Introducing Circle of HARA—an ongoing series exploring the creative sanctuaries of artists, friends and people we admire. Join us for an intimate look at their spaces, inspirations, and processes, offering a deeper understanding of the magic behind their work.
"One of the most inspiring moments for me was when I returned to my Father's homeland of Nepal for the first time in 20 years."
Meet Shanti, originally named Mary Shrestha, the Creative Director and Founder of Snakes and Shanti. Born in Australia, Shanti spent the first 5 years of her life living in between her Father's homeland of Nepal and her Mothers home land Australia.
These early years spent in Nepal shaped her worldview. In 2017, Shanti revisited Nepal and traveled through India and South America, drawing inspiration from the cultures and craftsmanship she encountered. Snakes and Shanti was born from these experiences, blending her heritage and life journey into a brand that reflects her essence.
Your star sign is Cancer, Do you resonate with being a cancer?
Yes, I definitely do. As my moon is in Leo so I feel like I have 2 opposing sides sometimes. I love to be a homebody and stay at home for weeks at a time, but I also like to book one way tickets to countries by myself and see where the wind takes me.
Whats does your morning routine look like?
I wake up every morning and have hot lemon water. Followed by driving to a large botanical park near my house and walking my 2 dogs for 30 minutes. Here I find it nice to wake up with fresh air and think about my day ahead. On the way home, I pick up a take away coffee, come home, shower, eat breakfast, and then sit down to my to-do list and see where the day needs to take me.
What inspired you to start Snakes and Shanti?
I have wanted to have my own clothing company for as long as I can remember, and for a longtime I never believed it to be possible. To make the first start I decided to study Fashion Design. I was then employed as an assistant designer at a start up company where I got to learn the ins and the outs of running a business. This was a great learning experience but after some time I felt unsatisfied in my role.
So, I quit my job and traveled the world for 9 months. During my travels, the inspiration and ideas for Snakes and Shanti came flooding in. One of the most inspirational pieces of the puzzle was when I returned to my Father's land of Nepal for the first time in 20 years. It was there that I started and built the foundation of the brand with small local manufactures. It's where I still get all my garments made.
How do you stay motivated and inspired while both working for yourself and working from home?
Everyday looks different for me workwise. Some days I will work at the desk in my room, some days from the kitchen table and sometimes in bed. I find that depending on the work I'm doing I like different environments. I tend to go work in cafes if I have work to do that I'm avoiding, as there are no homely directions there. It can be a great place to focus and get solid work done if you find a cafe with a good vibe.
As for staying motivated, I travel as much as I can. This is where most of my inspiration comes from. Seeing the big wide world is like a creative download for me. When I'm travelling ideas come so fast. I'm constantly taking photos and making notes on my phone.
Also having an updated 3 - 6 month to do list keeps me in check, always moving forward and motivated everyday.
What is the most fulfilling part of having your own business?
I love that everyday is different, I'm never bored. I love thinking with the creative side of my mind. It's where I thrive. At the same time, it's hard work and feels like your climbing a mountain that has no ending but it's rewarding that all the effort you put in comes full circle back to you.
What advice would you give someone want to start a clothing label?
I would first recommend thinking about what makes you feel happy and motivated in life and how you can incorporate that into your business because it's a long journey and you want to be enjoying that journey. If you're doing things you love and enjoy, you will never feel like you're working (apart from when you have to do your taxes or something mundane like that haha).
You can ask yourself questions such as; What story can I tell through my clothes? Does this product need to exist? How do you want people to feel when they wear your clothes? Who is my customer and how can I find them? This can help with the vision of finding your community. As your community are your customers.
What lead you to create sarongs?
I have always been a collector of vintage sarongs and scarves. I love the versatility of wearing a sarong to the beach and then being able to use it as a towel too. I remember my mum having beautiful old sarongs and I was always drawn to the patterns and the softness of the cottons. Sarongs and shawls are worn everyday in Nepalese culture.
What is your favourite colour from the HARA X SS collab? How do you like to wear it?
My favourite colour is Olive. It's the perfect green that is a timeless wardrobe staple and suits all skins colours! I love to wear it folded in half and wrapped as a mini skirt, paired with the Ami Bandeau in Ivory.
What are your top 3 must haves for a girls day at the beach?
Fruit, lots of laughs, and sarongs of course so you can make a big line up and all lay together :)
