From Behind the Scenes to the Studio: Our Founder's Note for the Year-End

A letter from the founders. As 2025 comes to a close, it feels like the right moment to pause, look back, and speak honestly.

This year was all about optimisation. Not the glamorous kind—but the necessary kind. Tightening systems, fixing what was quietly broken, questioning what actually deserved our time and energy, and learning how to do more with less. Behind the scenes, we spent a lot of time refining how we work, how we source, how we stock, and how we show up for you—both online and in-store.

It wasn’t a smooth year by any measure. We took on new imports (which always sound easier than they are), navigated shifting regulations, delays, rising costs, and the very real complexity of bringing thoughtfully made products into India. Staffing came with its own learning curve—finding people who understand both retail and creativity isn’t easy. At the same time, we made a conscious pivot—leaning deeper into specialised stationery and hand-made ceramics. It’s a direction we believe in deeply, and while it came with its own set of challenges, it also brought clarity. (There’s a lot more to share on this soon.)

Amidst all this, there were some big wins that reminded us why we do what we do.

Amidst all of this, there were some big, heart-filling wins. Launching the Artloop brush range and the Nomad Field Palette has been nothing short of incredible—seeing them travel from our sketches to your studios and backpacks has been deeply rewarding. Add to that the love for our gesso art boards and cradled panels, and it honestly reminded us why we do this in the first place.

And then… The Art Exchange turned one. A year of conversations, swaps, discoveries, new friendships, and shared creativity. What started as an experiment became a community, and for that, we’re endlessly grateful.

So what's in store for 2026 you ask? Well - A lot! We’re bringing in a host of new brands, carefully chosen and aligned with how we see art-making evolving. There are also new launches coming from our own stable—especially under Artloop—products we’ve been quietly refining, testing, and sometimes reworking entirely because they didn’t feel right yet. And yes, the much-requested, often-asked-for Artzo Loyalty Programme is finally happening. It’s been a long time coming, and we’re excited to roll it out the right way.

Market conditions remain tough. Growth is not linear. Scaling in a niche like ours comes with friction—supply chains, pricing pressures, discoverability, and the constant balance between sustainability and ambition. Some days are energizing; others are just hard. But within all of this, we’re seeing genuine opportunities—a growing community of thoughtful artists, deeper engagement, and a shared desire to slow down and make things with intention.

Will we be opening more stores? Maybe. We’re listening, learning, and letting things unfold.

Will Artzo expand to other countries? Possibly. The conversations have begun.

Will you see new products this year? Absolutely! That one’s a promise. And through all of it, we’re holding onto what matters most: making art in the middle of the chaos. Not waiting for things to be perfect. Not postponing creativity until the business feels “settled.” Art isn’t a reward at the end of the journey—it’s the reason we started.

Thank you for being here. For supporting us, questioning us, recommending us, and growing with us. We’re building this slowly, carefully, and honestly—and we’re grateful you’re walking this path with us.

Here’s to 2026 - With hope, curiosity, and a lot more art in the making. With Gratitude & Intent, Sanjana & Prithvi :)

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