8 minute read
Curior
In the world of resin artistry, few names resonate as profoundly as that of Nikita Nanoo. Based in Goa, Nikita’s journey into resin art began during the pandemic lockdown of 2020—a time when the world slowed down, and people sought new ways to fill their days. A chance encounter with an Instagram video showcasing epoxy pouring sparked Nikita’s interest, leading her down a path she never anticipated. What began as a small hobby quickly turned into a business, allowing her to express her creativity while connecting deeply with her clients through custom, one-of-a-kind pieces.
The Spark that Ignited Curior
Nikita’s journey began when a video on epoxy pouring captured her attention, inspiring her to try resin art. Starting small, she found the process therapeutic and enjoyed how resin could encapsulate memories in a unique, lasting form. Her early works were modest, but her passion for resin art quickly grew. After countless hours of trial and error, she felt confident enough to share her creations on Instagram, sparking the foundation for her brand, Curior.
Although she briefly stepped away from resin art to pursue a master’s degree in Fashion Management and worked with Zara as a visual merchandiser, her time away only emphasised her creative longing. She felt an undeniable pull back to resin art. Seeking a platform for genuine creativity and freedom, Nikita returned to Goa and relaunched Curior. This time, her collection expanded beyond jewellery to include home décor pieces such as clocks, coasters, trays, ashtrays, bowls, and even tabletops. Today, Curior stands as a growing brand, with bulk orders for weddings and events continually propelling it to new heights.
Balancing Creativity and Business
Like many artists, Nikita faces the challenge of balancing creativity with business management. Running Curior means wearing multiple hats, from artist to marketer, all while keeping the business running smoothly. Although juggling so many roles can be difficult, she finds joy in each task, maintaining a perspective that makes work feel less like “work.” Her approach is grounded in careful scheduling and planning, with her calendar serving as an essential tool to stay organised.
“Balancing the creative side with the business side can feel like trying to keep several plates spinning at once,” Nikita notes. Nonetheless, her structured approach and enthusiasm for her craft make the journey worthwhile, allowing her to stay productive and focused.
Securing High-Quality Materials: An Ongoing Quest
One of the significant challenges Nikita encountered was sourcing reliable suppliers for high-quality resin and moulds. Since the quality of her materials directly influences her work, she devoted extensive time and research to finding suppliers who met her standards. Although she has now established relationships with trusted suppliers, the search for new materials never really ends.
For instance, seasonal collections require unique additions. Just last week, she scoured for Christmasthemed charms to incorporate into her holiday pieces. This continual search for innovative materials reflects her commitment to creating high-quality, relevant products that resonate with her customers.
From Concept to Creation: The Design Process
are a direct homage to Goa’s natural beauty. Each piece begins as an idea, which she sometimes sketches or designs digitally to envision the final product. This process ensures that her creations are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional. Nikita’s careful approach to design allows each item to become a unique work of art, imbued with her attention to detail and passion for beauty.
Crafting Custom Keepsakes: Connecting Through Art
One of the most rewarding aspects of Nikita’s work is creating custom pieces that hold sentimental value. Her art allows her to preserve memories, from a child’s first crayon set to a wedding bouquet, making each project deeply personal. Custom orders have allowed her to connect with her clients on a more profound level, understanding the stories and emotions behind each item.
“Custom orders bring me a lot of joy,” she shares, highlighting how meaningful it is to craft something that captures a moment in time. Through these unique pieces, Nikita provides her clients with beautiful reminders of cherished memories, blending her artistic vision with the stories of her clients.
The Importance of Social Media in Building Curior
For Nikita, social media—particularly Instagram and Facebook—has been essential to growing her brand. These platforms allow her to showcase her creations visually, tell the story behind each piece, and engage directly with her audience. Social media also serves as a space to connect with clients one-on-one, gaining insights into their ideas and visions for custom pieces.
Through posts, reels, and photos, Nikita not only markets her art but also builds lasting relationships with her clients, making each project feel personal. Her commitment to social media presence has been a cornerstone of Curior’s success, helping her reach a broad and engaged audience.
The Value of Customer Feedback
Customer feedback is crucial to Nikita’s growth, both as an artist and as a business owner. She prioritises open communication with her clients and welcomes feedback at every stage of the process. For bulk orders, she creates sample pieces to ensure the client is satisfied with the final product. This feedback-driven approach allows her to continually refine her offerings, adapting her art to meet the needs and preferences of her audience.
“Each piece is personal, so I welcome honest input,” Nikita explains. She views feedback as a valuable tool, whether it’s positive reinforcement or constructive criticism, and is constantly looking for ways to improve.
Staying Inspired in the Resin Art Community
The resin art community on social media is a source of inspiration for Nikita, especially during times of creative burnout. Watching other artists share their unique work motivates her and keeps her connected to emerging trends. While she remains aware of popular trends, she approaches them selectively, incorporating only what aligns with her brand’s aesthetic.
This balance allows her to offer pieces that feel modern while remaining true to her unique style. By drawing inspiration from her peers without compromising her vision, Nikita ensures that her work remains distinctive in the resin art community.
Looking Ahead: Expanding and Collaborating
Looking to the future, Nikita has ambitious goals for Curior. She plans to expand her product line, introducing new themes and materials to keep her offerings fresh and diverse. Collaboration is another avenue she hopes to explore, whether with other artists or local businesses. Such partnerships could open new doors for creativity and innovation, allowing her to reach broader audiences and further establish her brand.
Additionally, she envisions hosting workshops in the future, sharing her knowledge and passion with others. Through these workshops, she hopes to foster a community of budding artists, passing along the techniques and insights she has gathered on her journey.
Advice for Aspiring Resin Artists
Drawing from her experiences, Nikita has valuable advice for those entering the resin art world. Her first piece of advice is to focus on mastering the basics and experimenting with various techniques to understand what works best. She also encourages budding artists to view their mistakes as learning opportunities and to approach each piece with patience and care.
“Your mistakes are your most valuable lessons,” she says, emphasising the importance of consistency. Nikita also highlights the role of social media as a platform to connect, grow, and showcase one’s work, urging aspiring artists to stay active and engaged online.
Conclusion
Nikita Nanoo’s journey with Curior is a testament to the power of creativity, resilience, and a passion for meaningful artistry. From a simple experiment during the lockdown to a full-fledged business that preserves memories, her work speaks to the beauty of handmade, custom pieces. Through her commitment to quality, her eye for detail, and her connection with clients, she has built a brand that captures both the aesthetic appeal and sentimental value of resin art. Curior continues to flourish as Nikita explores new designs, collaborates with likeminded creators, and looks forward to expanding her offerings. As she pursues her dreams, her story serves as inspiration for artists everywhere, proving that with dedication and creativity, art can become a fulfilling and successful venture.
