Thread Talk SG (Featured Artist/Store)

Based in the metropolitan city-state of Singapore, Thread Talk SG founded and owned by Sagorika strives to positively impact the Indian weaving community, their fast-growing global consumer base and focuses on conscious sustainable fashion so as to leave a reduced carbon imprint. What I absolutely admire about this brand is:

~ Their timeless and classic creations that are not mandated by trends but rather driven by Sagorika’s love to keep the traditional weaves/crafts alive and thriving. 

~ Not tampering with the process and age old techniques of the bountiful and unrivalled craft and textile heritage of India and yet generating innovative and fresh designs that appeal to the new-age Indian woman. 

~ Embracing sustainability through and through – be it designing, sourcing, production or their distribution practices. 

I’ve first hand witnessed the quality of work and effort that Sagorika puts into the design and making of a saree. My collaboration with her has been in the works for over a year now (yes you read that right, that’s how elaborate and labor-intensive it is!). Finally, when the saree arrived, I was fascinated to see just how effortlessly, Sagorika had managed to bring 3 Indian states together in designing a one-of-a-kind saree for me. The only brief that I gave her for this customized piece was it had to be soft silk (as I personally like fluid and luxurious drapes), an Ashta Lakshmi theme for the palla and the saree in a color other than maroon. After which she took it entirely upon herself to design and execute it.

The finished saree is the outcome of Maheshwari silk handwoven in Madhya Pradesh that then travelled to Srikalahasti in Andra Pradesh to be penned for Kalamkari. Once that was done, it went to Bhuj (Gujrat) for the Kutchi embroidery and mirror work. As you can see, none of the traditional processes were manipulated in the making of this saree. Sagorika worked with each authentic craft cluster from the original state to which it belongs.

I had the opportunity to deeply understand the workings of the brand and the thought process of its owner and designer Sagorika. I now have so much more appreciation and respect for what she does. I hope this tête-à-tête with Sagorika gives you too a similar insight into the brand and its soul.

Hello Sagorika and welcome to TECD! Please tell us about your foray into the work of textiles and drapes and your brainchild Thread Talk SG? 

“Armed with a Masters degree in Microbiology from Mumbai University and a post-graduate diploma in pharmaceutical marketing, it’s contrary to my creative field of designing and fashion that I'm pursuing currently. I had a short stint in the Insurance industry before I quit to settle into matrimony and move to Singapore. My love and appreciation of weaves has largely come from my mother who has impeccable taste when it comes to sarees. 

Thread Talk was registered as an entity in 2014 in Singapore when my first born turned 15-16 months old and I was craving to do something creative whilst still being able to devote significant time to him. I had already decided I wanted to work with weaves as there were not many options in Singapore if one really wanted to explore the rich plethora of Indian weaves. There was Nallis ofcourse but that largely curated Kanjeevarams and then there were other boutiques that made cheap imitations of the Bollywood inspired fashion with nets and synthetic fabrics loaded with bling. I ached to find Dhakais, Chanderis, Maheshwari’s, Ikkat’s, Kanthas or Kalamkaris. Once I had made up my mind on what I wanted to do, I started with the branding, name, logo etc. Threads being the very basic unit of weaves that I wanted to work with and Bread Talk being a very popular chain for breads and bakes in Singapore, I took inspiration from both to come up with “Thread Talk”.”

Kindly highlight what sets your brand apart from others? 

“Thread Talk started out with curating weaves but now most of what we showcase are our own creations, where we have been involved in designing and execution of the particular weave. While I prefer not to tinker with original weaving process, I often experiment with different yarns, natural dyes and sometimes try contemporary designs with traditional methods besides combining 2 or more traditional crafts to create a single, exclusive piece. As a Singapore based business, we are probably the only one that works with designing traditional weaves from scratch. But even otherwise, I’d say our USP lies in how we can see many regional crafts coming together seamlessly to create a one-of-a-kind piece.”

What would you say has been the greatest influence on your designs? 

“I wanted Thread Talk sarees to be able to narrate stories and be conversation starters. India is a land full of stories and mythologies and symbolism, so what better inspiration than India. Also, as Indians living outside of India, what more could evoke cosy, fuzzy emotions than stories from our own land.

