Featured Artist: Shabnam Mustari Mukti – From Craft Lover to Crafting Business Owner

It is our immense pleasure to announce that we have launched a new category ‘Featured Artist’ to our blog this month and it is going to be a monthly issue from now on. The Featured Artist contents can be found under the ‘MISCELÁNEO’ category from our blog. We will be featuring talented artists and crafters every month. This is going to be a great opportunity for us to discover, know a little more about them and their creative journey. As we are primarily based on Bangladeshi platform, we’re starting this category with talented and creative peeps from this region and hopefully, we’ll broaden our horizon over time.

June Featured Artist: Shabnam Mustari Mukti of Trending House BD

From a little girl who was very fond of crafting to a successful handcrafted decor business owner; How inspiring isn’t it? Today we will get to know the beautiful and inspirational story of Shabnam Mustari Mukti, founder and owner of Trending House BD, an online store for handcrafted decors. I have been following her page on Instagram for a while now and I was so surprised when I found out that she does almost all the works. From crafting the little yarn tassels to cutting, carving and painting the woods, everything is done by her. Read her interview to grab some inspiration and creative energy.

Q. Tell us a little about your creative-journey, how and when did it spark a start?

I have always loved arts and craft and as I grew up the fondness grew too. Since I wanted to put my creativity to good use, my kind sister suggested me the idea to create a crafting business and because I haven’t come across any pages similar to the idea, I jumped right in! And… this, is how Trendinghousebd was born.

It takes courage to start from scratch and build a platform little by little. Just like the saying, the secret to getting ahead is getting started and so she did!

 

Q. What are your indispensable tools and materials?

My most indispensable things are wool, wood carving tool, paint and some fine brushes.

Well, if you go through her business page the touch of colourful yarns and paints are inevitable. These are the materials that make her crafts unique and wonderful. And not to mention her excellent craftsmanship, each one of them turns out to be a perfectly crafted piece. 

Q. Where do you look for inspiration?

I get my daily dose of inspiration from ‘Pinterest’. I swear by the app. The app is a wonderland for creativity and artist inspiration. Side note, I do get inspired from random websites too.

Ah, I’m sure we all would agree and relate to the Pinteresting ideas. It sure is a wonderful platform to discover ideas and be inspired. 

Q. Where do you see yourself/ your business in the next 5 years? Do you have a vision?

Yes, I do. I have a vision and I hope I can make it possible someday soon. I really want to branch out internationally, I want to have a separate workplace and I want to be able to deliver abroad.

Every small step takes us closer to our dream and we also hope that her vision is fulfilled shortly. I believe that it is important to set a vision of at least 2 years for any entrepreneurial journey; makes the path easier to follow. 

Q. Among all the things you create, what is your most favourite craft?

My absolute favourite thing to make is a dreamcatcher and wall decor that comes with personal pictures that can be customized.

Dreamcatchers are quite popular these days. Dreamcatchers were originally used for filtering bad dreams, but the presence of a dreamcatcher can surely create a happy and positive atmosphere. Even a few years ago it was difficult to find a store that sells customised dreamcatchers in this region. We are glad that Mukti brought the trend of customised colourful and cheerful dreamcatchers within our easy reach.

Q. Other than crafting, what other hobby do you have?

I take delight in taking a picture. I know I am far from perfect but I absolutely love taking pictures. Other hobbies that also keep me on my feet are painting and gardening. Tell me those don’t fall in the same category, one is designing the canvases other is designing the earth.

Painting and gardening are undoubtedly therapeutic and it surely helps Mukti to get some time to herself and a little break from her busy business works!

Q. Do you have any special piece of work which holds a good memory?

The fun fact is this decor on point no.5 changed my life, it has been my best seller till today. And it actually holds its own story since I have to put up customers personal pictures. All thanks to my brother who suggested the idea. Thank you Choto bhaiya.

If you check her page you will notice that the photo hanging wooden decor is one of her best selling products. It is wonderful to craft a piece that tells a story, holds a special memory forever. If you’re from Bangladesh, you might want to check it out, it also comes at a very affordable price.

Q. What is your advice to newbie artists and crafters?

My first advice would be to start even if it’s small or imperfect. Second would be an experiment, do it in a unique way and make it different and lastly have fun with your creativity, practice makes it perfect. Make it your kind of perfect.

There is no mistake in arts and crafts, each creation is unique! And yes it is true. You might feel scared to make the first step but once you make it, amazing things will happen. Our featured artist Shabnam Mustari Mukti started her craft business with products which were not much available around the region but she didn’t stop and today she is one of the top customized dreamcatcher and wooden decor sellers. So dream big, start now and you’ll reach it before you know it!

Do make sure to check out her page, here are the direct links to her Facebook page and Instagram page

Have a wonderful day and stay safe!