Check Out Masha Jung’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Masha Jung.

Hi Masha, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
We woke up to an odd mixture of the ocean sounds and people rushing around our campervan. We knew we had parked in the ‘day-use only’ area, but since campsites were limited in Santa Monica, we decided to take the chance. Trying to think of the upcoming explanation, we crawled out of our sleeping bags and opened the sliding door. To our surprise, we saw a massive filming crew arranging the film set and a quick breakfast. We looked towards the cliffs and the calm ocean waves on the other side of the parking spot and decided to fix some coffee and snacks of our own. These rental campervans usually come with a box of dishes and a small propane stove. I set up a table next to the open trunk, placed the stove, and got out the box with dishes.

It took some effort to figure out the propane connection, but as I turned to Yana with the good news of this operation’s success, my proud smile turned into a shocked face when I watched the whole box with cups and plates fall out of our van trunk. The whole thing shattered. So we packed the glorious stove back folded the table, swept the broken dishes bits, and headed to the nearest Starbucks.” Memories of California camping adventures with the best friend in 2018. That was the beginning of Couloir [ART.] After realizing how silly it was to bring creating dinnerware on the camping road trip, we decided to create something better. Something that is not made of plastic or foam and won’t drip your dinner on your knees but also won’t ever break. We turned to the old-good enamelware.

We also wanted to make it inspire adventures even when used at home. So we found the most sustainable way to melt ink into the enamel and cover the mugs and bottles in vivid, long-lasting images. They mostly feature the outdoors. Desert landscapes, mountains, and lakes are the main themes. We added the water bottles one can take hiking too (or golfing) as they fit in ice cubes that last through the whole day and are sturdy enough to withstand the rocky uphills and some desert beating. Our main goal is to inspire people to explore more and choose adventures (even the smallest ones) while always being a reliable companion who got your back and won’t break halfway through. We love nature and promote reusable drinkware. We also support charities that share our vision for preserved landscapes and wild animal life.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As with any adventure – starting and running a small business is a rocky road. Having limited starter funds makes you wear multiple hats and switch from art designing to accounting, to customer service to the production machine, to a delivery guy then back to the inspired creator. We had ordered that only after their fulfillment we realized that we had actually lost money on them because of inadequate discounts and pricing policies. Or one time we shipped a huge order to the wrong location, which is a big mistake if your profit margins are thin as they are. But it’s all a learning curve, and we managed to stay profitable from year one as well as meet plenty of great creators and friends along the way. Arizona maker community is really bliss. Everybody is very eager to share experiences and offer support when needed.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Born and raised in Ukraine, I studied fine art and cinematography in the National Academy of Fine Arts and Architecture in Kyiv, Ukraine. Even though I was fortunate to visit the most iconic museums and historic places both in Ukraine and Western Europe I was always driven by the vastness and adventure spirit of the US. So the year I graduated with a Master’s in Fine Arts degree, I left for New York to explore the theatrical field and later to the state of Arizona to enjoy some good weather and Thanks Giving meal my family’s friend invited me to. Little did I know that by the time I landed at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, my own country of Ukraine had started a national revolution with a million people protest rushing down the capital streets on one of which was my that day apartment. Needless to say, my parents strongly suggested I postponed my return trip. Fortunately, Arizona welcomed me generously with both great weather and huge interest in my artwork.

The next three and a half years I spent traversing the States and showing my art at various shows from Monterey, CA to Amelia Island in Florida. However fun it was, I eventually settled in Phoenix, Arizona, where I live now with my husband and two dogs. I work with brands to create their unique language and visuals. I create designs and run the drinkware company Couloir [ART.]. Collaborating with the other companies that share our love for the outdoors and adventures is my favorite thing by far. I think what sets my work apart is a very broad experience, thanks to the years of traveling and discovering what is unique all over the world. I love the attention to detail, and when working on custom designs and branding, I enjoy telling people’s stories and pointing what is special about them.

Alright, so before we go, can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
We love doing custom projects or collaborations. We develop the design from a logo to the complex artwork we can print on drinkware. We also sell water bottles and camp mugs on our website (www.couloirart.com) and at some local retail shops (The Merchantile of Scottsdale and Kierland Golf Club pro shop). The best way to get in touch is by sending me an email at masha@couloirart.com and following us as well as tagging on Instagram @Couloir.Art and Pinterest. And word of mouth helps too when you get some custom mugs or other products that you enjoyed. 🙂

Pricing:

• Custom wholesale mugs: $8.50-10.5
• Retail mugs: $14.5-16.9
• Water bottles: $25-35

Contact Info:

• Email: Masha@couloirart.com
• Website: www.couloirart.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/couloir.art

 

What to check out next:
Aleasha Bahr is a sales & marketing strategist known for showing introverts and ambiverts the Secret Art of Subtle Selling.  She personally sold millions in revenue while discovering introverts are usually top sales people – as soon as they stop trying to act like extroverts.  We’ve partnered with her to produce Introverted Entrepreneur Success Stories. Check out episode 1 below: