We were lucky to catch up with Hadas Teuscher recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hadas, appreciate you joining us today. What can you share with us about the story behind how you found your key vendors?
For me, finding my makers oftentimes feels like searching for a “pot of gold” at the end of a rainbow. My makers come from over 15 countries and are in all stages of life: some are young creators, some are moms who decided that they wanted to start creating objects, and others are individuals who have been a part of the art world for many years.
When I scour the internet in search of these amazing makers, I make sure that they subscribe to three values that I find paramount: honoring traditional craftsmanship, remaining committed to “the handmade,” and using sustainable methods when applicable.
There are so many ways that I’ve come across my many makers as I quickly learned that finding gems isn’t something that can be found via a quick internet search. I scour magazines and sites in search of pieces that catch my eye… then I try to figure out who made them. I also follow several exhibitions that I’ve found share my set of values. I’ve even had fellow makers refer their studio mates.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Prior to started Trove, I worked at a high-end architectural/interior design firm in Chicago. My favorite part of the job was sourcing unique makers whose work was unfamiliar to the US market. When I left the firm, I realized that I really wanted to do something within the field of design and that I especially loved sourcing because of the stories that can be uncovered. I love hearing about how a maker is continuing the craft that her mother taught her or how the pandemic was the catalyst to why someone leaving their 9-5 job for a creative avenue. I feel as though there is so much artistry in the world that is uncovered. What I’ve learned is that many makers are not necessarily financially driven, oftentimes, they have no idea (or desire) to market their work. By forming relationships with my makers, I’ve been able to help them feel comfortable with the idea of prompting their work in an organic way.
One thing that stuck out to me when working for the design firm was that everything was done to the nth degree, except for the objects that are the finishing pieces. For example the fabric was sourced from Italy and the tile came from India; but when it came to the pieces that complete a project… they were oftentimes generic. There exists a disconnect and it often comes because this is the “final step”… meaning, there is fatigue with the project. With Trove, I am providing a way to streamline sourcing unique objects that tell a story. In essence, that means that the finishing pieces are up to far with the rest of the project.
We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.
I could have never founded Trove if I hadn’t met Brittany. When I left my job, I knew that I wanted to do something with design and something with sourcing objects… but I had zero idea of how to proceed. I spent a few months nose-diving into the internet in search of makers whose work resonated with me both from an aesthetic perspective and because they shared my values. I started printing out makers’ bios, along with their work; all of this went into a gigantic three-ring binder. Now, I was stuck.
Luckily, one of my friends reminded me that a fellow friend’s sister started a business that helped businesses launch. Prior to Covid, Brittany owned a successful catering firm; however she sold it just before the start of the pandemic. Brittany spent lockdown reevaluating what she liked to do and decided that her passion lay helping small businesses rather than in the kitchen. I arrived at our first meeting with my giant binder and we spent a couple of hours talking about what I wanted to do. Little by little, the plan for Trove formulated. This was a function of many conversations, many thoughtful questions, and many hours spent highlighting what I believed was a void in the marketplace.
I consider Brittany as vital a part of Trove as I am myself. She knows the answers to all my questions and if not, she quickly pivots and figures out the path forward. Her positivity and her energy are truly contagious; she’s a big part of why Trove is on the upward trajectory!
How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?
One thing that I am adamant about is connecting on a personal level. This philosophy is paramount both on the maker and the client side. For me, it is important to highlight my makers’ achievements and successes. I believe that sharing their news and championing their work helps us grow closer as a team.
On the client side, I am a huge believer in handwritten notes. After I meet a client for the first time, whether in person or via Zoom, and after a client order, I send a note. This note isn’t an email… rather, I handwrite a simple thank you to the client and I send it via “snail mail.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.troveobjectgallery.com
- Instagram: @troveobjectgallery
- Facebook: troveobjectgallery
