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Newtown’s Newest Retail Haven

WORDS BY STAFF WRITER

Æ 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.”

The result was Mint by Michelle, a uniquely creative and contemporary furniture business offering a range of exceptional quality products with a strong commitment to recycling and sustainability.

Mint’s signature decoupage paper line, which set the industry ablaze, offers a fresh perspective on furniture artistry. “I’d been refurbishing furniture and 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.

With its meteoric rise, Mint’s innovative products - including a range of transfers, a Mineral Paint line and tissue papers - now adorn homes and studios across over 30 countries. And now, Mint takes a stride further by opening a brand-new retail space in Newtown.

Formerly operating as a warehouse and distribution centre for the past five years, 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.

The store offers products from Mint’s own creations to other brands like Chalk Paint by Annie Sloan and Redesign with Prima. The store exudes warmth, inviting visitors to explore, discover, and unleash their inner artist. “It is jam-packed full of inspiration and aspiration (in equal measure) and it’s a super inviting and warm space that invites you in and envelopes you in a huge hug,” Michelle adds.

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.

INSTANT WARHOL, AS PART OF THE BALLARAT INTERNATIONAL FOTO BIENNALE

WHERE: ART GALLERY OF BALLARAT

WHEN: 25 AUG - 22 OCT

MINT BY MICHELLE

WHERE: 403 PAKINGTON STREET, NEWTOWN

WHEN: 9AM-4PM MON - SAT