TALLA ANSARI
Cienne SociétéWe first met Talla in 2019 while we were out sourcing rugs for clients down Church Street, Richmond. Talla and her brother Ari have both travelled the world to find manufacturers that they know and trust to ensure that the quality of the products that they introduce into their showroom is something they would happily have in their own homes.
Tell us who you are?
Hi, I'm Talla and I am that friend that is always inspiring you to take a leap of faith, go on that dream holiday, invest in yourself, enjoy life and create a beautiful home to be proud of. It's also how I like to approach my work life and clients.
What do you do?
I am one half of Four Corners Rugs and very much proud of it!
After quitting my job as a corporate lawyer, my brother and I decided to start our own rug store and brand. I say brand, because it has taken us a lot of conscious effort to create something that we felt was missing in the market - a friendly, service driven business dedicated to bringing in beautiful rugs that won't require a mortgage to own!
I am not only Co-Founder but also the Creative Director, which allows me to really think about how I want us to show up as a brand, have fun with our campaigns and images and be a little different in our approach - all the things I couldn't necessarily do as a lawyer!
How did you get to where you are now?
My brother and I were raised in rug stores by our single mum, who still owns her own rug business, and my brother had always worked in the family business, building up his knowledge and passion for rugs. However, for me, the journey was a little more curly (but wonderful).
Having always been fiercely independent, I wanted to go out into the world on my own and pave a path for myself. I pursued a career in corporate law and actually loved it for a number of years. But one day a lot of different issues and triggers came up that made me really sit down and think about what parts of my job I loved and whether I was willing to continue on the trajectory I was on.
In this reflection, I realised my favourite part of every job I ever had was actually the people - the team building, the guidance I could provide clients, trainee lawyers, the beautiful support staff and making them all feel appreciated. I also loved planning all the social events and letting my creativity shine. It was then that I realised I had more to offer as a visionary and a "get sh** done" person in business than someone stuck behind a desk most days for most hours of those days.
So, putting my ego (and 4 qualifications) aside, my brother and I started Four Corners Rugs. With each year, I learnt how to market us as real contenders in the industry and kept our focus on our mutual passion, the people. Our business model and focus has always been a little different and, some may even say, risky. We have always prioritised our "mum and dad" clients over well known decorators and designers, whom we still have the pleasure of working with and love, but our focus has always been to be approachable, real and make a usually luxury item more accessible.
So the short answer is, a lot of twists and turns, hard work, trial and error and a lot of gumption!
What’s your best piece of business advice?
You will never launch a perfect business so don't chase perfection at the beginning, just start!
You and your business will evolve as you learn and no one will even realise that the vision in your mind is slightly different to the version you are putting out there for the world to see. You're better off just hitting the ground running with your best foot forward than waiting to perfect every little detail and potentially missing the boat all together.
What’s your favourite book, podcast or playlist?
I'm a bit of a "romantacy" nerd so I read books to strengthen my imaginative muscles and explore different worlds that are nothing like my day to day. But aside from that, one book that really resonated with me, and that I gift to anyone who I think may be mildly interested, is The Forty Rules Of Love by Elif Shafak.
It's a story about a woman yearning for a change in life mixed in with an ancient tale of universal laws that affect us all as humans and our emotional/spiritual body.
It really helped me better understand, and love, myself and my values.
The added treat is that a client from Four Corners Rugs actually told me about this book and she was one inspirational woman. It's amazing the people you get to know and learn from just by having a job where you can meet all walks of life on a daily basis. I think the book itself and the way I discovered it really made this an unforgettable read for me.
The added treat is that a client from Four Corners Rugs actually told me about this book and she was one inspirational woman. It's amazing the people you get to know and learn from just by having a job where you can meet all walks of life on a daily basis. I think the book itself and the way I discovered it really made this an unforgettable read for me.
Dream hotel or travel destination?
San Luis, Dolomites Italy (if my future husband reads this, propose to me here please!)
Where would we find you? Eg. favourite place to eat or drink?
Anywhere with great quality food and good hospitality. I'm one part Michelin star restaurants around the world and equal part local "cheap and cheerful".
Who is your style crush, interior, lifestyle or fashion?
Elsa Schiaparelli - a powerhouse of a woman who set up a business in a time when women weren't legally allowed, she blended innovation and practicality meticulously and didn't bow down to the style expectations of her era. I love wearing something different/unique and admire anyone who is unapologetically bold with their vision.
If you could pick one piece from the CIENNE. store what would it be?
Oh I'm loving the vintage vases, "Vintage Murano Vase 1.05" in particular. I love fresh flowers in my home but it always looks better in a unique vase for that extra pop of colour and personality!
This is so easy - an "all sides" couch (similar to the Edra Pack Sofa) positioned in the middle of a dedicated reading room, where you can sit on it from any direction. I definitely want a reading room in my dream home, so get ready to design that one, Lucienne!
Find Talla
