Podcast

TDF Talks With Ceramicist Extraordinaire, Tantri Mustika

Tantri Mustika originally trained as a hairdresser, and spent a decade cutting hair, before she accidentally discovered ceramics. That was just four years ago!

Like so many creative start-ups in the Instagram age, Tantri’s brand was launched with a simple website and online store, built using Squarespace.  Fast forward to today, and Tantri is one of Melbourne’s most successful ceramicists, with a loyal following of collectors Australia-wide, and her very own dream studio + retail store, which opened earlier this year.

In our latest podcast episode, Tantri shares just how she made that giant leap from hairdressing to launching her own business, how she’s handled the challenges of 2020  – and what she’s planning next!

Written
by
Lucy Feagins
Supported by Squarespace

Tantri’s dreamy new retail space also offers a glimpse into her studio. Photo – Amelia Stanwix.

Modern relics by Tantri Mustika, in the maker’s new retail space. Photo – Amelia Stanwix.

Tantri’s dreamy new retail space in Collingwood Yards, Melbourne. Photo – Amelia Stanwix.

Writer
Lucy Feagins
4th of December 2020

If you’ve been paying any attention at all to the Australian ceramics scene over the past few years, you’ve likely heard of Tantri Mustika! Tantri’s distinctive terrazzo-encrusted ceramic vases went CRAZY when she burst onto the scene in 2017, propelling Tantri from ‘emerging maker’ status to full-time crafter in only a matter of months.

Tantri has come a long way over the past four years. After launching her brand with nothing but an Instagram account and a Squarespace website, things took off quickly, and it wasn’t long before she decided to leave behind her former career as a hairdresser. She hasn’t looked back!

Seizing the opportunity to open her very own studio and retail space in Collingwood Yards creative precinct earlier this year, Tantri is showing no signs of slowing down. Her gorgeous new shop is now ready for visitors (after a few false starts – thanks 2020!) – she’s open Fridays 10am – 5pm and Saturdays 11am – 3pm, with extended trading hours leading up to Christmas (Tuesday Dec 22nd from 11am – 7pm, Wednesday Dec 23rd from 11am – 7pm, and Thursday Dec 24th from 10am – 4pm!). Pop in at unit 4/30A Perry Street, Collingwood Yards, Melbourne.

In this podcast conversation, I chat with Tantri about how she built her brand online, the importance of seizing opportunities before you REALLY know what you’re doing, and what she’s learned about the business of craft and design.

 

Squarespace provides entrepreneurs and small business owners with the tools they need to bring their creative ideas to life, online. Using their all-in-one platform, you can claim a domain, build a website, sell online, and market your brand.

Head to Squarespace.com for a free trial and when you’re ready to launch, use the offer code DESIGNFILES to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.

 

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