First Newsletter

I was looking for a separate space where I can share more than just pretty pictures of products. A space where I can drop my thoughts, share my experiences, take you on an unpolished behind the scenes but, minus the doom scrolling of social media. A raw and rustic chat about what is happening at my atelier.

So, here I am almost a year and a few days late late, sending my first newsletter for my shop.

For some of you who are still wondering what my shop is about - here is some context for you. Think about a place where you can buy art, consciously made things and some delightful delicacies for your beloved home, that’s what my shop is all about. You will find character, connection and comfort.

Past few months…

Later last year I started doing Rotterdamse Oogst market which gave me some momentum and a platform to interact with you all directly in person. I wasn’t sure how the response will be but by the end of 2024 I have already had quite a few of you returning. This gave me some confidence and insights into what worked and what didn’t. Any kind of market has its pros and cons and it is very difficult to predict anything when you are starting out. A blog is coming soon on my experience of doing local markets with some strategies and tips.

Another avenue I explored last year were chai workshops and chai pop ups. It was a totally new concept and I wasn’t sure if anyone would turn up. But the response was good and people genuinely engaged. Few words from one of the attendees -

In spring this year, I hosted a chai gathering, actually it was supposed to be tea & picnic at a local park in Rotterdam but weather was not on my side. It rained the entire day, so I had to move it indoors which resulted in a lovely intimate gathering with some Rotterdam based chai enthusiasts. Drinking chai together with friends and family is a much loved social activity in India and it has to have food no matter which part of the country you are in. I made, spiced potato puffs, scones spiced with chai masala, mango and cardamom cake, vegan sandwiches and there were dips, biscuits and crackers too. Everything was vegan and vegetarian and yes I make a vegan masala chai 😄. That surprised everyone and I get the same reaction when I handout tasting samples of masala chai and spiced hot chocolate to visitors in the local markets. In my next newsletter, I will tell you more about what people say about my vegan chai when they try it at local markets.

For now some photos of the chai gathering and a chai pop I did at a café in Zandaam.

New in the Shop

Handmade notebooks and new collection, Stationery

For long as I remember, I have always loved beautiful stationery. Even today whenever I see a stationery or an art shop, I don’t miss a chance to browse through their various paper aisles, handmade notebooks or fountain pens. Does anyone still use fountain pens?

So, a new collection that’s all about stationery has to be had. Just like other collections, I will slowly build this one too with some new and some vintage pieces. My hope is to have things that spark memories, some that have a timeless elegance and some that celebrate sustainability. In a world, where we are engulfed with everything digital, these pieces not only celebrate designs but act as a medium to preserve practises and art of making something with hands.

Because we are talking about sustainability, I want to highlight few things about these handmade notebooks. Yes they are completely handmade end to end but what I love the most is, the paper is made by recycling textile waste and fabric cuts are used for the covers, there is no use of wood pulp to make paper. Makers are well ahead when it comes to practising the concept of reduce, reuse and repurpose.

In the next newsletter…

• I will talk about eco dyeing event and Turkish breakfast that I attended recently

• Celebrating my shop’s first anniversary with a discount

• New products and things

Until then, go out, spend some time away from the screens, in the nature and with your loved ones

Love, Krati