By: Sara Collins

Are you a lover of art and find that it is the best way to express yourself? Or maybe you find yourself looking for a new hobby. If so, read on to find out how you can have a similar outcome and create a business for yourself. The owner of Tyst, Misha Gomez provides hope for those who are new to the arts.

Currently Gomez is selling their items at various markets in the Philadelphia area, but in January there will be a wider range of accessibility. Everyone in the United States will be able to make a purchase online then, and they have hopes of making international shipping work later in the year (2023). Gomez is always faced with the challenge of making sure they are making a fair profit, but also not expecting their customers to overpay. Right now, everything is priced under $100 in their store and they recently ran a giveaway on their Instagram account. If you see something you love at Tyst but do not have the means to make the purchase do not worry, there will be more opportunities for raffles and giveaways soon!

Is there anyone who helps you create your items or do you come up with everything on your own?

I design and fabricate everything either in my BOK building studio or in my South Philly apartment. I will sometimes outsource elements of objects, but everything passes through my hands at some point to become uniquely Tyst. I draw a lot of inspiration from organic shapes, especially the wiggle, and love to think of playful color combos that will help enhance the uniqueness of each piece. I also draw a lot of inspiration from the Maximalist Home movement, I never had the words to express my design style, but am happy to have found a community that reflects the same colorful & playful, energetic charm I've been embodying throughout the years.

What’s your favorite thing you’ve created so far?

I love my large wave mirror the most out of all my mirror shapes. (an example is a gold framed mirror with the banana necklace next to it) It's such a whimsical shape and I love coming up with striking color combos or accent colors for the inner portion or frame.

What inspired you to create this business? How did you come up with the name?
Tyst translates to "quiet" and it speaks to the joy in the quiet and restful moments we have in our homes. Over the past few years, I've begun to fill my home with unique & curated pieces that speak to my personality and self-expression. With each object, texture, or color I add, the more comfortable and enjoyable my space becomes, and the more meaningful these quiet moments seem. I started Tyst as an artistic practice to make my own home furnishings inspired by designer looks, but unable to afford the hefty price tags. I love the enthusiasm I've been met with from my IG followers and am happy to replicate, iterate & expand on my creations as a way to help folks curate unique oases and appreciate the quiet moments in their space.

If you are interested in purchasing items from Tyst, check out the different locations here and view new products here!