Tara Bennett

Tara Bennett | Provider Store

For our latest campaign Inspired Restraint, MCM House collaborated with Sydney-based artisan homewares store Provider Store, founded by Tara Bennett. Provider Store pride themselves on creating and acquiring pieces for the home, chosen with the purpose to be both artful and functional. Tara created Provider Store to bring to life the friendships and bonds made through her international adventures - celebrating not only the individual items but the stories of the makers and the journey to bring them to life.

VISIT PROVIDER STORE

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF:

Hello, I am Tara. I am the founder of Provider Store. I live in the Inner West with my Husband, Matt, our Shiba Inu, Pocari and our cat, Trent.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START PROVIDER STORE?

I have always been super crafty. Ever since I was little I was always doing arts and crafts, sewing my own clothes and attempting to build things. I ended up working in fashion but the non-creative side as an eCommerce manager. I just struggled with sitting in front of a computer everyday. I went on a holiday to Japan (this was close to a decade ago) and was so inspired by the craftsmanship and the celebration of the handmade, that I came back and resigned without any savings or any real plan. Having worked in the online world I was able to create a website pretty easily and rank myself in google, so I just started making things and adding them to the online store.

WHAT IS THE PHILOSOPHY BEHIND THE STORE?

The whole idea behind Provider Store is to celebrate the handmade and the craftsmanship behind it. We live in a fast paced, trend driven world where everything ends up in landfill. I just wanted to be able to tell the story behind each product we sell - about the maker and the region it came from. I want people to know that they can buy less but buy better and love something for a life time.

WHERE DID YOUR APPRECIATION FOR JAPANESE HERITAGE START?

Definitely on that first trip to Japan. It really resonated with me that someone can learn a craft and become a master of it and that’s what they do for the rest of their lives. I have met craftspeople who only make brooms and customers come far and wide to buy them. The way the Japanese pass down their skills through generations is really beautiful too. If you go to a pottery workshop, most are like a 4th, 5th or even 8th generation master. My grandmother had taught my mum how to sew and then my mum taught me how to sew, (which essentially was what started Provider) so I felt connected to this. After 2014, I started going back to Japan as much as I could so I could meet more and more artisans and bring their stories home.

We live in a fast paced, trend driven world where everything ends up in landfill. I just wanted to be able to tell the story behind each product we sell - about the maker and the region it came from. I want people to know that they can buy less but buy better and love something for a life time.

Maple Coffee Table

From ~~$1,695.00~~ $1,186.50

SALE

In Stock

Axol Side Table

From ~~$495.00~~ $346.50

NEW ARRIVAL

In Stock

HOW DOES THIS PLAY INTO THE WAY THAT YOU LIVE YOUR LIFE AND CURATE YOUR HOME?

Every knickknack in our house has a little back story and pretty much everything down to our can opener has been hand crafted or made by a small manufacturer. I am far from a minimalist because each time I travel I love picking up souvenirs that remind me of each special moment I have had. I am a massive homebody, so I love being around things that bring a lot of joy and also pieces that blend form and function. Just because it’s practical doesn’t mean it has to be unattractive.

ARE THERE ANY PARTICULAR DESIGN INFLUENCES THAT YOU DRAW INSPIRATION FROM?

I get most my inspiration from travel, my abundant of Japanese magazines (I translate the pages and write my itineraries this way) and antique stores. There are past designers though that I love like Isamu Noguchi and Sori Yanagi and modern day such as Hender Scheme and Ishinomaki laboratory.

Tonk Stool

From ~~$345.00~~ $241.50

In Stock

Galleria Caramel Armless Dining Chair

~~$490.00~~ $294.00

In Stock

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO VENTURE INTO THE WORLD OF SHORT TERM STAYS WITH PROVIDER HOUSE?

I have always been obsessed with boutique accommodation. Being someone who loves nesting, I think it’s so nice to be able to travel and explore but also dip out and feel at home. Provider House is an extension of the store, all the pieces in the house are available to buy. I like the concept that you can use all our items in a real life setting.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE EXPERIENCE YOU HAVE CREATED AT PROVIDER HOUSE?

We have blended Japanese design with the Australian bushland. The house is nestled in Lenah Valley and it feels a little like Kyoto. It’s a very quiet little area where you feel super remote, except you are only 10 mins from North Hobart. I want people to come and relax, go on a bush walk, soak in the cedar tub, cook up a storm but also dip in and out of all the wonderful things Hobart has to offer.

YOU'VE COVERED RETAIL AND NOW ACCOMMODATION... WHAT'S NEXT ON THE HORIZON FOR TARA BENNETT?

Hopefully more conceptional stores in the very near future.

FAVOURITE DRINK?
An old fashion

GO-TO DISH TO COOK FOR FRIENDS?
I actually love a good bbq in our Marrickville backyard. Lots of share dishes and grazing foods.

TOP RESTAURANT RECCOMMENDATION IN TASMANIA?
Sonny and Ogee are both little wine bars. The Agrarian Kitchen is the best dining experience.

FAVOURITE ROOM IN THE HOUSE?
The bathroom. I would live in that cedar tub if I could.

DOG PERSON OR CAR PERSON?
I have always been a dog person but we just got a cat. I love all the animals.

FAVOURITE SEASON?
Growing up on the Central Coast I am a summer baby but I do love autumn.

IF YOU COULD BE ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD RIGHT NOW, WHERE WOULD YOU BE?
Japan - always.