Let me tell you about one of my dearest friends, Tasha and the opening of her online store, Monsoon Living. Tash and I met in the mid nineties when we were both working in the television industry and hit it off straight away. She visited me twice while I was living in Europe, was one of my bridesmaids and I was one of hers, so it goes without saying that she’s a pretty special friend. Tash also has impeccable taste, which I’ve long admired.
Before I tell you about her online store, allow me to give a little history to it. After an expat stint in television for a few years in Hong Kong, Tash returned to Australia and decided on a career change and opened a store in the beautiful village of Peppers Creek in Pokolbin, in The Hunter Valley vineyards. There she sold the most incredible range of furniture, objects and homewares from far flung places of Eastern Asia. If I could take you into that store, you would have, like everyone who stepped foot in it, been spellbound. It was beautifully curated with each and every corner brimming with exotic fabrics, furniture and vintage architectural elements. Each time I visited, customers never just popped in, they would linger and often time with a sense of urgency that they had to leave with something from there. Her clients were locals, weekenders from Sydney along with a string of local and international well known personalities who often arranged to have her unique pieces shipped to them around the world.
A few years ago, Tasha closed the doors to Monsoon Living and I have to say that I was little sad with that chapter of her life closing; I loved visiting that store and all of the romance that went with it. It was for a very good reason though, she and her husband were renovating their home and they started a family, so the long drive from Newcastle to The Hunter Valley each day just wasn’t practical anymore. Thankfully Tash didn’t part with her stock, knowing that one day she’d open the doors again when the timing was right. Two adorable little boys later, I’m very excited to tell you that Monsoon Living is here again and this time, online.
Tash tells me that it’s starting small with key furniture and architectural pieces and over the coming weeks and months, more of these plus a gorgeous range of homewares will be added. Pop over to have a look at her range of stock on offer and make sure you bookmark this site and follow her on Facebook and Instagram for updates.
I pretty much covet all her interesting pieces of furniture but if I have to pick my favourites, it would have to be the architectural pieces, I’ve seen them incorporated into renovated homes to spectacular effect. Something like these will definitely be on my radar for when I finally get my family home to renovate or build.
I’d love for you to support Tash and follow Monsoon Living on the social media channels:
Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter.
Note that if you’re outside of Australia, she will be introducing international shipping in the near future so stay tuned!
Wishing my gorgeous friend the most wonderful online store opening and everyone a fantastic weekend.
Mel xx
All images courtesy of Monsoon Living
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Loved reading the story of your friendship. How lovely!
I can just imagine Tasha’s old shop. Full of unique and beautiful goodies. There’s something about a brick and mortar store that is unbeatable. However, times have moved on and online is the new way forward.
The very best of luck to Tascha in her new venture. x
I find Hong Kong fascinating and also love this kind of furniture. Thanks for sharing Tash’s story Mel, wishing her every success for her new venture.
This is a very interesting story AND store: every piece is amazing and the pictures are stunning. The name of the shop is dreamy – an invitation to explore new ground.
Thanks so much Mel… lot of love xox
You’re welcome Tash, all the very best for a wonderful new journey xx
I just popped over to Tasha’s social media – she is a great curator there as well. Thanks for the introduction.
She really is. Glad you enjoy her beautiful taste Cyndi. Have a lovely end to the week. M x
I was born in Hong Kong with family there still and I absolutely adore this styling. When ever I go back to Hong Kong, I fall in love with my grandparent’s very Chinese wooden furniture. None of my cousins like it because it is too “Chinese”.
Oh how lovely Genie! I hope that one day you inherit some of those pieces so that they can continue to be appreciated! Xx
I’m the only grandchild who wants them so absolutely! I just need a slightly larger home to store them.