Gift Focus inc Attire Accessories - Page number 84 - May/June 2021

REKHA MAKER T: +44 (0)7930 504 848 www.rekhamaker.com away by the response and it really helped to grow my audience. How have you overcome the challenge that COVID-19 has presented to the industry? As a business that began during the pandemic, I have to say that I have been very lucky and am grateful for that. As people are spending more time in their houses, priorities for making their own beautiful homes have come to the fore. People are more and more interested in how they can create a cosy sanctuary for themselves in this very uncertain world and therefore homewares are really enjoying popularity at the moment. As the business has been growing, finding a big enough space to work in posed an issue. The logistics of working with an assistant during the pandemic also meant we had to be quite flexible with working hours as we share a space with another interiors company, Silenzio Studio. Tell us about your current product offering. All of my designs are inspired by architecture. I cast objects such as candleholders and vessels out of an eco-resin called jesmonite, which is a more sustainable alternative to concrete. Casting items really opens up the potential for creating new designs all the time, the possibilities are endless. I am currently developing some larger designs, lighting, mirrors and furniture. I can’t wait to show you where Rekha Maker goes next! I also have a high-end luxury range of sculptural candle holders made from real marble, quartz and onyx. These need to be seen to be appreciated, they are amazing to hold and would make an incredible gift. Have there been any positives to come out of the pandemic for the company? The pandemic has afforded me the time to develop the business where I might normally have been busy commuting with work or social engagements! It has been an opportunity to stop and pause and think about where I want Rekha Maker to go next instead of being caught up in the whirlwind of everyday life. I must acknowledge that I have been extremely lucky to have been given the time, having no dependents to take care of and I know full well that it has been a very difficult time for a lot of people. Are you active on social media? How is this important for the business? Yes, social media is so important for Rekha Maker. Instagram has been a fantastic way for me to grow my audience and to make some wonderful contacts and friends along the way. Instagram is full of discerning design enthusiasts and their feedback has been invaluable to the business’ development. Plus, I love looking at beautifully curated images and I also enjoy sharing moments where I’ve been a bit silly too! Do you have any advice for new businesses starting out in the world of gift? Design what you would want to buy. Rekha Maker stemmed from the desire to create things I wanted for myself and for my friends. I think sticking to what interests you is a good indication of what a wider audience would be interested in. Don’t try and second guess what people want, go with your gut. What can we expect in the future from the brand? I have an exciting collaboration with a brand in London, which is a secret for now but will be announced soon! I am also supplying to a number of online design stores across Europe such as Florence and Blank (London) and Nomad Objects (Antwerp) and will be looking to expand my list of stockists worldwide. Expect to see bigger and more adventurous designs! 84