My biggest inspiration is India and all the thousands of stories that she holds within her. However, we are also looking at other cultures, other stories different from our own but which, nevertheless invoke a feeling of nostalgia. I Guess I am an old soul which is why I move backwards more than forward For eg: our Kantha + Batik saree featuring toadstools was totally out of an Enid Blyton book. The Poppy Kantha saree was also something that reminds you of Remembrance Day. So yes, India and the past era would be our biggest inspirations.”

Please enlighten us about the design process that you adopt to create each piece/ collection?

“The way Thread Talk works, it’s not possible to have one unit as these are all regional crafts and the artisans are geographically based in their respective craft clusters. So whether it’s weaving or embroidery, they all happen strictly in the craft clusters that they belong to. It would be mis-selling if not. Like I see a lot of Paithanis, Patolas, etc from Benaras. Those are definitely not authentic. We are very careful after learning along the way about these crafts and hence work with regional clusters only. For the regular “adda embroidery” and for tailoring we have separate units, other than that all work happens in original craft clusters and we take this very seriously.”

I also see that you have branched out into the jewelry category too. What do you intend to bring to this section of your business?  

“Though my main focus is on weaves, I have loved working with jewelry too. Like with our drapes, “wearable art” is an inspiration. Our first neckpiece was a pure silver Panchamrit spoon that we thought of as a pendant. Soon enough, I was working on a few more designs. Some involved making new ones where as others, like our Betel-nut cutter necklace just involved looking at the beautiful, vintage, artistic betel nut cutter in a different light to know it would make a fantastic statement necklace.”

How would you describe your ideal Thread Talk SG woman ? 

“For me, the woman who would resonate with Thread Talk’s designs would most importantly be someone who is extremely confident. She is someone who is mature and refined, takes pride in her roots and origins and will flaunt and promote them without any inhibitions. She is not someone who will be a crowd pleaser or someone who tries hard to “fit in”. Thread Talk designs are very subtle and never over the top! So it takes a woman of substance to be able to drape one without having to make a “bold, loud saree” or a more acceptable/ fashionable garment as her crutch.”

What are your future plans for Thread Talk SG?

“Because I have never treated Thread Talk as a business, I have never had any plans for it. I go with the flow. I just hope I can reach out to more people so they can see what we have to offer. When people appreciate the effort we put in behind creating a single piece, it gives us a high as no other. The focus is always on the craft. If people value the craft, if the design resonates with them, they buy it.”

Where can one shop for these beauties?

“No retails plans and no website either. I showcase everything on FB and IG and those in Singapore can always drop by to check out stuff and pick them. I’d never want to lose the personal touch in pursuit of commerce.” 

Finally, what would you say is the success mantra for a small business? 

“There is no mantra! Also, how does one measure success. If I have to go by account books, Thread Talk fares poorly. If success is a measure of my happiness and sense of fulfilment, then I’m extremely successful. I love what I’m doing and in the small scale it is, I’m able to manage it as a one woman army. I often tell my husband I don’t want to lose this charm of a small, mumprenuer owned business. The day the joy of creating goes away and stress comes in, I’ll hang up my boots."

That brings us to the end of this feature and a motivating interview with Sagorika. She through her wonderful brand Thread Talk SG is here to harness the power of merging aesthetics, crafts, old traditions and ethical fashion. The interaction I’ve had with her has been such a pleasure and I see how her designs and work is an extension of her honest and authentic self. Hop onto her page and enjoy surfing their Facebook and Insta-gallery and I hope you’ll come away feeling tempted and inspired to order your own customized unique creations from them - be it sarees, jewelry or blouses.

(Photo Credits & Image Copyright: 2,3,7,9,11-Sruthi Singh for Thread Talk SG; 1,4,5,6,10 - Thread Talk SG: The images may not be used for commercial or non-commercial use without the prior written permission of Sagorika, Thread Talk SG & TECD.)   

