Nature’s Atelier was founded by husband and wife Khipra and Erika Nichols.
With Nature’s Atelier, we wish to bring awareness to the restorative effects that mindful practices and natural environments have on all of us, offering relaxation, enhancing our mood and cognitive functions, and stimulating our creativity. Life is a sensory experience, and we believe in offering experiences and developing products that focus on the contemplative states of mind, oneness with nature, and the creative experience through arts and craft activities.
MEET OUR TEAM
Erika Nichols – FOUNDER
Erika finds inspiration in nature and a sense of oneness and joy in its gifts. She holds a BA in psychology and a PhD in Cognitive Science, and serves as an academic success coach. With a strong interest in contemplative practices and meditation, she has researched how these practices benefit the brain and mind, particularly in terms of their impact on memory and learning. Throughout her career, she has offered various meditation classes and mindful experiences, including introductory meditation, mindful eating and cooking classes, and contemplative photography.
Khipra Nichols – CHIEF INSPIRATION OFFICER
Khipra is the Chief Inspiration Officer of Nature’s Atelier and an Associate Professor of Industrial Design at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). Khipra is also a nature lover and an avid practitioner/advocate of meditation. Before joining RISD’s full-time faculty in 1998, he was the Lead Designer in Hasbro’s Playskool Baby division, specializing in preschool toys and infant care products. Khipra has been awarded over 16 patents and has received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Design X Rhode Island.