Meet Team Big Blue Trunk
Meet Team Big Blue Trunk a.k.a the Crazy Paint Ladies
MEEDA
- Store Manager at Big Blue Trunk and loved by customers one and all!
Tell us about yourself - name, where you are from, your role at BBT?
I’m Meeda. I was born and raised in Singapore and I’ve spent time living in the US and UK. I’m the Manager at Big Blue Trunk.
One line / a quote to describe your outlook in life.
Just BREATHE.
What is the one thing you like the most about working at BBT?
I genuinely enjoy meeting and interacting with our online and walk-in customers. There are so many great stories from them, about their upcycling adventures. They inspire me. When I see the things they create, it blows my mind. I love being in the store! This is like my first home.
What is your favourite Chalk Paint colour?
All the Blues! All of them. And Rodmell (inside joke with our founder, Deepti!). That shade of purple/violet is the colour of magic and spirituality.
Which creative person are you most inspired by?
Maya Angelou. She’s so wise. I love this quote from her: “If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be." And it reminds me that it’s absolutely great to not be normal, to not fit in the box. She makes me proud to be a woman.
Currently watching?
Big Bang Theory! I binge watch that when I need to just chill after work. I’m also currently watching Maya and the Three (don’t judge me!). It’s so inspiring for young girls but the story resonates with me too.
ABIGAIL
- Retail Associate at Big Blue Trunk, and our in-house model
Tell us about yourself - name, where you are from, your role at BBT.
I’m Abigail, and I’m from Singapore. I’m currently pursuing a double major in Sociology & Psychology. I work part-time at BBT, handling retail and occasional painting.
One line/quote to describe your outlook in life.
Enjoy the little things — focus on what brings joy and happiness and practice gratitude everyday.
What is the one thing you like the most about working at BBT?
I enjoy how vibrant and open the community is here, it’s like a nest that brings people from all walks of life together.
What is your favourite Chalk Paint colour?
Greek Blue.
Which creative person are you most inspired by?
Definitely Jane Foster. I love how her designs are simple but bold and it’s always a pleasant surprise!
Currently watching?
The Good Doctor on Netflix!
VINITA
- Content Writer and Furniture Painter at Big Blue Trunk, Lover of nature and colour
Tell us about yourself - name, where you are from and your role at BBT.
I’m Vinita. I’m from India, but I have lived in many countries (child of wandering immigrants). I’ve called Singapore home for the last two decades. I am a furniture painter at BBT.
Give us one line to describe your outlook in life.
"All is full of love." It's the title of a song by Björk.
What is the one thing you like the most about working at BBT?
The atmosphere in the store! It draws you in and I love painting here. I also enjoy bantering with my colleague Meeda.
What is your favourite Chalk Paint colour?
Amsterdam Green. It’s like disappearing into a pine forest.
Which creative person are you most inspired by?
Lately it’s been Amruta Patil, the graphic novelist and artist. Gorgeous illustrations coupled with wonderful retellings of Hindu mythology.
Currently watching?
A lot of standup comedy! I’ve begun discovering Australian female standup comics (I'm a Hannah Gadsby fan). I just finished watching Among the Stars about the most recent missions to the International Space Station. Most of the series wasn’t actually focused on the stars (the stuff we romanticise about going to space). It was about repairs. Swages. Bolts. Machines. And I thought that was a great analogy for so many things in life. We focus on outcomes. Penultimate moments. But the path there can be tedious and challenging. It was a great reminder of why the prep work, and the duller moments, matter so much. Every part of a process counts. I remember that when I start upcycling projects!
DEEPTI
- Founder & Creative Director at Big Blue Trunk, Bringer of Creative Joy
Tell us about yourself - name, where you are from, your role at BBT?
I’m Deepti, the Founder of Big Blue Trunk. Proudly Indian, I’m a child of the world having traveled and lived in many different places. Managing Big Blue Trunk and Star Papaya (a new venture), and my two little girls keeps me quite busy! Apart from strategising, planning and creating for Big Blue Trunk, you can find me upcycling furniture, creating marketing content, building partnerships, sourcing brands, troubleshooting, assisting customers, updating the website, managing accounts and much more - from the biggest to the tiniest detail, I enjoy every minute of it!
One line / a quote to describe your outlook in life.
Life is tricky baby, stay in your magic!
What is the one thing you like the most about working at BBT?
Since I was little, it has always been my dream to have a space or studio to design and experiment with - and Big Blue Trunk has given me just that. I love being able to creatively express myself in different ways, and I have found great meaning, purpose and joy in building this community of creative upcyclers in Singapore.
What is your favourite Chalk Paint colour?
Ah, that’s a tough one! I’m partial towards the blues (hence the name, Big Blue Trunk) - I’d say my current favourite Chalk Paint colour is the deep, dark and rich Aubusson Blue. Next on the list of current favourites would be Capri Pink (sorry, I couldn’t resist!).
Which creative person are you most inspired by?
I’m inspired by so many creatives, from Sarah Kay and her amazing spoken word poetry to our talented customer & international artist Mishell’s vibrant and textured art. But my forever inspiration is Frida Kahlo, a fiercely talented woman ahead of her time who fought all odds to live life on her terms. If you stop by Big Blue Trunk, you’re sure to spot colourful Frida looking at you from different corners of the store!
Currently watching?
Downton Abbey! Can’t get enough of Maggie Smith’s wit.