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UAFM in Faces: A story by Tetiana Vysochanska, Co-owner of “SETTEE”

Every company within our Association, as it grows, writes its own story, including the journey of its creation. While each story is unique, many share common patterns. However, the story of SETTEE stands out. Here’s how Tetiana Vysochanska, who co-founded the family business with her husband Ivan, tells it:

“It was 2020, during the COVID lockdown. We were confined to four walls, thinking about how to keep our young children engaged in independent, developmental play while balancing remote work and online schooling. Many ideas came and went—some required too much effort, others quickly lost their appeal. We wanted something that would channel their energy productively without turning the house upside down. That’s when I came across the idea of a multifunctional soft playset that could be used for sleeping, relaxing, and playing while also contributing to their physical and cognitive development. We immediately recalled our own childhood—building forts from chairs, blankets, and pillows. So we thought, why not create something similar for our children, but in a more modern and aesthetically pleasing way?”

Thus, the SETTEE modular sofa was born—crafted by the Vysochanskyi family from high-quality orthopedic foam and durable, easy-to-maintain, soft-touch fabric. The individual modules, shaped as squares, triangles, circles, and rectangles, offer endless possibilities for creative play.

The first and most demanding product testers were their own children, Yaremych and Solomiika. The sofa faced marker stains, spilled water, and even cat scratches—as the kids decided their pet wanted to slide down a ramp. It was an unplanned durability test that proved its resilience. The children built forts, created airplanes and cars, jumped, and had fun. By day, it was a playground, and by night—a safe, low-profile bed for toddlers.

– How did you approach bringing your idea to life?

From the start, we knew we wanted to create a premium-quality product that would adapt to children’s needs throughout their early years. That meant carefully selecting the best materials, studying the domestic market for foam and upholstery fabrics that met our standards.

– Why did you choose foam over traditional upholstery materials?

– Foam is hypoallergenic, dust-resistant, antibacterial, and highly breathable. It maintains its functional properties over time. Traditional polyurethane foam, produced with outdated Soviet-era technology, no longer meets modern quality standards. Our premium materials are complemented by top-tier craftsmanship—each sofa module has precisely stitched removable covers.

Designed with attention to detail, the SETTEE includes built-in handles for easy lifting and assembling structures, secure zippers, and hidden fasteners to prevent accidental scratches.

However, its purpose soon extended beyond children’s play. When war came to Ukraine, people began using the modular sofa in bomb shelters for comfort and safety. It quickly became a sought-after item for emergency preparedness and temporary housing solutions.

– Has the product line expanded?

– Yes! While our original design remains our core product, we developed a larger version suitable for older children and even adults. This new model became essential for shelters and families forced to relocate. Last year, we also introduced an outdoor-friendly version with additional modules and a special weather-resistant fabric for use in gardens, terraces, and beyond.

– What’s next for SETTEE?

– We will continue perfecting our modular sofas, adding accessories like decorative pillows and cozy sleeping bags in our signature style. Additionally, we are expanding our sales channels and actively exploring new markets, including international opportunities.

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