My New Creative Workshop Studio in Vienna

nikahcosta
Aug 16
5 min read

It is still a bit surreal that I am here today, writing this blog post.

I think that every artist dreams about having a studio, a place where creativity can flow freely. Space for all the materials and tools that we keep gathering through our creative lives, tables, workbenches, drawers... all available within arm’s reach, and the fake promise to keep it all well-organised, as much as an Instagram reel.

And yes, with my heart overflowing with love and gratitude, today I am ready to share a bit about this dream coming true: my Nikah Costa Pop-Up Studio is ready.

Located in Vienna’s 9th district, the studio is now home to my jewellery workshops, polymer clay classes, private creative events and small-group creative workshops in English. It is also where I design and display my handmade jewellery.

A space for creativity, hosting creative workshops in Vienna, classes, welcoming friends, and visitors, located in the heart of Vienna's 1090 district, right in front of Sigmund Freud's old flat, where his museum is now.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/3068d4_a441228defd3479d96c72d10f99e5626/720p/mp4/file.mp4

I can't start telling you this story without sharing a bit about my beliefs. I am no longer a religious person, but I really believe in energy, and the energy of the universe. I also keep a quote I read more than 20 years ago in The Alchemist, by Brazilian author Paulo Coelho, very close to my heart:

“And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”

Well, for a while I had been looking for a place to dock. My home studio had become too small. I was taking up the house: my bedroom, the cupboards in the kitchen, behind the doors, under the kitchen table... everywhere you looked, you could see polymer clay-related material.

I had a constant feeling of blockage. My creations had no space to just flow...

And it won't go without talking about the prep work for the workshops. For every class hosted, at least one day was spent preparing everything, while living with the constant feeling that I had forgotten to pack something.

I have made friends I really cared about while hosting workshops in my their venues. They always made me feel at home there, and they helped as much as they could, but it was clear that I needed some room to grow.

Among creating several far-fetched requests to the universe, as a way to keep postponing my dream, I was constantly searching for a miracle online: “it must be close to home,” “It has to be affordable,” “The conditions must be feasible,” “The light has to be good,” “The vibe has to feel right,” “The location must be easily reachable”... and the list went on and on.

It took a while, but the universe conspired, and it turned out that the place I had envisioned

existed, and I found it online.

So I visited it, and immediately it felt like home.

A large room, with large windows, on the rooftop of a historic building, with a balcony where I can see where Freud lived.

I could hardly believe it.

I had everything I wanted and had listed as essential conditions, but I was too afraid to take a step forward, and so I froze.

But I am never alone.

My husband so kindly reminded me of all the crazy things we have successfully done in our lives together, and how brave we were. My friends held my hand, reminding me how much I deserved to take this leap. My therapist said it was time to make it happen. They embraced me and supported me.

I cried a bit (ok, a lot), walked in circles for days, and eventually I took the leap and signed the contract, just a few hours before welcoming my family at the airport at the end of May.

We cleaned the room, fixed the walls, washed the curtains, and started moving in.

Husband carrying furniture and vacuuming the floor (thanks for the machine, Gabi), brother-in-law cleaning the closet and carrying the tables.

Packing felt like forever, and OMG, now I can see how much material I have!!!

The lift was not working at that time, so we had to move out from my building's fourth floor and move into my studio on the third floor.

No lifts at all. Strong legs or strong willpower? Hmmm still not sure...

Yes, it took us weeks, and it felt endless. But at the same time, witnessing the room slowly take shape was also so important, to savour the moment.

That office room was slowly becoming MY studio.

Then summer hit us hard: high temperatures, family visiting us, my little one on school summer break, we all needed some time for travelling and disconnecting a bit. We did take a few days off, added to some quick stops at IKEA and lots of furniture hunting on Willhaben became part of our new routine.

Poor husband of mine! 😂

While it was all happening, I welcomed a lovely group into the room for a private workshop, and watched them creating in my new space for the very first time. I received friends who needed a hug and a chat, just like I did, and we supported each other, as always, while creating plans and projects for the future.

And I also organised and hosted a large creative team-building event in Vienna, watching 96 desk buddies come to life at the Greentube summer party, with the love and support of this dream team: my mama, Eric, Alan and Gabi.

Day by day, the dream was taking shape.

An orange rug on the floor. Lights around the balcony door. A dresser upcycled with colourful sticky paper and a set of porcelain drawer knobs found in a second-hand shop.

A wall full of colourful meaningful quotes, organised by so many hands and hearts: me, Owen, mama, husband, Katha, Karla, and my sister Lica all the way from Brazil, but making herself present.

FIMO so kindly sent me a huge amount of clay.

Lucy sent me her line of pigments, bowls, magazines, and a few projects.

Nadya and Konstantino encouraged me all the way from Israel and Greece.

Marta was on board with marketing strategy, redoing my whole website and loading it with colours, and was also essential with her warm support.

Emma and Petra, who had welcomed me for so many times in their places, shared their love and support through hugs and messages.

As I said, I am never alone. 🧡

Then, in another quick trip to Ikea, mama gave me a mirror. An amazingly beautiful mirror.

Later that day, Ricardo helped me hang it on the wall, and I finally understood:

It is ready.

It is finally ready.

I said it out loud and, a few hours later, I sold my very first ticket for a public workshop: the Marbled Earrings Workshop that took place on 12 August, the night of the eclipse.

It does feel a bit like magic, I know.

But it is all about hard work, partnership, friendship, bonding... and, of course, never giving up on our dreams!

This story will continue, as I transform that old office into a little oasis of creativity for me and for those in search of a calm, creative space full of colours and possibilities.

Maybe you’ll be part of the next chapter too.

Join me for a public or private workshops in Vienna, or stop by for a cup of tea and visit my showroom of handmade jewellery pieces.

I’d love to see you here! 🧡