At its core, Mint by Michelle is a celebration of all things artistic and creative.
Nestled within the vibrant streets of Newtown, Mint by Michelle stands as a beacon of artistic exploration and ingenuity. Led by Michelle Bergamasco Tither, Mint by Michelle has carved a unique niche in the world of DIY and craft, transforming ordinary items into canvases of creativity.
Michelle’s creative journey ignited in her very own garage, where she discovered her passion for pushing boundaries. “I was always a pretty creative person but, more than that, I’ve always thrived off a challenge and like to push my own limits to see what I’m capable of,” Michelle reflects. “That spawned the desire to start a business and to see whether I could turn my creative hobby into something that could financially sustain me and my family.”
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The result was Mint by Michelle, a uniquely creative and contemporary furniture business offering a range of exceptional quality products; one that combines its love of design and art with a strong commitment to recycling and sustainability.
Capturing the hearts of DIY enthusiasts, craft aficionados, and aspiring artists alike, Mint by Michelle was designed to empower everyone, from seasoned artisans to those just discovering their creative spark. Mint’s signature decoupage paper line, which set the industry ablaze, offers a fresh perspective on furniture artistry. “I’d been refurbishing furniture and in particular concentrating on uniquely decoupaged pieces… and realised very quickly that if I were to achieve what I wanted I would need to have the images custom printed,” Michelle explains.
“I was doing this for about two years and realised that there still wasn’t any company who was producing this type of art and so I decided to release a line myself.”
This realization led to the introduction of Mint’s pioneering decoupage papers, redefining artistic expression on furniture and everyday items.
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However, Mint’s evolution didn’t halt there. From retro stereo systems to an array of creative mediums, Michelle’s brainchild diversified its portfolio, introducing a Mineral Paint line, a range of transfers, a line of tissue papers, brushes and soaps to complement the range, and the wildly popular Mint Denim Overalls – all designed with the DIYer in mind.
“The product line has grown very organically. Each product line works seamlessly with the all of the others and are all designed to compliment the others. The overalls are as necessary (and as cute) as the paint – I mean, what do you paint in if not a pair of groovy overalls?”
Mint’s success lies not only in its exceptional products available but in its dedication to empowering creativity in every individual. “A lot of the people we see struggle to see themselves as creative,” Michelle observes. Mint’s team takes a tailored approach to nurture self-expression, helping customers let go of limitations and embrace their artistic side. The transformation from doubt to confidence is a journey that Mint embraces wholeheartedly.
“We are definitely of the people and for the people,” Michelle asserts. Every product, every decision, and every gesture are rooted in the brand’s deep connection with its customers. Mint anticipates needs before they’re voiced and brings solutions before they’re sought, making every product a testament to the brand’s dedication to its community.
“When we produce new products, it’s after having thought about how they are actually used, who needs what and why? I don’t ever feel like we are imparting what we want on our customers but rather, we are so connected (and not disconnected more to the point), that I think we’re always bringing them what they need. Sometimes before they’ve realised they need it.”
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With its meteoric rise, Mint’s innovative products now adorn homes, studios and retailers across over 30 countries, making waves in the global crafting community. And now, Mint takes a stride further by opening a brand-new retail space in Newtown, inviting both seasoned creators and budding artists to experience a world of imagination.
Formerly operating as a warehouse and distribution centre, the decision to open the doors to the public and cater directly to Geelong’s creative souls was a natural progression, aligning with the evolving patronage of the area.
“We’ve actually been at this Pakington Street location for five years, however, we didn’t really have a dedicated shop space and operated as a warehouse, distribution and workshop venue,” she explains.
“The area has changed a lot in that time and we decided that, with the increased patronage in the area, that we’d open ourselves up to the public and sell directly to Geelong! We’re loving the new clientele and customers and are really enjoying getting to know the locals.”
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Undergoing a remarkable transformation, to now be a dedicated hub for creativity, the store is a vibrant explosion of inspiration and aspiration, expertly curated to capture the essence of Mint’s ethos. Offering an array of carefully curated products that span from Mint’s own creations, from apparel, homewares, paints and decoupage papers, to other brands like Chalk Paint by Annie Sloan and stamps and decor transfers from Redesign with Prima, the store exudes warmth, inviting visitors to explore, discover, and unleash their inner artist.
“I’m so proud of our new store. It was weeks of work work work but every second of it was totally worth it. It is jam packed full of inspiration and aspiration (in equal measure) and is a super inviting and warm space that invites you in and envelopes you in a huge hug,” Michelle adds.
With a promise of more to come, Mint by Michelle continues to captivate its audience. “We have a fabulous new decoupage paper release set to hit the market in just a couple of weeks and have our new tester paint tins just about ready to go!” Michelle teases. The brand’s dedication to innovation is an assurance that the creative journey has no end.
As Mint by Michelle forges ahead, its legacy remains a celebration of creativity, community, and connection. From humble beginnings to global recognition, Mint’s story is an inspiring testament to the transformative power of art. Whether you’re a seasoned creator or someone who’s yet to uncover their creative side, Mint by Michelle invites you to step inside and let your imagination run wild.
Mint By Michelle is located at 403 Pakington Street, Newtown. The store is open 9am-4pm Monday – Saturday. For more info, head here.
