UNIVERSAL PROVIDER
Sushi brushes handmade in Kyoto. DIY kits for making chopsticks, spoons and butter knives. Cushions printed with ramen and sushi patterns. You’ll find them all at Provider Store, a new Sydney shop run by Tara Bennett.
An extension of Bennett’s online shop, Provider Store features items from Asia, Scandinavia and Australia that Bennett has sourced with fervour (she once jumped on a plane to Bangkok just to meet a ceramic-shop owner, Varamol “Mint” Chunchartprasert, whom she came across on Instagram).
Mint’s ceramic cups now appear in Provider Store as candle-holders – Bennett fills them (and Japanese pots) with soy wax herself. “The idea is that once they burn out, you get something better to use after,” she says. Or if you love the candle, we can refill it.” Bennett also hosts candle-making workshops, and makes the cushions featuring sushi and ramen patterns, too.
While there’s an emphasis on the handcrafted, the wares aren’t unattainable – every item in store is under $100. “I want to show people that they can buy an ethical and sustainable item with a nice backstory that won’t break the bank,” says Bennett. “I want people to feel like they can come into the shop and not feel pushed out because of the price. Everyone is welcome.” 381B Riley St, Surry Hills, NSW, providerstore.com.au