Suki McMaster started her eponymous homewares and stationery brand a year ago, designing products inspired by her life.
A childhood love of art and craft set McMaster, originally from Hong Kong, on her creative path but her parents always thought she should be an accountant, “so I could live happily ever after”, she says.
While studying for her accounting degree and in the years after McMaster sold handmade bags and notebooks at markets, but it wasn’t until she met her husband, Iain, that she realised her hobby could become a career.
“I never imagined making this a real job until I met my husband, who was so supportive and dreamy about this business,” she says. “Without him I could never get this far.”
McMaster’s products include cushions, mugs, prints, tea towels, calendars and notebooks, all with her signature hand drawn sweet and quirky illustrations. “My drawings are inspired by Australian nature, memories from travel and the love for my husband,” she explains.
“For example, the bear illustrations you see on most of my products are inspired by my husband, and the horse on the mug and calendars are inspired by our honeymoon trip to Russia and Finland.”
All the designs have a story behind them, and McMaster says her ultimate aim is to make people happy. “I really hope my designs can brighten up people’s lives a little bit. I don’t want them to be just a decorative piece at home but something that will make people smile.”
Her latest release is a limited edition Mother’s Day tea towel with an image of a mother bear cuddling her baby, along with new cushion and mug designs. She has also expanded her range of caravan and VW Kombi designs due to the products’ popularity.
Since starting her business 12 months ago, McMaster has grown her stockists to 25 retailers around Australia, and says she never thought she could achieve so much.
“The highlight of the business so far is getting so much support from other creative minds and followers on social media,” she says. “I used to compare my design to other successful brands and thought no one would like it, but after a year I know I was wrong. I am very proud to be the lady behind this business.”
While she is busy designing more products, McMaster also hopes to open a store supporting independent Australian design. “Australia is a beautiful country full of wonderful design, but it can be difficult to find,” she says.
“The goal is not just to open a shop with beautiful products. I believe in passion, entrepreneurship, Australian design and giving people a fair go… Australia has given me so much and I am doing this to return the favour that Australia has given me.”
By Ruth Cooper
