From Tradition To Transformation — A Conversation With Nicola Mattey

In this episode’s 1–2–1 session, we sit down with Nicola Mattey. A storyteller, performer, and business owner who is turning a simple idea into something with real impact.

During our conversation, Nicola speaks openly about the reality of modern consumer habits, particularly around Christmas. She reflects on how the festive season has become increasingly driven by trends. Shelves filled with plastic decorations, ever-changing colour schemes, and items that are often used once before being packed away or discarded altogether. It’s something that never quite sat right with her, and over time, that feeling grew into a question: does it really have to be this way?

Instead of ignoring it, she chose to act.

That decision led to the creation of The Ornament Exchange Company. A business built on a simple but powerful idea: renting Christmas decorations instead of buying them. Every item is pre-loved, carefully sourced from charity shops and platforms like Vinted, giving decorations a second life while reducing unnecessary waste.

Customers aren’t simply renting items, they’re becoming part of a more conscious, circular way of celebrating. They have the option to donate their own unused decorations, freeing up space in their homes while knowing those items will be appreciated and reused rather than ending up in landfill. At the same time, they still get to enjoy the excitement of refreshing their space each year, without contributing to the cycle of overconsumption.

Nicola is honest about how easy it is to fall into that cycle – buying more, using less, and not always stopping to think about the long-term impact. Her approach isn’t about guilt or pressure; it’s about offering an alternative. One that feels just as joyful, but far more intentional.

Her mission is clear: to gently challenge habits and show that tradition and sustainability can exist side by side.

We also explore her partnership with Play It Green, where every rental contributes to environmental restoration — supporting the planting of trees, sea kelp, and mangroves. It’s a model that not only reduces harm, but actively gives something back to the planet.

What stands out most in Nicola’s story is how grounded and human it feels. This isn’t about perfection or having all the answers. It’s about noticing something that doesn’t feel right and choosing to do something about it.

Her journey is a reminder that change doesn’t always start with bold, sweeping actions. Sometimes, it begins with a small idea, a shift in perspective, and the courage to follow it through.

Through her warmth, honesty, and down-to-earth approach, Nicola is proving that even our most familiar traditions can be reimagined in a way that feels good, does good, and still holds onto the magic that makes them special.