Our Story

At KULA, we’re all about bringing a little more joy, thoughtfulness, and kindness into everyday life. But behind the brand? It’s just us—Marianne and Thomas—navigating life and creating something meaningful along the way.

We met years ago in Nusa Lembongan, Indonesia. Marianne was on holiday from London with a friend, and Thomas was traveling with some of his. Neither of us was searching for a big life shift—it was just one of those chance meetings that stayed with us. Fast forward a few years, and Marianne had moved to Switzerland from London, and we both started feeling like it was time for something new. Something with purpose.

Marianne, originally from Ireland, had spent years working in corporate marketing and events, planning experiences in some of the best restaurants in the world. Her life has always revolved around food—it’s her biggest passion. She loves baking, has an unapologetic sweet tooth, and is absolutely obsessed with brownies. For her, food isn’t just about eating; it’s about connection, creating moments of joy, and bringing people together.

Thomas, a three-time Swiss Olympian (yes, really!) turned business leader, was also looking for a fresh start. So, we hit pause on our regular lives and spent time traveling, volunteering, and learning from different communities and cultures.

We were deeply inspired by some of the communities we spent time in—places where people really looked out for each other, where acts of kindness and connection were part of everyday life. It reminded us how much a small gesture could mean and how powerful it is when people come together to support one another.

At the same time, we kept finding ourselves wanting to send a little something to people back in Switzerland—maybe to cheer someone up in the hospital, brighten their day when things weren’t going great, or just let them know we were thinking of them. But the options felt limited, impersonal, and overpriced. It left us wondering: why isn’t there an easier, more meaningful way to let someone know you care?

We thought all the answers would come during our travels—but they didn’t. It wasn’t until we returned to Switzerland and spent three months in the mountains, reflecting on everything we’d experienced, that things started to click. We asked ourselves: How could we take what we’d learned and turn it into something meaningful?

That’s when the idea for KULA came to life. We wanted to create something that wasn’t just a gift box but a way to connect people, show care, and make someone smile when they need it most. Whether it’s a friend who’s had a tough week, a colleague who’s gone the extra mile, or someone who just deserves a little love, KULA is about celebrating those moments that matter.

Starting KULA has been as much about our personal journey as it has about gifting. We’ve had to push ourselves, embrace uncertainty, and trust that figuring it out as we go is part of the process. 

So here we are—creating KULA, one thoughtful box at a time. We hope it brings a little extra joy, kindness, and connection into your life and the lives of those you care about.

With love,
Marianne & Thomas