From what started as a simple desire to spend more time as a family
From what started as a simple desire to spend more time as a family, The Nude Window has grown into one of the most distinctive names in the custom window furnishings space on the Sunshine Coast… and it all began with a kitchen conversation.
From Burnout to Building a Business
David and Alex had successful careers in separate fields… David in education and training, and Alex in manufacturing.
But the long hours and competing pressures started to take their toll. “We sat down and said, ‘What do we want from life?’” says David. “It wasn’t just about work… it was about creating something we could do together, as a family.”
So they started small… installing window furnishings while laying the foundations for something bigger. They faced hurdles, including restrictions from previous employment agreements and the uncertainty of building from scratch. But they stayed focused.
The Name That Turns Heads
Naming the business was no small feat. Alex preferred The Naked Window… David pushed for The Nude Window. “It needed to be something unforgettable,” he says. “And I figured if ‘The Naked Chef’ worked, so could we.”
The result? A brand that customers remember… and look up… even if they sometimes type in “The Nude Curtains” by accident.
Built With Family At The Centre
What makes The Nude Window special isn’t just the name… it’s the team. Almost everyone in the business is family. And while some might see that as a risk, for David and Alex, it’s their greatest strength.
“People told us not to work with family… but we made it work,” says Alex. “We’ve created a strong, open culture. Everyone’s involved, everyone is respected. And yes, we talk about work at home… but not the drama… just what needs to be done.”
Their philosophy is clear: Team first… customers second… profit third.
Factory Pride and Future Vision
When asked what they’re most proud of, both agree… setting up their own manufacturing facility was a huge milestone. “We didn’t intend to run a factory,” Alex said. “But when the opportunity came, we grabbed it. I’ve spent most of my career on the factory floor, and now I get to run one that’s ours… our way.”
What excites them next? Expanding into e-commerce… but with a twist.
“Most online curtain stores feel robotic… we want to keep the human touch,” David explains. “So we’re building a platform with 5 clear options, and a 15-minute video consult option… so people can still connect with a real person. That’s what will set us apart.”
Lessons for Business Owners
Their biggest lessons?
- Create your own version of success… For them, it’s being surrounded by family, building wealth to pass on, and solving problems together.
- Get informed before you start… Know your numbers. Understand tax, cash flow, and what a profit & loss actually tells you.
- Balance optimism with realism… “I tend to charge ahead,” says Alex, “David’s great at pointing out what could go wrong… and we need both.”
- Be comfortable with failure… and success… “Don’t get too attached to either,” says David.
So… What Drives Them?
“For me, it’s creativity,” Alex says. “I’m always thinking about how to make things better… smoother… more beautiful.”
David? “Family. And growth. I wake up and do my morning routine… mindset, study, fitness… and then get to work solving challenges. Not dramas… just good, honest challenges.”
