As we approach our birthday, we’ve been reflecting on what makes not just a shop so special. It’s the people. It’s the journeys. It’s watching a student’s idea slowly blossom into a full-fledged creative career.
This year, one of our favourite stories to tell is that of Seda Kalkici, an MA Interior and Spatial Design graduate from Camberwell College of Arts. Her path from a student with a dream to the founder of her own brand is a beautiful example of the community we’ve built.
The first opportunity
Seda’s journey with us began while she was still completing her MA, when she won an in-curriculum live brief with our team member, Zoë Tynan-Campbell to design a Furoshiki wrapping cloth. Her winning design was produced and sold in our store—her first-ever product on the shelf. This initial success was more than just a sale; it was a spark.
“The Furoshiki brief pushed me to experiment,” Seda recalls. “It became central to my final work and my focus on sustainability. It showed me I could do this.”
Talent like Seda’s doesn’t go unnoticed. Impressed by her work, our team member, Natalie Stevens, commissioned her to design a tea towel for a new collection, launching this October. She was no longer just a student; she was a commissioned artist.
Guidance and growth
The most rewarding part for our team is offering sustained support. As Seda began dreaming of her own product range, she worked closely with our team member, Clio Delcour-Min, on one-to-one product development sessions. Together, they expanded her original designs into a beautiful new collection of wrapping cloths, set to launch this October.
Clio reflects on the process: “We were all so excited by Seda’s talent. My role was to help her expand her original design into a full range that would resonate with customers, while staying completely true to her artistic voice. We used our first order to guide her through the entire process—sampling, lead times, costing, packaging—every step of the way.”
This hands-on guidance gave Seda the tools and confidence to bring her ideas to life. “I’ve always dreamed of creating products from my art, but it felt out of reach,” she shares. “not just a shop made it feel achievable. The support from Clio, Natalie, and Zoë at every stage was invaluable. I’m finally doing it, one step at a time.”
This is why we’re here
As we celebrate 8 years, stories like Seda’s are at the heart of everything we do. We are not just a shop. We are a community. Every product on our shelves represents a dream nurtured, a talent supported, and a story still being written. It is our greatest privilege to play a part in these journeys. To our customers: thank you for buying into these dreams and helping us write the next chapter. To our students and graduates: your ambition is why we exist. We can’t wait to see what you create, and we are always here to help you build it.