Tara Bennett of Provider Store

Tara Bennett of Provider Store

Read as we catch up with the founder of Provider Store, Tara Bennett, and discuss the label's appreciation with Japan's heritage and local artisans.

Founded out of a fascination with Japan, Tara Bennett started Provider Store in 2014 with the vision to promote craftsmanship and celebrate small makers from around the world. With a focus on sustainably sourced and slow-made products, Tara's shop and studio is in Sydney's Surry Hills showcases a finely curated selection homewares either crafted by Provider or like-minded artisans. Get to know the story behind Provider Store and hear about the exclusive to Incu Maru Morning Set designed for Mother's Day below.

What was your vision when you founded Provider Store?
My vision was to create a place where I could tell stories, promote craftsmanship and celebrate small makers and designers from around the world. I really wanted to show people that you should know where the products you are buying come from and are made.

You mention that Provider Store is actively anti-consumerist… can you shine a light on what this entails?
At Provider, we truly believe that things can be both practical and aesthetically pleasing. Each item we sell is designed to be used and to last. For example, our wooden mandolins that are made in Sanjo, Japan. It will last you for years and years, has zero plastic and also looks amazing. We want people to learn how to buy less but buy better.

How would you best describe your appreciation for Japan’s heritage and the local artisans you work with?
When we went to Japan for the first time many years ago we really absorbed their design aesthetic but also felt incredibly inspired at how much craftsmanship still exists there. We loved seeing people’s skills being passed down through generations and makers really mastering their art. When we could travel we would go and meet each maker or small factory in person. We loved hearing their stories, seeing where and how they produced their items – it’s incredibly inspiring.

The Maru Morning Set came from the old school “breakfast in bed” idea. Mother’s Day was a special time to bring mum a tray of goodies in the morning, adorned with flowers picked from the garden.

Can you give us an insight into the product development behind the Incu exclusive Mother’s Day pack?
The Maru Morning Set came from the old school “breakfast in bed” idea. Mother’s Day was a special time to bring mum a tray of goodies in the morning, adorned with flowers picked from the garden. Our set with Incu features a wooden tray, a milk pourer and a ceramic cup hand made in Shiga, Japan, so mum can enjoy a coffee in bed.

    What does Mother’s Day mean to you?
    Mother’s day is a day to celebrate women. It’s an appreciation to all those wonderful ladies who have made us who we are today.

    What are three @’s you subscribe to?
    I am obsessed with Japanese antique stores!
    @nihei_mashiko
    @coil4
    @curatedkyoto

    What’s in the works for 2021 and beyond?  
    Hopefully teaching in-person workshops again, we are just trying to find the right space. A new shop fitout for our little Surry Hills store in May. If all goes to plan we will launch “Provider House”.

    Shop the collection here

    @theproviderstore

    IMAGES BY PROVIDER STORE
    WORDS BY PETER BAIN

    @Incu_clothing