Behind the business: Shweta Mistry
Thank you for taking part in our Behind the business series. Please introduce yourself and your business.
Shweta Mistry is a women led design studio based in Glasgow founded in 2018; by Shweta, creating exclusive fabrics, wallpapers and interior accessories. Designs are created from hand painted artwork using rare pigments with global historic significance and heritage painting techniques. Cutting edge digital technologies are used to transform the artworks into exclusive products. All our wallpapers and fabrics are Made in the UK to the highest quality specifications catering for individual clients as well as high end interior designers and boutique hoteliers. The studio also creates bespoke designs for commercial and residential projects. Our principals of exclusive designs, quality and integrity are key into every creation.
We bring inspirational design edge to traditional painting methods and techniques. Our elaborate exclusive designs are created to enhance the everyday with pattern, texture and colour through a sensorial experience no matter what your style is. Equally believed to create a timeless interiors exploring what imagination can bring to surfaces that surround us.
What made you decide to start your business? What advice do you have for anyone thinking of becoming their own boss?
Thinking back I cannot pin point a particular moment that made me decide to start my own business, however as a teenager, I used to create and sell products and I guess it came naturally to me finding my purpose as well as bring up a family at the same time was the point my business was created. However, saying that I do end up working lot of extended hours and weekends.
The only advice I could give any one thinking of becoming their own boss is, it is never too late to give it a go and make sure you love what you do because it is not easy and in those moments it will be your passion that will keep you ticking!
How was life in lockdown for you and how did you adapt during this time?
I had to very much adopt. Two days before lockdown I had flights booked to fly to Amsterdam for an international trade show, that was cancelled along with a trade show in New York. As we all had to adopt to the video meetings/calls, I had to as well.
What trends are you most excited about in your industry at the moment?
To be honest I do not follow trends, I believe in collected timeless eclectic designs whether it is a fabric or a piece of furniture.
What does a typical working day look like for you?
No day is the same therefore there is no typical day and that’s what I love about what I do! Some days I am creating - painting and drawing artworks which may transform into new designs as a wallpaper or fabric. Some days I have scheduled meetings. Some days are a mix of many different operational, admin tasks. I absolutely enjoy each and every day of doing what I do and am grateful for it.
How do you structure work / life / play? Do you find it easy to switch off and if so how?
It is extremely difficult to switch off when you run a small business, I would love to know if any of the other businesses in the series have any tricks to switch off :) The one structure I stick to is regular walks in nature, yoga and meditation.
Please share some of your favourite books, blogs, Instagram accounts.
I listen to lot of podcasts some of my favourite ones are Radio Headspace, Conversations of inspirations by Holly Tucker, On Purpose with Jay Shetty. I've recently been listening to The Diary of a CEO by Steven Bartlett.
What is your favourite cake and why?
Banana loaf is my favourite with a cuppa however I guess is it considered as a cake?! :)
Please share where readers can find you. (Social media handles, any special offers etc)
Visit my website: www.shwetamistry.com or follow my instagram @shwetamistrydesigns