienstedt is Founder of Nuu-Muu.  About Us (ALL) - Nuu-Muu