Festive decor ideas from SMS Trading Company

My fellow desi-decor addicts in my part of the world,  if you are looking to switch things up a bit this festive season, I've rounded up some of my latest favorites from SMS Trading Company (yes, we've already toured their furniture gallery and Arti's home). Arti has a new loot of wooden musical Ganeshas and sculptures, carved wooden panels, ornate mirrors, wall art, pooja cabinets and the much sought after, signature collection of hand carved teak wood furniture. She recently shot these images exclusively for my TECD readers. Apart from lending that special desi touch to your home, some of these pieces would also make wonderful and very thoughtful gifts! So go on and shop your heart out. What's even better is that my TECD readers get 15% off with the code TECDSMS15, valid through October 9th, 2017. To see more of her collection, please click here. Also make sure to follow them on FB and Instagram. For an in house appointment, please write to Arti at arti@smstradingcompany.com or call her at +1 (678) 445-3756 (Landline). (SMS Trading ships only within North America.) 

(Incase you missed part 1 and 2 of the feature, please click here and here to see it all). Happy festive shopping !!

(Image Copyright/Credit : SMS Trading Company Inc. The images may not be copied or reproduced for commercial or non-commercial purpose without the prior written permission from SMS Trading Company Inc. and TECD.)

A Chiseled Life - A Rendezvous with Sculptor Yethin N (Featured Artist)

In a very chaotic and stressful world such as ours, it is ART (in any form) that provides the much desired sustenance for the soul. When one peels away the layers of the art, at the core we have - the sentiments, thoughts, vision, experiences, skill and knowledge of the artist. It is this that flows through the art, letting us perceive and experience the world from a different perspective. Further this translates to mean (on a more macro level), connecting with others who share the same interest and vision. But on a more personal and micro level it means, enriching and connecting with oneself in ways which words cannot describe. I have never had the opportunity to showcase a “sculptor” on the TECD platform. So when the occasion presented itself, I was not going to pass it up! More so because, it involved hand sculpted brass statues, that are so close to my heart and form an essential part of my global-desi style décor.
Our sculptor in the spotlight is, Yethin N., a Bengaluru based 6th generation artist. His label, “Loha Arts and Crafts” specializes in handcrafted South Indian style deities. Yethin is adept at different styles of sculpting namely - the Hoysala style, the Chola style and the Mysore style and works with an assortment of metals such as bronze, copper and silver (silver being his favorite). Recently, Yethin has also branched out to cater to the demands of the market for traditional brass décor such as lamps, bells, wall hangings, etc. I’m so excited to get this interview rolling. So without further ado, let’s begin our rendezvous with this talented young artist shall we?

TECD: Hello Yethin! So thrilled to have you here on TECD. What was the thought process behind selecting the brand name? 

Yethin: “Loha, translates to mean ‘metal alloy’ in my regional language. As my work predominantly involves creating bronze idols, which is an alloy of three different metals, I found it appropriate to zero in on Loha. I haven't narrowed down the name to mean only bronze because I intend to expand on the supply of art with different media as well, hence 'arts and crafts' came into the picture as well.”

TECD: Tell us more about your foray into the world of sculpting?
Yethin: “I come from a family of traditional sculptors. However, I never intended on following that path. Infact, I was a student of Law and have professionally taken up sculpting for the past three years. When time permitted, I would visit my father or uncle's workshop and observe them at work. The more time I spent there, I gradually discovered that sculpting came naturally to me. There was a flow to it all and it did not involve much effort from my end. As for the technical expertise on the subject of sculpting, all the knowledge, guidance and experience came from my family.”

TECD: What would you say is the essence of your brand?
Yethin: “90% of the statues or idols which are available in the market or retail stores are duplicates (pirated). They just cast the Idol and sell it.
Each and every Idol that comes out of “our” studio is handcrafted in the traditional fashion. My idols are anatomically more precise and also aesthetically pleasing with extreme focus on attention to detail. When it comes to idols or deities, each and every mudra (hand posture) and weapons they hold, the way they stand or sit, everything has a meaning. Everything is documented in our Shastras (ancient texts) and also described in various mantras and slokas glorifying the deity. Sculpting the idols with an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the same, sets me apart from the rest who treat this precious art form as an extension of another industrial setup or mundane job.”

