We delve into the motivations behind starting this particular venture, the challenges and triumphs encountered along the way, and valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. From the initial idea to international sales and the future of the furniture market, Valeria provides valuable insights and inspiration for those looking to carve their own path in the business world. Join us as we uncover the story behind this successful Ukrainian entrepreneur and discover the keys to their accomplishments.
Thank you for joining us today. We’re excited to hear about your successful children’s furniture production business. Let’s jump right into the questions. You founded a successful children’s furniture production business about two years ago. Why did you decide to do this particular project?
Valeria Turchanovych: Products for children have always been popular, and that’s why I decided to open a business in this direction. We wanted to make a unique and high-quality product, using eco-materials of Ukrainian production, which we did.
How did you manage to set up production? Who was involved in product design?
Valeria Turchanovych: I created all the designs in the initial stages myself, and I also produced them myself. The production and every process were adjusted from scratch, and we tested many options until we created our own system. As the orders increased, we began hiring workers and buying equipment to expand and create new models.
How did you manage to build sales? To which countries do you sell your furniture? What are the pitfalls for furniture makers in this direction?
Valeria Turchanovych: We immediately started selling abroad because it’s a big problem to find quality products at optimal prices in many countries. This attracted a large number of buyers. We have shipped to over 20 countries, with the majority of our clients being from the USA and Europe. We had customers from Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Japan, Taiwan, and many more.
The biggest pitfall in this direction would be the quality of packaging. Since the furniture travels halfway around the world, there is a possibility of damage. Additionally, paying attention to the weight and dimensions of the parcel can save a lot of money on delivery and attract more customers with competitive prices.
Who are you by education? Did you have business experience before the furniture manufacturing project?
Valeria Turchanovych: I have an incomplete higher education. I studied at the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy at the Faculty of Philosophy, but I left because the business required more and more of my time. I don’t regret my decision as it allowed me to focus on building the furniture business.
Who inspired you to develop your own business?
Valeria Turchanovych: My friends who have already managed to build successful businesses, especially in the field of international trade, inspired me. I really like the fact that we can produce quality products in Ukraine and develop our own production for sales all over the world.
What advice could you give to young entrepreneurs who want to start their own furniture brand?
Valeria Turchanovych: I would give three key pieces of advice. First, calculate production costs well and try to reduce costs as much as possible without compromising on quality. Second, tap into international markets because foreigners highly appreciate our products. And finally, make unique designs that are also functional, and ensure you use quality materials. This will attract many repeat customers.
In your opinion, how is the furniture market developing, and in which direction are the transformations taking place?
Valeria Turchanovych: People value quality above all else, especially when it comes to children’s furniture. From my experience, I can say that many customers want furniture that will be used for years. Quality will always be appreciated, even in online sales. Furthermore, more and more foreigners are seeking product quality data and ordering from abroad due to the low quality and high prices in their countries. This presents a great opportunity for Ukrainian entrepreneurs to enter new markets.
Victoria Levitsky