Behind the Scenes : Crafting the identity of Still life
Life often takes unexpected turns, driven by the chance and flow of circumstances. That's exactly how Still life came into existence, fuelled by a latent desire for something uniquely mine.
I used to have what many would call a dream job—well-paying and accompanied by a great sunny apartment in Prague. But the shinny surface of that dream job concealed a downside: my strained relationship with my superior, stress and toxic environment. While I excelled at and loved what I did, boasting plentiful experience, I found my creative impulses stifled and my ideas were often brushed aside or unappreciated.
Even after investing years into overseeing significant my very own on-site projects within Czech fashion media, aiming to quench my creative thirst (one of those projects comes to mind : (https://www.nowness.com/story/life-on-point-tereza-bila), I realised that the role wasn't the right fit for me and that following burnout was inevitable.
Coincidentally, I booked a solo getaway to Bali, a decision that triggered a transformative chain of events. Bali captured my heart. Thanks to its captivating landscapes, an idea started in my mind —I contemplated diving into full-fledged freelance work. Upon my return, I took the plunge into uncertainty and my a decision to say adieu to my job without a clear plan. To my surprise, confronting my boss about leaving wasn't as daunting as I'd imagined. It was a pivotal step that set the stage for what was to come.
Yet, my mind was still attached to Bali and the magical memories of my exotic escapades. Oddly enough, despite my background as a city dweller, having lived in London for 17 years before moving back to Prague, the magic of Bali's charm began to overshadow urban life. I started to dream about residing there someday.
Fast-forward to today, and my reality is split between Prague and Bali. Still life store has transformed into the embodiment of my imagination. While I've missed out many twists and turns that happened on my path, I'm here now, sharing this journey with you.
As I embarked on this new chapter of my life, the uncertainty was both exciting and nerve-wracking. Leaving behind the comfort of a well paid job was a leap into the unknown, but I was determined to follow my instincts and chase my passions.
The idea of Still life began to grow from a tiny seed into a vibrant concept. I spent countless hours brainstorming, and envisioning the perfect blend of aesthetics, artistry, and fashion. I wanted each piece in the store to tell a story, to capture a moment frozen in time – much like the art of still life itself. The name "Still life" itself holds a deeper meaning – it serves as a reminder to pause, appreciate, and discover beauty within life's constant motion. Additionally, it embodies its own significance, representing the artful arrangement and placement of objects.
But as with any journey, there were challenges to overcome. Sourcing high-quality crafted pieces for the store was no easy task. I scoured places, connected with artisans, and explored unconventional avenues to curate a collection that resonated with the essence of Still life store. I originally started with high-quality eco-friendly tees with prints, a few pieces of jewellery and kinetic mobile objects and artistic prints. It was a labor of love, a process that taught me patience and perseverance. I also learned something completely new to me, that was how to be a passionate marketer and how to listen to my audience and their needs. This all led me to what Still life offers now - beautiful handcrafted pieces. Today, designed by me and made by local artisans. Guess where? In Bali.
As the store continued to evolve, I realised that this venture was more than just a business. It was a reflection of my identity, a celebration of individuality, and an ode to the beauty that surrounds us. The name "Still Life" in itself carries profound significance – a gentle prompt to pause, savour, and unearth beauty amid life's ceaseless flow. Simultaneously, it embodies its distinct definition: a composition of artful arrangement and object placement
Today, as I split my time between the enchanting streets of Prague and the serene shores of Bali, I feel a sense of accomplishment that goes beyond financial success. Still life has evolved into a community, a space where kindred spirits appreciate the intricacies of individuality, the art of curation, wearable adornments and the value of meaningful possessions. It's my hope that those who interact with the store feel the same passion and authenticity that I pour into every detail.
In the coming posts, I'll delve deeper into the stories behind some of our most cherished pieces, the artisans who bring them to life, and the philosophy that drives Still life.
Thank you for joining me on this journey – together, let's keep celebrating the art of the still life.
Tereza x
Stay tuned for more tales from my diary and insights into the world of Still life
