Shelley Simpson: From making ceramics in her shed to leading a global phenomenon

Domain Prestige catches up with Shelley Simpson, founder of Mud Australia, to discuss how she got here and where she’s headed next. 

How did you start Mud Australia?

I started making ceramics in the early 1990s at home in the garden shed. I have always created functional dinnerware and objects that fitted my lifestyle and design aesthetic.

In Australia at the time there was very little opportunity to work with ethical and well-organised manufacturers, so I did it myself. I started small, made lots of mistakes and learnt a lot.

The business has grown from three people to more than 70 people today, with seven dedicated retail stores. We still make everything in the one studio.

How has the product range changed since the early days?

The range was designed in the late 1990s and was initially all made from earthenware and surface glazed.

In about 2005, I transitioned all the designs to porcelain for its material and aesthetic qualities.

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We now make more than 80 items in 19 colours, ranging from small salt dishes to a lighting collection, bakeware and oversized bowls.

What sparks the ideas for your designs?

I’m inspired by the small events of every day and the landscape and colours that surround me.

Each piece must have at least one clearly defined primary function and must play nice with the rest of the range.

It’s perfect when I can create the new piece from an existing silhouette and it can become part of a series. Similarly, all the colours aim to tell a story together.

You recently opened a store in LA, adding to stores in New York, London, Mosman, Double Bay and Fitzroy. What have been the biggest challenges in expanding overseas?

Finding the right property in the right area and ensuring our company culture is fully embedded in these outposts.

A store dedicated to handmade porcelain dinnerware is a little unusual, so we have to make sure it feels natural and approachable but also special.

Many homewares are just for show – to what extent are your pieces for everyday use?

Every piece in the range is in existence because I needed it in my everyday life.

All our porcelain is dishwasher and oven safe. It’s not bulletproof and will break if dropped but perfectly up for constant everyday use.

All-time favourite homewares purchase?

One item we always have to re-buy each time we move house – because the new buyers insist on keeping it – is our Vitsoe 606 Universal Shelving System. It’s a modernist classic that’s also heirloom quality.

See more at mudaustralia.com