TECD: Do tell us more about the in-depth traditional design process involved in creating these magnificent idols?
Yethin: “The design process that is used has been passed on through generations. First we draw out a rough sketch of the deity or design. Next step is to craft the wax model or clay model using traditional methods. Third step is to take a mold of it and send it to the foundry for casting. After it comes back from the foundry, we use our tools (hammer and chisel) to carve out the intricate designs such as ornaments, designs and other features. It is a tedious process which requires lot of skill, experience and most of all patience.”
TECD: What would you say is the source of your inspiration?
Yethin: “Most of my works are inspired from my grandfather's masterpieces. He is a national award winning craftsman. His masterpieces are displayed at the Rajeev Gandhi Art Museum (Delhi). Also, the temples situated in Mysore, South India have excellent sculptures which I adore and draw inspiration from.”

TECD: Your collection has a very strong South Indian influence. How important is it for you, that your designs showcase your roots?
Yethin: “Yes, my creations have a strong Indian influence. To me, Art is a medium through which we have the opportunity to showcase our culture and tradition. With this thought in mind, it is very important that my designs showcase my roots and culture because that is what makes it unique. If my designs have a western or European influence, the essence is lost.”

TECD: What is your take on abstract forms of sculpture?
Yethin: “With a traditional background in arts such as mine, my affinity is naturally towards traditional arts and craftsmanship. I’m not personally fond of pseudo artists who just throw paint on the canvas or sculpt a stick figure and call it art. I need more form and substance, for something to be termed as art.”

TECD: Do you see yourself digressing from creating spiritual deities and if so what would you like to try?
Yethin: “Sculpting is a dying art form. Even though a lot of people are taking up fine arts, not many are interested in traditional arts. They are drawn towards visual arts and other media. My own parents do not want me to be a sculptor. I feel it’s my duty to carry forward this traditional art form through to the next gen. So I don't see myself deviating away from my roots of creating traditional deities. Even if I try something new or different, it will definitely have the flavor of my original art form.”

TECD: Any WIP projects that you are excited about and would like to share with us?
Yethin: “Right now I'm working on a project for an Ashram in Tamil Nadu. Excited about creating 10 idols for them including Sharada Devi, Vaarahi, Maatangi, Sri Chakra, Nandi, Swan, etc.”

TECD: Where can prospective clients purchase your work?
Yethin: “As of now I do not own an exclusive outlet or retail store. I supply to the various stores in Bangalore and other cities. Majority of the work I do includes customized designs in which case, I directly work with the client. Currently working on expanding to an online market place which will also make my work available to international clientele. Lot of people buy artifacts from the nearest store without knowing the origins of the Idol. I want to introduce people to the original art and draw them to buy original handmade and handcrafted idols rather than buying duplicate ones.”

The biggest challenge that artists like Yethin face in today’s day and age is that duplicate idols and sculptures are available in the market at 1/3rd the price. But one must remember, if you compromise on the pricing, you are also compromising on the quality. I strongly urge you to buy genuine art and where possible, connect directly with the artists themselves. This way the experience of adding meaningful treasures to your private sanctuary takes on a whole new meaning - There is an instantaneous emotional connection with the object of your desire.

Readers who wish to follow and see more of Yethin’s work, please head to his Instagram gallery. You could also write to him at nyethin@gmail.com for  special commission projects, pricing and other product enquiries.

Thank you Yethin for sharing with us about your magnificent journey as a sculptor. We wish you the very best for your creative venture! (FYI: I’d also like to thank Pavan a fellow brass lover and reader of TECD for introducing me to Yethin’s work. If it wasn’t for him, this feature would not have been possible!)

(Image Credit/Copyright: Loha Arts & Crafts - Yethin N. The images may not be used without the prior written consent of the artist and TECD).

