Meet RIKKA- The Aussie brand bringing function and fashion to the tech world

WORDS: Katie Gallagher PHOTOGRAPHY Supplied

It’s a universal problem. Who hasn’t dropped their smartphone while rustling around for their wallet, trying to take a photo, carrying the groceries inside, chasing after an adventurous toddler or (heaven forbid)- doomscrolling on the toilet?

Brisbane mother of three, Friederike Kuehn, knows the struggle all too well.

That’s why she created RIKKA, a brand featuring phone cases, crossbody phone straps and wrist straps, that actually LOOK good and are made to last.

“I was visiting family in Europe after covid lockdowns and I saw people using phone straps everywhere,” Ms Kuehn said.

“In Germany, Italy, France, phone straps were so popular, so I decided to buy one and try it for myself. I thought, ‘Oh My God! How did I live without this?’ It is the best travel accessory I have ever purchased.”

Surprised phone straps hadn’t been widely adopted in Australia yet, and disappointed by the quality of some options on the market, Friederike set about designing her own.

After more than a year of research, designing and sampling- the RIKKA crossbody strap range was launched.

Coming in a large range of colours, styles and materials, RIKKA prides itself on being fashion-forward as well as practical.

“These days our whole lives are on our phones. Whether it’s photos, emails, texting, social media, your driver’s license, credit cards, we use our phones for everything,” Ms Kuehn said.

“A phone strap makes life so much easier, but I wanted to design a range that people would actually want to wear as a fashion accessory. I also wanted to create a strap with sturdy hardware and high-quality material.”

Friederike identified a gap in the market for a phone strap that was compatible with all smartphones and was the first Australian business to create a Universal Phone Strap.

This option features a ‘patch’ with a small loop that slides into any phone case. The strap then hooks onto the loop and voila! Hands free in an instant!

The innovative design was nominated for the 2024 SHE-Com Awards, and the RIKKA Strap-N-Go (case, strap and adaptor set) was named as a finalist.

“Being a Mum, of course I can see the benefit for busy parents who never have enough hands for anything! But our products have been popular with all ages and life stages, from teenagers to the elderly,” Ms Kuehn said.

“Our phone straps are amazing for travel, keeping your camera at your fingertips and keeping you phone safe from pickpockets.”

RIKKA also has a dedicated following among the senior and disabled community.

“I didn’t think when I first started this, how much of an impact this product would have for those who struggle with mobility, memory or muscle strength,” she said.

“Now people can have their hands free to hold onto railings or walkers and don’t have to worry about losing their phone or cracked screens, which are expensive to fix.”

Since launching in May 2023, RIKKA has seen revenue growth of 76 per cent year on year.

Friederike is passionate about championing other women in small business.

“By supporting my business you’re not just supporting me, you’re supporting my photographer, my graphic designer, website designer, Google Ads Manager, and so many other incredible entrepreneurial women,” she said.

Friederike plans to expand the RIKKA range of phone accessories in 2025.

For more information, visit https://rikkadesign.com.au/