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Love Letters: Anika Joshi-Smith
07/05/25
Author: Sophia Doak
DOCUMENTED BY: RIISE
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Love Letters is a series of visual and written odes to somewhere, someone or something that inspires joy. Each letter is a celebration of the moments of delight in the lives of the creatives who inspire RIISE.
Anika is the Founder and Director of Melbourne-based Sage Agency, which helps fashion brands launch into global markets. Her love letter is dedicated to her home, which she appreciates as a place to enjoy life’s simplest (and maybe most wonderful) pleasures. Home can be a space for the day-to-day rituals we fall asleep looking forward to and the stage for moments big and small. It presents an opportunity for self-expression through art and rugs, lighting and mugs. Home is solitude, but it also creates connection, as we welcome acquaintances and loved ones alike through our doors.
RIISE was lucky enough to step into Anika’s beautiful home in Richmond. Built in the 1800s and retaining a lot of its original heritage, she describes it as ‘charming, quaint and cosy’. We spoke to Anika about the memories she has created within her walls, the joy and refuge she finds at home and where her personal inspiration comes from.
RIISE: What features of your home bring you joy?
AJS: It’s a place where you can enjoy life’s simplest pleasures. We’re not precious people, everything is lived in and warm. We’ve created an abundance of memories here with friends and family; if only the walls could talk!
RIISE: Do you have any particular rituals you love that take place in your space?
AJS: James and I are such foodies and spend a lot of time in the kitchen and around the table. Whether it’s the dining, coffee, or outdoor table, I just love sitting down for a meal with him, especially after a long day.
RIISE: Where do you look for inspiration when it comes to evolving your space?
AJS: Our home was built in the 1800s and is so rich in heritage. When evolving the space, we look to align with the original character and period, while adding some modern touches. She’s a little shabby-chic, somewhat French-provincial, and slowly becoming more contemporary.
RIISE: What is a favourite memory in your home?
AJS: We bought our home during Covid, and due to the lockdowns, we weren’t actually allowed to step foot inside until settlement! We had lucked out at so many auctions, so we didn’t think we had much of a chance when we put in an offer. To our surprise, we won, and it was such a nerve-racking experience stepping foot inside for the first time, but a memory I’ll never forget.
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