Under the Indian Influence - SMS Trading Company Inc. (Part 2) (Home/Gallery Tour)

Today we take a tour of some corners of Arti's abode in Atlanta, USA. You have already been introduced to this lovely lady and her incredible furniture boutique store SMS Trading Company Inc. Her home is an extension of the exquisite aesthetics that we are very well acquainted with after seeing her furniture gallery. Her home revels in displaying a deep cultural association and honors Indian artisans and their handiwork. Every room is flush with intricately hand carved furniture, hand picked décor accessories and splashes of well edited color. 

The Foyer announces Arti's style at the front door - eclectically Indian it is! Painted in a corn husk green, the foyer looks fresh and inviting throughout the year. Hand carved South-Indian style temple sculptures, a few potted plants and a sculptural brass candle holder, leave you begging to see more of Arti's wonderful home.

Those niches that you find so hard to style, here is a perfect solution!!! South-Indian style, temple statues, hand carved and hand painted made of fine timber wood. Don't miss out on the complementing wall corbels to frame those niches beautifully. The vibrant colors on these statues are reminiscent of the south Indian temple gopurams, looking magnificent against the bright blue skies. (Arti tells me that she has  an assortment of about 60 exquisitely carved statues stocked for sale. These pieces are one of a kind, so if you like something that you see or want to see the entire collection at SMS, make sure you reach out to Arti.)

Another challenging area to decorate is transition spaces. But Arti seems to have an answer to this common decorating dilemma. She had paired a sculptural tea-light holder from Home Goods with another one of her wooden statues and a rustic style mirror. By now you know you can expect the unexpected combinations in this home tour!

Crowning every room in the house has Arti's own signature line of furniture from SMS Trading. The exquisitely hand crafted furniture pieces have been relegated with the task of bringing an eclectic Indian vibe to this space. Ocher hues on the wall are the perfect backdrop for the richly colored teak furniture. The details of the hand carved pieces, the sinuous shapes and the regal vibes that they give off makes you instantly fall head over heels in love with this space.

An extended view of the the formal living room.

Coffee table books are a great way to showcase your interests. A collection of books (on all things Indian) is neatly stacked on the coffee table embodying Arti's affinity to her Indian roots. 

The "ta-da" element of the formal dining room has to be the ornate and very detailed dining table. The design inspiration for this beauty comes from the Wheels of the Konark Sun Temple. Infact, Arti tells me that it is one of the most sought after table designs at SMS Trading Company.

Arti also says that it never fails to stir up a conversation. She always finds herself explaining to her guests and customers about the inspiration behind this magnificent table, "The magnificent Konark temple is one of the most stunning monuments of religious architecture in the world. It is known for its intricacy and profusion of sculptural work. It is designed in the shape of a colossal chariot of the Sun God, with seven horses and 24 exquisitely carved wheels, each about 10 feet in diameter. The huge intricate wheels of the chariot, which are carved around the base of the temple, are the major attractions of the temple. The spokes of these wheels serve as sundials, and the shadows formed by these can give the precise time of the day. On an esoteric level, the Sun symbolizes the divine Self within.” That was very informative indeed.

Though the space has a very open floor plan, this did not deter Arti from painting every room in a different paint color! The dining room is done up in a shade of paprika red that truly enhances the white moldings and the rich tones of the teak furniture. Now who wouldn't want to dine in here!!!!

To create a visual focus on the niche, Arti decided to paint it in a warm mustard hue. A framed textile piece make for the perfect alternative as art. Another splendid piece of furniture is the revolving bar (Yes, the middle door swings open inside-out! Arti has promised to share pictures of that another time soon.) with a top serving as a Buffet.

A good part of the warmth and color in Arti's place comes from the huge collection of statues! Each is sure to make a statement in any room! (FYI, totally crushing on those breezy paisley sheers! )

I know I can't get enough of these amazing looking traditional Indian statues....Knowing you all, I don't think you mind a picture heavy post either:)

Arti is a voracious reader and has an insatiable appetite for books and poetry. Here is a glimpse of Arti's collection of books in the family room. A few pillows tossed casually makes for an impromptu informal reading nook. 

The family room is the place where Arti hangs out often catching up on news or watching a movie with her favorite glass of wine in hand.

Arti's home office too has its fair share of the Indian charm !

