In this exclusive Q&A, Steven Chua, the founder of Artistry Déco Shop, shares his journey from a seasoned sales professional to the passionate entrepreneur behind a unique art and décor business. With over 30 years in sales and two decades of regional experience, Steven's deep appreciation for art and his commitment to creating lasting value led him to establish Artistry Déco Shop.

Introduce yourself and Tell us a little about your formative journey.

Hello, I’m Steven Chua. With three decades in sales, I
transitioned to regional sales about 20 years ago, which involved extensive
travel. In my leisure time, I immerse myself in the world of museums, art
galleries, and decor shops. My deep appreciation for art has provided me with
both tranquility and inspiration. I’ve even curated a collection of art pieces
for my own home, finding joy in their beauty and significance.

What inspired you to start up Artistry Décor Shop?

The motivation behind starting Artistry Décor Shop stemmed
from my previous experience in the industrial product distribution sector. In
that role, I managed a considerable inventory of products with limited shelf
lives, and it was always disheartening to see these items become obsolete and
ultimately discarded. This experience highlighted the need for a business model
that focuses on products with enduring value. Artistry Décor Shop was born from
my desire to create a business dealing with timeless pieces—art and décor items
that do not depreciate and can be passed down through generations.

This led me to consider another important aspect that
influenced the start of this business. I was driven by the wish to provide a
meaningful inheritance to my children. While many consider financial assets as
the primary form of inheritance, I wanted to offer something more substantial
and enduring—a thriving business and a legacy that reflects my passion for art.
This venture allows me to give my children a valuable asset that they can
continue to build upon and learn from, ensuring they have both a financial and
inspirational foundation for the future.

Ultimately, as previously mentioned, my deep appreciation
for the art scene has been a significant driving force behind the decision to
start this business.

What problem does your business solve?

Our business solves the problem of importing unique and
high-quality artistic pieces from overseas, a task that can be complex and
challenging for individual customers. We handle the entire import process,
ensuring that customers in Singapore can access exclusive artworks without
having to navigate the difficulties of international shipping and customs
themselves.

Our local showroom plays a crucial role in this process,
offering customers the opportunity to view, touch, and evaluate these exclusive
artworks in person before making a purchase. This hands-on experience allows
customers to fully appreciate and understand the quality and suitability of
each piece for their space. Additionally, our expertise in sourcing from
various countries ensures that we bring a diverse and exceptional selection to
our showroom, helping customers find the perfect pieces to elevate their décor.