In 1993, Nicky Kinnaird opened a shop in the heart of London’s Covent Garden. A retail space like no other, it was a browser’s paradise designed to showcase an edited, personal selection of the things she had discovered and coveted. Nicky called it Space NK. Nineteen years later, Space NK is established as one of the most iconic sources of the world’s best beauty brands, with 60 Space NK stores throughout the UK (including four concessions in Harvey Nichols) and ...
In 1993, Nicky Kinnaird opened a shop in the heart of London’s Covent Garden. A retail space like no other, it was a browser’s paradise designed to showcase an edited, personal selection of the things she
had discovered and coveted. Nicky called it Space NK.
Nineteen years later, Space NK is established as one of the most iconic sources of the world’s best beauty brands, with 60 Space NK stores throughout the UK (including four concessions in Harvey Nichols) and two Spa NKs in London. In the US, there are currently 21 Space NK stores, which include freestanding stores, as well as boutiques within Bloomingdale’s in California and stretching from Boston down to Florida. Nicky Kinnaird is renowned as a visionary entrepreneur and beauty guru.
The success of Space NK lies in Nicky’s vision of a special space where people gather to share and discover beauty secrets and niche brands with knowledgeable, unbiased and genuinely passionate staff.
Nicky’s drive to bring the best beauty discoveries from around the world to Space NK continues. To date, some of Nicky’s best-shared secrets include Eve Lom, Dr. Sebagh, Dr Brandt, Zelens, Sarah Chapman, Elemental Herbology, By Terry, Nars, Laura Mercier, Chantecaille, Diptyque, Rococo Nail Apparel, Oribe and Frédéric Fekkai. Nicky created a signature product line in 2009, Life NK, as a response to her everyday globetrotting needs, love of ambient fragrance and beauty essentials free from controversial ingredients. Through Space NK, these brands have achieved cult status from influential professional
beauty experts to discerning consumers in the UK and US.
Space NK has expanded into the US and onto the Internet, making Space NK and its unique products broadly accessible. Nicky has also brought in a senior leadership team to support Space NK’s growth, and
to free her up to travel the world seeking both creative talent and products that enhance health and beauty.
As a recognised beauty guru, Nicky is in constant demand to speak to organisations around the world and to provide beauty and health advice. Her blog on
spacenk.com is the first step in bringing her beauty and lifestyle wisdom to millions.
Nicky grew up in Belfast, Northern Ireland. She graduated from Reading University in 1985 and worked as a Chartered Surveyor for the property company Debenham, Tewson & Chinnocks, specializing in retail
agency. From there, she joined Retail Plan Ltd. and quickly built a reputation in retail that sent her around the globe on assignments and eventually led to the creation of her own retail venture: Space NK.
Nicky has received extraordinary industry recognition for her achievements, including being awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire). Nicky lives in London and New York and is an avid tennis player.