The guest bedroom is deliberately minimally furnishes to establish a sense of calm and serenity. Also, Arti did not want to take away the focus from the stunning bed! She shares that she changes things in here frequently depending on her mood. Right now, a colorful Indian glass work bedspread brightens up this space!

With that we come to the end of this beautiful home tour. I hope you enjoyed the tour as much as I had fun bringing this to you. Arti is doing a commendable job of bringing a little bit of India to those of us who live in this part of the world. I'm so glad to have met a kindred spirit like her. I wish Arti only the very best that life has to offer! Connect with Arti on FB and follow her on Instagram. To experience the SMS Trading WOW-factor in person, please write to Arti at arti@smstradingcompany.com or call her at +1 (678) 445-3756 (Landline) to set up an appointment for your visit. (Also, incase you missed part 1 of the feature, click here to see it all)

(Image  Copyright/Credit : SMS Trading Company Inc. The images may not be copied or reproduced for commercial or non-commercial purpose without the prior written permission from Arti and TECD.) 

Decidedly Indian in Appeal - SMS Trading Company Inc.! (Part 1) (Gallery Tour)

I've unearthed a gem of a furniture boutique that's based here in Atlanta, USA - "SMS Trading Company Inc". For those of you looking to create a home (here in the US) away from home (India), this is your answer to creating that visual symbolic link in your home to showcase your roots. Each piece at SMS is decidedly Indian and exemplifies the highest standards in terms of quality. Choices range from SMS's signature teak furniture line, hand carved wooden panels to South Indian style temple statues.

Expertly hand crafted, the signature furniture collection is versatile enough to complement a variety of decor styles - from traditional Indian, eclectic to a touch of Indian in a global/transitional or contemporary style of setting.  The refined pieces are sure to create dramatic interiors that exude an ambiance of nobility and sophistication. Arti, the heart and soul of SMS, either hand picks the pieces or as in the case of the signature line exclusively designs and customizes the collection herself, in collaboration with her in-house design and manufacturing base in India. Her passion for the Indian heritage and her interest in decor shines right through in every piece. The furniture boutique has a home gallery setup, judiciously displayed on various floors and an additional warehouse ready to ship goods globally!

I had so much to share about this lovely space that I decided to do a two part feature on SMS Trading Company. The first, is a showcase of her furniture and traditional sculptures boutique store and the next is going to be a tour of part of Arti's private home that highlights the pieces in a home environment.

TECD: Arti, so glad to have you here on TECD! Let's start by asking you to share a little about yourself?

Arti: "Thank you Sruthi for this lovely showcase here on TECD! I am blessed to be who I am and where I am, to be born to and nurtured by loving parents who gave me the values I live by and who are now my guardian angels! By education, I am a Chemical Engineer. I worked professionally in Project Management for International Engineering Consultancies, both in India and the US and then became an Entrepreneur by choice and started my own Company - SMS Trading Company Inc., in 2002. I love Décor, Travel, Music, Nature, Poetry, Photography, Technology, Reading, Reflecting, Experiencing.....and being an Eternal Curious Student!" 

TECD: Tell us more about your transitional journey from being a Chemical Engineer to an Entrepreneur?

Arti: "Sometimes, not getting what you want is the best stroke of luck! I worked my 8-5 job for a good decade and lived a structured “within the box” life. I was a Project Engineer but it was a black and white world of sorts where your path crossed mostly with folks of similar educational background and orientation, who spoke and conducted themselves in a predictable “in the box”, “within the lines” fashion so, while the functionality of the role was fine, nothing more stirred inside... And then it happened... the Engineering Company I worked for went through a reorganization and many Engineering positions became redundant. It came as a forced break and what we call as a setback in traditional terms but that was the turning point of recognizing what lay dormant within and that when stirred was frightening but turned into something beautiful and fulfilling.

My left brain was cajoling my right brain and my beautiful journey with colors, décor, vibrancy and creativity was about to begin! I still love technology and tools and gadgets but I am equally at home in a creative, abstract world where I can intuitively and naturally put things together rather well. Discovering, creating, decorating comes naturally to me and I can say I have a very good eye and a keen sense of décor and balance. And thus, SMS Trading Company was born in 2002. I named my Company after my dad’s initials (SMS) who passed on in 2001."

