Mindy Coppo
Q What do you do?
“I style objects for a living. Bowls, chairs, rogue citrus. Ostra is my creative studio where I help ethical brands and sustainable spaces tell their stories with visuals. It’s part aesthetics, part circular economy, and all very chic.”
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
It’s been an unconventional path. I landed in operations after college thanks to the recession when steady work won out over ambition. But I’ve always been creative. I’ve designed interiors for clients on the side, ran a photography business for eight years, completed a grueling UX/UI program, and even got my real estate license, all while juggling a demanding role in big tech. Eventually, I hit a breaking point and tapped back into my creative roots, with just enough courage to start Ostra.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I only work with ethical companies—think mission-driven brands, sustainable design firms, and artists using renewable materials. I showcase them in an elevated, intentional, and visually magnetic way, and because I was a professional photographer for a long time I understand being behind the camera and what that means for my work in front of it.
Q What are you working on right now?
I just renewed my lease, so I’m finally doing the kind of home projects I usually skip because I rent. I’m painting my stairs, hanging custom shelves and window coverings—basically making it look like I own the place, without the mortgage.
Q What’s your style?
I have an affinity for drama—bold color, a mix of textures, and negative space that knows how to hold a pause. I spent most of my life in California and Colorado, where the landscapes are commanding of our attention, and I’ve been programmed to deliver that balance of intentionally bold and naturally understated since I was young.
One of my favorite projects was a tiny San Francisco bedroom I painted satin black. Pinstripe sheets, moody art of a woman undressing, vintage yellow vases with fresh flowers. Masculine bones, feminine details, and just enough of an edge to warrant a double take.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I’ve been eyeing furniture refinishing, partly because it’s adjacent to my interiors work, and partly because New York sidewalks are basically an open-air thrift store. I like giving something discarded a second act.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
After years as an executive assistant, my brain still flags admin tasks as urgent. It’s low-hanging fruit, so I knock it out first—but then the day’s gone, and I haven’t touched the creative part. The part I actually started this whole thing for.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
For $20 an hour, I’d probably rent a dog instead of a human. Someone to keep me company, force me outside, and look at me like I’m a genius every time I move a vase. Low maintenance, high morale.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I’d go back to my mid 20s and insist that just because I’m good at keeping the wheels turning doesn’t mean I’m supposed to be the engine. I spent a lot of time being the person who made other people’s ideas come to life in one way or another. It took me a while to realize my own ideas are worth investing in.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
I think a lot about the idea of letting things come to me, but I have a strong instinct to chase what I want. I’d love to talk to someone further along in this work about how they balance those two approaches—pursuit and patience.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
Right now I'd like to do more editorial work for brands and designers but I'm open to all kinds of collaborations. I find inspiration through other creative minds.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
My ideal client is clear on their values and open in their process. They understand the power of aesthetics and are building something with purpose. To me, the creative process is more fun when we're not just chasing trends.
Q: What is your rate?
It really depends on the scope of the project but my day rates start at $600.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Shoot me an email mindy@ostranyc.com with scope of work and budget! If we're in the same city I like to sort out the details together over coffee.
Q Who is a creative you admire?
San Francisco-based interior designer and artist, Sofia Shu @sofia.shu is a close friend of mine. We share a love of elevated aesthetics and mother nature's brilliance.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
I keep a small sketchbook and even smaller colored pencils on me at all times.
This member profile was originally published in June 2025.