Embracing The Female Form: A Conversation with Studio Bust Founder, Mads Montagu-Andrews
Studio Bust was born from a desire to commemorate the transformative experience of pregnancy, led by founder Mads Montagu-Andrews as a pioneering celebration of feminine beauty.
Offering individuals the opportunity to create custom statues of their own form through cutting-edge methods, Studio Bust embraces the avant-garde by utilising a fusion of modern 3D printing technology and traditional casting techniques for clients to immortalise their essence in a sentimental, personalised sculpture that is also a timeless objet d’art.
Whether capturing the journey of pregnancy or embracing personal liberation, Mads and the Studio Bust team craft unique pieces of home decor that encapsulate the essence of each individual at a distinct moment in time. La Coqueta spoke to Mads, to learn more about her journey so far.
What inspired the inception of Studio Bust?
Can you guide us through the typical client journey when collaborating with Studio Bust?
During our appointments, clients have a chance to see our finishes in person, there are quite a few options to choose from - bespoke colours, materials, sizes and plinths, and we know how nice it is to see and feel things in the flesh and also have the optionality to choose something that feels authentically ‘them’.
Given the personal nature of our work, it’s really important to me that as much of the process is done in house - we 3D print from our Hampshire Studio and have an incredible team of women who hand sand and finish each Bust. Our Legacy Busts are cast in Bronze at a Foundry next door to our Studio and then finished and packaged in house.
Could you delve into the narratives behind the Legacy and Liberty collections?
What core principles or values drive Studio Bust's operations and client interactions?
How many locations does Studio Bust currently operate in?
Who is Studio Bust's clientele? (Just pregnancy, or adult women of all ages and sizes celebrating their body?)
Balancing brand development and parenthood can be demanding. How has this journey been for you?
It’s certainly been a juggle! I was a Pastry Chef at Spring Restaurant before having children and starting Studio Bust, so whilst I've always been creative, starting my own business has been a very steep learning curve. Studio Bust was a couple of years old when my third daughter was born and I didn’t take much maternity leave, which really highlighted the importance of a support network - we thankfully now have a wonderful nanny, family nearby for last minute help and have grown the team at Studio Bust, which has transformed my work/life balance enormously!
For parents aspiring to launch their creative studio or brand, what valuable advice would you offer?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help! I loved reading Anya Hindmarch’s book ‘If in doubt, wash your hair’ when I was newly navigating life as a mother and business owner. It resonated on so many levels, but I really appreciated her guidance on spending money on childcare. I know that I cannot effectively parent three children under the age of 5 and run a business at the same time and when I give dedicated time to one, I really see the benefits. Obviously there are days when this isn't the reality, but ensuring we have proper childcare support in place has been one of my greatest learnings - I work more efficiently, have time to look after myself and in turn, my children benefit too with quality time from whoever is looking after them.
What is one thing you know now, you wish you had known earlier?
What are your favourite La Coqueta pieces this season?
What does the future have in store for Studio Bust?
We’re always looking at ways to extend global availability as we reach new audiences in different parts of the world and with the world of 3D Art expanding rapidly, we’re always on the lookout for new and innovative materials to incorporate into our offering.
I recently created a sculpture of my 9 year old niece and it was incredible to show her how we use the technology and give her a tour of our Studio and Foundry. It’s been such an honour to see client’s returning to capture subsequent milestones in their lives and so incorporating capturing their growing children feels like a natural extension, watch this space!
