August 27, 2010
quince homeware's michelle koop
There are quite a few good-quality and well-designed handprinted textile brands popping up. While Julie Patterson is perhaps one of the pioneers (read her Daily Imprint interview here), there are others such as Memi Designs (interview here), Prints Charming and Pony Rider. Well, meet one of the latest - Michelle Koop from Quince Homewares.
Which five words best describe you? Passionate, driven, creative, humble, genuine.
What was your first job and what path have you taken since? I worked as a freelance graphic designer and then studied to be a chef as I wanted to be a food stylist. I worked in very busy restaurants and then studied surface printing and design. I worked in retail for a time whilst building up my range of products by wholesaling throughout the country. A year ago I opened quince.
What's the best lesson you've learnt along the way? To listen to your inner voice and to stay true to yourself.
What's been your proudest career achievement? Opening quince a year ago.
What's been your best decision? Having my child, Priya; he is such an amazing little man.
Who inspires you? Scientists and researchers who find cures for diseases, ways to live sustainably and discover new species, anyone really who is passionate about what they do and do it with integrity.
What are you passionate about? The environment and protecting nature's biodiversity, different cultures, indigenous art, food, colour.
Which person, living or dead would you most like to meet? Can I be greedy and say two? Charles Darwin and Sir David Attenborough.
What dream do you still want to fulfil? Destination birdwatching where I travel with my family to a specific location because it is the only area that a particular bird species lives, either in Australia or overseas. Travel to Bhutan. Seeing my work in more commercial spaces not only private homes.
What are you reading? Many books with Priya as part of the Premier's Reading Challenge, and an article in National Geographic magazine about measuring nature's biodiversity within a cubic foot, incredible!
images courtesy of quince and sharyn cairns