Passionate about design, Tai Schaffler left her career in journalism and became the marketing manager for a Western Australian fashion wholesaler. Frequently travelling to India as a buyer, Tai saw the opportunity to start her own homeware label and soon after, Bandhini Homewear Design was born! Producing quality, handmade soft furnishings, Bandhini is a popular fixture in homes across Australia and New Zealand. Tai talks to Selina Gordevich about pursuing her dream and the joys and challenges of working in India.
Three words to describe Bandhini Homewear Design?
Unique, cultural, family-based.
Tell us about Bandhini Homewear Design.
Our principles and values are drawn from the families we work with and our designs are inspired by the elements nature provides us. All our products are designed in Australia and conceived in India; this relates to our name, Bandhini which means ‘bind’ – it’s a binding of cultures across the globe through the common heritage of weaving textiles. Bandhini is more than just beautiful products, it’s a process driven by passion and shared goals. We conceive everything we weave, embellish and button, and we nurture all the families who work with us.
What inspires your designs?
Anything from things I have seen throughout my travels to colours or concepts seen in fashion – everything and anything has the potential to be designed into a cushion!
Greatest challenge?
The two worlds; India, where things take time and life is less complicated, versus the demands and deadlines of the West.
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About Tai Schaffler
Born in Alexandra, New Zealand, Tai trained as a journalist – first gaining a scholarship to study in Thailand and then completing journalism studies in Christchurch NZ . She has written for Auckland’s Inner City News and worked as a journalist in San Diego, USA. Leaving writing behind, she became the marketing manager for a Western Australian fashion wholesaler, travelling to India as their buyer. It was during these trips to India that Tai saw the possibilities of creating her own textile label and, not long after, Bandhini was born! Tai’s passion for interiors is clear, and as she says, “life is way too short not to do what you love.”
For more information on Bandhini Homewear Design, visit www.bandhinidesign.com
