March 3rd, 2025, marks the 26th anniversary of Tatami Shop—a milestone that holds deep personal meaning for me. This business was born in 1999, just days before I was. My dad’s dream of bringing authentic Tatami to homes has been a constant in my life, shaping not just my childhood but also my understanding of wellness, tradition, and business.
A Life Built on Tatami
My earliest memories revolve around Tatami. As a baby, my family embraced the traditional Japanese sleeping concept—wood-framed Tatami mats on the floor. This was simply how we lived. As I grew older, I wanted to be like my peers and switched to a conventional mattress, thinking it was the ‘normal’ thing to do. But that change never quite felt right.
Growing up, I spent countless hours at the shop, learning from my dad, experiencing the business firsthand, and forming cherished memories—like making my first sale at seven or celebrating Christmas with our team. Even before I understood what this business meant, it had already become a part of me.
Realising the Power of Tatami
At 16, I switched back to Tatami sleeping. It felt right, but I didn’t think much of it until I moved to Australia for university. For the first time in years, I slept on a thick conventional mattress, and the difference was undeniable—constant back pain, restless nights, and discomfort. Each time I returned to Singapore, my sleep improved instantly on Tatami.
The only times I wasn’t sleeping on Tatami were during those early years when I experimented with conventional mattresses and my time in Australia. Through that experience, I truly understood the benefits of Tatami—not just as a tradition but as a way to improve well-being. Many of our customers share this same realisation: once you sleep on Tatami, it’s hard to go back.
A Legacy, A Future
26 years of Tatami Shop. And just days later, I’ll turn 26 myself. This company has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. It was my dad’s baby, and now, it’s mine. While the foundation remains the same, I have a vision for where we are headed.
Wellness has become a core part of who I am—not just in business, but in life. Tatami Shop is evolving to reflect that. There’s so much more I want to build, for my team, for our customers, and for the future of this brand.
For now, I just want to take a moment to reflect, celebrate, and thank every single person who has been part of this journey.
To our customers—you have kept this homegrown business alive, through good times and challenges like COVID. Your loyalty and support have meant everything to us.
To my incredible team—you are the heart of this business. Thank you for believing in my vision, for helping me build, and for ensuring that every customer experiences the true essence of Tatami.
Happy 26th anniversary to Tatami Shop. Happy 26 years of a business that has shaped me in ways I never expected. And here’s to the next chapter.
With gratitude,
Praviinaa
CEO, Tatami Shop
