Why Polish design? Behind the scenes of the establishment of Theska Store and the celebration of its 5th anniversary on the Polish market. Interview with Daria Wassermann, originator and co-founder of Theska Store - Polski Design.
Our first 5 years on the Polish and European market is a time full of challenges, but also dynamic development. From the very beginning, we focused on selected partners who create products in Poland in line with the spirit of Polish design, original and adding value to interiors. We wanted to build the identity of Polish design in Poland and abroad from the very beginning.
How did Theska Store come about? What motivated you?
Working for many years in an international environment in the interior finishing industry, both private and commercial, I could observe how many creative designers we have and at the same time how difficult it is for them to break through sometimes. During many fairs and architectural events, I saw the power of presenting national brands that have their roots in traditional craftsmanship and design in a given region. Since the idea of helping others and working together to promote important and unique things has always been very important to me, I decided to prepare a business plan and invite specialists - my current business partners to the joint venture of Theska Stora, which aims to promote Polish design in Poland and around the world.
Who do you work with? What guided you when choosing designers - your business partners?
We invite designers, architects and companies with traditions that produce furniture and lamps with respect for the environment to cooperate with us. In our store, we show a selected offer of the best Polish brands. When selecting partners, we were also guided by criteria such as professionalism, reliability and meeting deadlines. We believe in the power of beautiful things. They give the interior a unique character and increase its quality. The quality of our lives changes with the quality of the interior.
Why do you so strongly emphasize cooperation with brands for which sustainable development is important?
Sustainable development is a balance between economic growth and technological development and protection of the natural environment and natural resources for future generations. Currently, we are struggling with the problem of excessive amounts of garbage in the world. This is the result of excessive consumerism. We invest in cheap, low-quality products. Cheap, so we throw them away easily when they break or we just don't like them anymore. Designers, however, are paying more and more attention to valuable products, showing the possibility of reusing them when time gets to them. The new life of the product is not only a new version of high-quality items in a new edition, but also the reduction of excessive exploitation of natural resources. It is worth investing in beautiful, luxurious and high-quality designer products that will serve us for many years and that can be recycled. Theska Store wants to support sustainable initiatives that guarantee beauty and style without harmful consequences for nature and the environment. Reducing the use of plasticizers and plastic in production is a trend that we will also support.
How did you manage to survive on the market during the pandemic and effectively expand the group of customers?
From the beginning, it was important for us to implement interesting interior design projects. We love the creative process, we work together respecting each other's ideas, but also a different point of view. Thanks to this synergy of diversity, we create a harmonious team. In addition, we are investing all the time. We have clearly defined goals. In relations within the company and with our business partners, we are guided by honesty. We are constantly learning. This means that we do not rest on our laurels, but move forward, develop and expand the area of our activity. We are constantly looking for new opportunities, take advantage of opportunities, and strengthen partnerships. Our organizational culture is based on honesty, tolerance and responsibility. We managed to develop the company also thanks to the courage of all partners. Together, we made many difficult and key decisions that determined our further development. One of such decisions was a quick exit with sales outside the country. We are also currently opening our office and showroom in Fulda, Germany.
Why, in your opinion, is Polish design not well known abroad?
Unfortunately, there is a lack of cooperation and agreement. "Concord builds". If we had created an agreement based on trust and honesty, we would certainly have achieved more. The atmosphere in the country translates into relations between people, and these into the image of Poland abroad. Those who were able to unite and act together to build a local and national brand today dictate prices, set trends and are synonymous with the highest quality and prestige. I believe that thanks to Theska Store we will also build a recognizable and widely appreciated image of Polish design.
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