Inspiring Conversations with Wally Stryk of Asian Art Imports

Today we’d like to introduce you to Wally Stryk.

Hi Wally, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
In 1998, I was looking for business opportunities. I took a leisure trip to Thailand, loved the handicrafts, and saw an opportunity to import them to the U.S. I started on a very small scale. The timing was good as there was a market here for a variety of décor made in Thailand. I specialized in repurposed architectural furniture and décor as well as spiritual imagery. One thing led to another and eventually led to having numerous warehouses and expanded lines. Our direction of carrying unique furnishings and sustainable products has remained.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like all of us, there have been a few bumps in the road but nothing major. We’ve navigated traveling through Burma. India, Thailand, Indonesia and China and dealt with some economic pullbacks. Overall, we are grateful for the wonderful experiences we’ve had.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Asian Art Imports?
I met my wife Pat in Thailand in the early days of the business. She’s been an integral part of the business and obviously, my life. We’ve pulled in the same direction and have shaped the business together. We’ve enjoyed the traveling and sourcing new, exciting items. It’s not always been luxury travel but we’ve dealt with any inconveniences with the goal of sourcing interesting products. We have an eye for how pieces can be utilized and that has contributed to our success. We started bringing in lines 24 years ago that were by no means mainstream which have in recent years caught traction and are now quite popular. That’s a compliment to what we’ve done. We’ve had customers who have continued doing business with us throughout this time and we appreciate these relationships. We own our forwarding company in Thailand. We also source for customers worldwide. Our company, Two Logistics, is in Chiang Mai, Thailand… It’s helped us here by increasing our revenue stream and purchasing power.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
We’ve seen a shift to a more disposable society with consumers less concerned with the pedigree, story and quality of a piece. We do have a solid customer base that does care about the quality and aesthetics of the décor they use and that’s sustained us.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.asianartimports.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asianartimports/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asianartimports

Image Credits
Photos by Wally Stryk