Nadalyn McNichols was born and raised outside of Chicago, Illinois. Her love for design started when her grandmother taught her how to use a vintage Singer sewing machine. After studying at the University of Kansas, Nadalyn moved to NYC to begin her career in at Kate Spade on the International Sales team. While working, she studied Fashion Design at Parsons The New School where she fine-tuned her skills in sewing, draping and pattern making.

 Puka The Label was founded by Nadalyn in 2020. The idea for Puka began out of her NYC apartment when she started sketching vacation outfit ideas for a wedding she was attending in Bali. While on vacation, she connected with an ethical manufacturer and persued her dream of moving abroad to start the brand.