TECD: What is the USP and Inspiration behind the collections/curated pieces at SMS Trading Company Inc.?

Arti: "My USP for everything that I design, create or source is that it is handmade. These are NOT bulk, cookie cutter, machine made pieces that are just functional but have no conversational value. My pieces have design inspiration drawn from our rich cultural heritage and trademark talent of Artisans that create them by hand, one piece at a time! If one understands the journey of these pieces from concept and creation to being door delivered to their homes here in the US and other parts of the World, one will truly appreciate what we do."

TECD: Owning a non-traditional style furniture boutique, how has the experience been so far?

Arti: "Very rewarding! I welcome people into my personal space as I would welcome and relate to my friends and that, in turn, also makes them immediately feel comfortable and “at home” and they also respond and engage positively and almost always leave as friends, well wishers and Evangelists and start becoming my extended family and opening up their homes and hearts to me. It just happens naturally.

Since the people who walk through my doors call me first and come through some referred channel, I have not had any negative experience of opening up my home to them. I truly feel that if we live and do business from our hearts and with integrity and treat everyone the same as they walk through our doors, the inherent goodness in people also comes to the surface. Everybody appreciates warmth, honesty and respect. 

I enjoy the Creative expression, Freedom, Flexibility and having this platform to meet people from all walks of life and backgrounds that has made this journey truly beautiful and has enriched my life and me as a person."

TECD: Is your personal style insync with that showcased at SMS Trading Company Inc.?

Arti: "Yes, I like things that people make with hands that are perfect in their somewhat imperfect beauty. I have mixed pieces in couple of rooms to show how the décor can be eclectically mixed up. I love collecting accessories from around the world and tie them in with our beautiful handmade carved furniture. I have also picked up pieces from my travels from roadside vendors and from under piles of forgotten items sitting in a corner and whatever I bring back has a soul that speaks to people.

I am also very fond of handmade traditional wood sculptures and temple carvings that I also source and sell and have them all over my house. I have people urging me to get into selling home décor accessories as they love everything I have in my house and want to buy it! I am looking to add that on to my core business of Furniture and Sculptures. I do, however, carry small gift items like framed Art, traditional lamps etc. at all times."

TECD: What life lessons would you like to share with my readers? 

Arti: "Life is a beautiful journey of growth and reinventing yourself and peeling back layers and discovering many new layers within. If you just gather the courage and break your shackles (whatever they may be!) and be open to and truly engage with life, life also responds back and reveals itself to you in so many different and beautiful hues that just like the proverbial caterpillar who thinks it is going to die, you become a butterfly!

I have also learnt that true success and freedom is when you can live life on your own terms, in an environment that is a reflection of your true essence and is in sync with your energy language. It is a blossoming of sorts where you rearrange the building blocks of your life and create an environment that reflects who you are and what speaks to you and what speaks to others about you."

Those were some extremely important words of wisdom that we needed to hear. After that wonderful furniture gallery tour, aren't you all geared up to make room for some of these beauties in your home. Take a browse through her website (limited access from certain locations). Connect with Arti on FB and follow her on Instagram (New to this space!). To experience the SMS Trading WOW-factor in person, please write to Arti at arti@smstradingcompany.com or call her at +1 (678) 445-3756 (Landline) to set up an appointment for your visit. Arti also strongly recommends that potential customers call ahead of time and talk to her so that they can get a sense of what SMS Trading Company is all about and in turn Arti may understand your custom decor requirements better and answer any questions you may have.

FYI: The Memorial Day weekend, SMS Trading Company will be in St. Louis showcasing some of their signature furniture and  decor accessories. Those of you who would like more details on this, please contact Arti via mail/phone (deets provided above). 

Stay tuned for part 2!!! You don't want to miss it........

(Image  Copyright/Credit : SMS Trading Company Inc. The images may not be copied or reproduced for commercial or non-commercial purpose without the prior written permission of Arti and TECD)