Every time we try to describe the story of another furniture company, we want to find something special about it that sets it apart from the hundreds of other members of the UAFM. Sometimes it’s easy to do, and sometimes difficult, but the capital company “WoodZO” will be one of the first to be considered unique.

Oleksandr Zakopayko dared to create it already in war conditions, not being a woodworker by profession. Although he knew about woodworking at the hobby level. He even made something for himself from the furniture. Therefore, the decision to make furniture his business was motivated. And immediately began to tackle the technologically complex production, for example, the production of tables from solid wood in combination with decorative epoxy resin.

Undoubtedly a bold move. Someone might say desperate. In conditions when experienced furniture makers are forced to cut back or reorient to produce cheaper products before the war, you are starting with an expensive product, intending to conquer the market immediately, which is now very unstable.

–  Circumstances forced me. When the war began, I found myself without work (the company where I worked as an architectural designer was heavily reduced), and I began to think about how to make a living. A friend decided to start making children’s furniture, so I also decided to get into furniture making, especially since I already had some idea about it.

Why such a complex one right away?

– I confess that I didn’t monitor the market, and I didn’t have the time or opportunity, so I took a risk and did what I was passionate about. I wanted to create beautiful, albeit expensive, furniture.

I only had myself on staff. I independently mastered the secrets of creating those wooden products that please me. Now there are a few of us, we call ourselves a workshop, although, in a physical dimension, this is an exaggeration, because we only rent a part of the premises.

Nevertheless, the company remains afloat and even at the beginning of the year became a member of the Ukrainian Association of Furniture Manufacturers.

– Sales of small products, such as kitchen organizers and cutting boards, which we began to produce, are helping a little. But the war is creating new obstacles, such as power outages. We are holding on with all our might, but we are not giving up. We came to the Ukrainian Association of Furniture Manufacturers hoping for support from colleagues and for the experience that they have accumulated.

The series of products made of charred wood caught my attention. It’s great that you’re looking for non-standard solutions. In your situation, it is really necessary. But is the proposal of charred wood not too risky, as it may be associated with the consequences of war – destruction, and fire, in people’s minds?

– You may get that impression from the photos, but when people hold these items – we managed to set up a small showroom – they like the products with artificial blackening. Moreover, the use of charred wood is quite common in the Carpathians. Houses were decorated with blackened boards. Therefore, we can say that we have only revived and expanded the tradition to other products, including cutting boards for the kitchen.

Again, from your side and Facebook page, it can be concluded that you prefer to work with nuts the most. There are no problems now with acquiring such a volume.

– There are no problems for those who have the funds to make such a purchase because materials are very expensive now. But we work not only with nuts but also with other beautiful wood species – oak, and ash.

Who, if not your company, can take advantage of the grant programs offered by the state now? Including the one whose description is posted on the association’s website.

– Again, due to a lack of experience in preparing an application for such a grant, we did not manage to become one of the contenders. I will be looking for an opportunity in the second stage of the grant program.

And to conclude this story, I want to address the members of the Ukrainian Association of Furniture Manufacturers.

Friends, and colleagues, we need to help a startup entrepreneur who is struggling to make their business profitable. Let’s once again demonstrate our solidarity and mutual support, so as not to let down someone who has taken such a bold step into practical furniture-making during such a challenging time. Everyone should contribute in whatever way they can, and even a beginner colleague’s sound advice will be appreciated.