From office to workshop: building the successful st.vol woodworking brand

This question deserves a comprehensive answer, as my background in pastry-making might not initially seem relevant. Over the years, I have assumed various roles, gaining a wide range of experiences. After spending many years as an office accountant, my colleague and now partner, Števo, and I were inspired to explore woodworking, a trend that was emerging from the West at the time. Števo, our production ‘McGyver’, handles everything I come up with and ensures that execution meets our high standards.

Our journey began almost six years ago. We spent the first eight months intensively learning about woodworking – understanding the material, experimenting with techniques, and determining that only high-quality, professional tools could meet our standards. We have since progressed from two people in a small garage to a large workshop with nine collaborators.

The key differentiator for st.vol is the emotional dimension we bring to our customers. Throughout the design process, I prioritize evoking emotions of joy, satisfaction, and happiness in our products. Think of it as a piece of art – each table is crafted to express specific emotions, akin to a painting on a wall. Additionally, we ensure that each table is crafted from wood sourced from a single origin, maintaining the purity of the material by never mixing different types of wood in one product.

Every table we create is unique. We infuse each one with distinctive elements that reflect our signature style. When it comes to customer requirements, we help guide their ideas, as not everything they envision may be feasible. If a customer has a specific vision, we approach it with sensitivity, especially considering the space where the table will be placed. Drawing on our experience, we can recommend options that might work best, guiding customers towards the optimal decision.

We operate in a dynamic manufacturing sector, swiftly adapting to new trends influenced by diverse sources. We often collaborate with various designers and architects, integrating their suggestions into our projects. Additionally, we participate in international exhibitions to absorb influences from other trendsetters and manufacturers. Over the past six years, we have established a market position that requires us to remain at the forefront of design innovation.

Since our inception, st.vol has adhered to a clear vision and a strategy. Our exclusivity may stem from how we communicate – the visual and tactile qualities of our tables. We have built a strong network of partners, including dealers and approximately seven showrooms where our desks are featured. Additionally, we are establishing our own showroom in Bratislava and planning to expand our presence in Budapest to further enhance our network. Our social media platforms, particularly Instagram and Facebook, play a pivotal role in communicating our identity, our products, and our operations – authentically demonstrating why st.vol is the premier choice for anyone seeking a unique table.

Currently, we have about seven new products in the pipeline that we plan to introduce soon. These products extend beyond just tables, but I will share more details at a later time.

I'm thrilled it was created, as it helps publicize both new and existing companies across various sectors. It also reveals insights that many people might not be aware of. This initiative greatly supports Slovak entrepreneurs and businesses, for which I am very grateful.