By Harriet Santhana Photos from Shi
Today, Shí Terrazzo Atelier has grown from a small side project into a name associated with artistry, resilience, and passion – an unlikely journey that began with something as ordinary as a coaster.
“I was an architect before – so you could say I’m an architect turned artist,” Shí recalled. “This is the fifth year of Shí Terrazzo Atelier. I studied architecture, practised for a while, but eventually I quit and started this.”
What followed is a story of discovery, persistence, and transformation, one that highlights the potential of turning creativity into a career while also underscoring the challenges of entrepreneurship in the arts.
A Coaster That Sparked a Business
The origin of Shí Terrazzo Atelier is refreshingly down-to-earth. During a career break, Shí found herself browsing online for a coaster. That search led her to terrazzo designs – a material she knew well from architecture, often used in flooring for old terrace houses. Terrazzo is a durable, composite material made from chips of stone, glass or other materials set in a binder, typically cement or resin.
“I thought, I know terrazzo, I can make this! So I went to the hardware store, bought the materials, and did it myself,” she said. “It wasn’t a sentimental story at all – I just needed a coaster. But I really liked it, and before I knew it, it became something more serious.”
Her creations soon caught the attention of market organisers, who invited her to participate in creative markets. The response was overwhelming. What had started as a casual side project quickly turned into something larger, eventually leading to the opening of her own studio and workshop space.
“Initially, I thought this would be temporary before I returned to architecture,” Shí reflected. “But the encouragement I received showed me there was real potential here. People appreciated the handcrafted quality, and that gave me the motivation to continue.”
Not Talent, But Possibility
Shí is quick to downplay the idea that her work stems from innate talent. Instead, she points to curiosity, persistence, and an openness to possibilities.
“I wouldn’t say it was talent. I’ve always enjoyed arts and crafts since school, but I never thought it could be a business,” she explained. “What I saw was possibility – maybe this could be more than just a hobby. When the first market organiser told me they saw potential in my brand, I decided to try. And when the response was good, I kept exploring from there.”
This sense of possibility continues to fuel her work today, driving her to push terrazzo beyond its traditional applications.
Philosophy: Sprinkling Colours in Life
Shí’s artistic philosophy is embodied in her motto: “Let’s sprinkle some colour into our lives!”
Traditional terrazzo, as used in architecture, typically features muted greys with limited stone chips. Shí wanted to reimagine the material as something vibrant and expressive. By creating her own colourful chips in pastel and bold shades, she transformed terrazzo into a medium of creativity and individuality.
“When you place one of my pieces on a table, it can transform the whole corner,” she said. “I want people to see terrazzo as something more than flooring. It can be elegant, dreamy, vibrant. It should make you smile.”
Workshops have become a central part of her business, with many customers now preferring the experience of making terrazzo themselves rather than buying finished products. “I hope they enjoy the process and the moment – being happy with whatever they’re creating,” Shí added.
Beyond her personal creations, Shí offers workshops where participants can create terrazzo keychains, vases, and more. Each workshop allows people to choose their own colour palettes and design something that reflects their personal style.
“It’s not just about the finished product,” she said. “It’s about enjoying the process, being in the moment, and making something that feels uniquely yours.”
The Challenges of a One-Woman Operation
Behind the beauty of her terrazzo creations lies the daily reality of running a business almost entirely on her own. Shí handles everything: product design, studio operations, social media, accounting, customer service, and administration.
“The hardest part is that everything is on me,” she admitted. “My hands can’t keep up with my brain. I always have new ideas – coasters, candle holders, art pieces – but I can’t do everything. Letting go of ideas is painful.”
This burden often forces her to prioritise carefully and pace herself. “I need to remind myself not to rush. Otherwise, I’ll burn out. The challenge is that I’m the only resource, even though I sometimes have part-time instructors for workshops. But behind it all, I’m still the brain.”
Financial uncertainty adds to the pressure. “There are months with zero sales. That’s really tough. But I remind myself that business is always up and down. Even if today isn’t good, someday it will get better.”
Yet even in moments of setback, Shí finds ways to innovate. After a minor accident left her temporarily unable to produce her usual terrazzo pieces, frustration led her to experiment. “I was annoyed that I couldn’t work on my usual projects, so I started experimenting with resin,” she recalled. “That R&D session ended up becoming my resin terrazzo tray – a new product I might not have created otherwise.”
Her coping strategies include pep talks, self-acknowledgement, and self-forgiveness. “You need to forgive yourself if you don’t hit a target. Creative blocks are normal. When that happens, I step away, take a rest, walk around, and find inspiration in unexpected places – a café interior, a sunset, even people jogging in the park.”
Unexpected Opportunities and International Recognition
While the challenges are real, so too are the opportunities that Shí never anticipated when she first made that coaster.
Her work has been showcased in numerous exhibitions across Malaysia, the Philippines, and Taiwan. A collaboration with a well-known Malaysian artist resulted in a piece exhibited at the Malaysia Pavilion at the Osaka World Expo – an achievement she describes as both surreal and gratifying.
“I never thought a coaster could lead to this,” she said. “But opportunities kept coming. I’ve had collaborations with Japanese toy designers, created terrazzo-based interpretations of their iconic dolls, and those pieces sold out. It’s beyond what I imagined.”
These experiences have given Shí confidence to embrace the title of “artist” – something she once hesitated to claim. “I never thought I could be called an artist. But now, after all these exhibitions and collaborations, I can say I am.”
Advice for Aspiring Artists and Entrepreneurs
Shí’s advice to aspiring creatives is honest, grounded, and a little blunt: “Think twice, think again, and think again.”
She explained: “You need persistence and consistency, because there will be long periods of uncertainty and low income. People will doubt you, sometimes even your own family. I’ve had people ask my parents if I could survive doing this. That can be discouraging.”
But she also highlights the importance of bravery. “I wouldn’t say I’m successful, but I am brave. Brave enough to start without anyone’s advice, brave enough to survive on my own. If you want to do this, you need a strong will to continue despite the ups and downs and all the noise around you.”
Staying Grounded and Inspired
To stay on track, Shí deliberately steps out of her routine to seek fresh perspectives. “I enjoy walking around and observing materials – especially in cafes or luxury shops where the interior design uses unique finishes. Being sensitive to my surroundings inspires me,” she explained.
This openness to the everyday keeps her grounded while also fueling her creativity.
“Inspiration can come from anywhere – a sunset, architecture, or just people around me. The key is to step out of the same space and reset.”
Looking to the Future
Shí has ambitious plans for the future of Shí Terrazzo Atelier. Her goal is to make terrazzo synonymous with her brand. “I want people to think of me when they see terrazzo flooring – or when they see my brand, to think of terrazzo,” she said.
While her current focus is on home décor, workshops, and art pieces, she dreams of expanding into furniture and interior design elements. “I’ve made some pieces, but I don’t yet have customers for them. I hope more people will approach me for furniture and interior design projects.”
She also dreams of hosting her own solo exhibition, showcasing terrazzo as an art form beyond conventional expectations. “Even if it’s not money-making yet, the possibilities are there. Terrazzo can be more than people imagine – it can be art.”
Sprinkling Colours Into the Future
Shí’s journey with Shí Terrazzo Atelier is proof that sometimes the smallest sparks – like the need for a coaster – can ignite the most unexpected paths. Her story combines bravery, resilience, and creativity, showing that with persistence and an openness to possibility, passion can indeed become a career.
As she puts it: “Sprinkle colours in your life; because it can always be more than grey.”
