Moulded

You run Perculiar, an online homeware design studio—tell us how you got started.
I’ve always loved decorating and transforming the spaces I’ve been in. One of my favourite things to do as a kid was to cut out my favourite items from the latest IKEA catalog and create a collage of what I wanted my bedroom to look like. I guess you could say that that’s when my love affair with home decor started.

I started selling resinware part time in 2020, and decided to pursue homeware design full time in May of this year.  It’s been challenging adjusting from a stable corporate job to being an entrepreneur (especially in 2021), but I’m very grateful that I get to spend my days designing and crafting resinware, glassware, and ceramics for the people around me.

Your Instagram bio says that you’re a law & liberal arts grad turned tech consultant turned artist & entrepreneur—tell us a little bit about your journey to where you are now.
I think Covid-19 played a huge part in slowing me down and giving me the opportunity to pick up resin-making in 2020. I decided not to pursue a legal career after graduating from university, and wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. Although I eventually landed a role as a tech consultant, I ultimately felt that I wanted to experience what it was like to run my own business. The journey has been challenging and daunting at times, but I’ve experienced immense personal and professional growth through pushing myself out of my comfort zone.

Which one are you most terrified of—immense success or failure?
Hmm, I think I’m still more afraid of failure. I’ve definitely come a long way in accepting that failure is unavoidable and important for continued self-improvement, but it still hurts when it happens. If anything’s changed, I feel like I’m now more afraid of failing my own expectations, as opposed to the expectations of others. I think that that’s an improvement?

When was the last time you tried something for the first time?
My husband tried teaching me tennis last year. I wish I could say that I was good at it (laughs).

What’s the most cherished item in your wardrobe?
My engagement and wedding rings. I know that it’s a very clichéd answer, but I typically don’t accord material things with too much sentimental value. I’d definitely freak out if I ever lost my rings though, so they’re definitely the most important material items to me that I wear on a daily basis.