Senzaan Craft is an online store for home accessories and home decor founded by Juie and Mo in June 2021. Under the name senzaan_craft (sen = "line", "fiber"; zaan = "weave"), they sell modern, high-quality and handmade design products, most of which are made from rapidly renewable natural raw materials such as Cyprus grass in Thailand. Their business model improves the quality of life of Thailand's rural population - the products are produced in Thailand and sold in Germany.
According to an article, they cooperate with more than 200 craftsmen from the partner company Thorr in five provinces in the north and north-east. The artisans form local "communities" in which they live and work. Each of their products is woven with dedication and care by experienced artisans, requiring an outstanding level of skill and attention to detail.
DESCRIPTION OF YOUR BUSINESS/SERVICE?
According to their website, Senzaan produces handmade mats and home accessories of minimalist elegance and high quality. The products create a stylish balance between people, culture and nature. At the same time, they help to create a harmonious living atmosphere that inspires mindful inner peace.
The mats, table runners and placemats are predominantly made from Thai Cyprus grass ("Kok" in Thai). Kok, formerly considered a weed, is a sustainable, rapidly renewable raw material with robust fibers that ensure long-lasting products. In addition to kok grass, bamboo is also used for wall decorations. To ensure the longevity of the natural materials and prevent mold growth, they are coated.
The products are available via the online store, and some of the founders also take part in local creative markets in Hamburg.
MOTIVATION FOR BEING AN ENTREPRENEUR?
Juie and Mo, who have lived in Germany for over ten years and have a deep connection to Thailand, decided in 2021 not only to deepen their relationship but also to found Senzaan together. This initiative was born out of a strong desire to promote local crafts in the rural areas of Thailand and provide a sustainable livelihood for local people.
Mo, with a background in music therapy and a passion for art, photography and mindfulness, brings his diverse interests to the business. Juie, a designer with a Masters from the University of the Arts Bremen, focuses on social issues such as inclusion and co-creation, sharing the belief that good design should not only be functional but also socially positive.
The founders found an inspiring source in the traditional Thai art of braiding and weaving. They consciously integrated this love of artistic craftsmanship into their social enterprise.
The idea of founding Senzaan was born in a relaxed moment on the sofa in early 2021, when Juie and Mo decided to use their relationship as the basis for a joint business. In their deliberations, they emphasized their values, common interests and the connection between Germany and Thailand. The clear result: the founding of a social enterprise for Thai crafts.
The decisive factor for them was not only to sell products, but also to have a positive impact on the lives of people in the rural regions of Thailand. By working closely with local business partners, communities and artisans, Juie and Mo aim to make a lasting improvement to life in the countryside. They are particularly committed to improving the working conditions of their partners and want to ensure that everyone involved benefits from their project.
THE JOURNEY SO FAR - CHALLENGES FACED und HOW YOU HAVE OVERCOME.
The founders of Senzaan faced a number of challenges, particularly due to their limited business knowledge and lack of experience in e-commerce. Dealing with numbers and setting up the website and online store was a real challenge. Although it might have been helpful to attend some courses beforehand, they decided to just start and keep learning.
They also took advantage of a consultancy service for social enterprises. Here they were supported in particular in refining the business model and the online store business.
The most valuable insight for Mo while setting up the business was that running a couple and business at the same time is no easy task. There is always a risk of conflict, especially in stressful times. To avoid this, Mo and Juie give each other timely feedback on their stress levels. Mo uses his many years of experience as a music therapist to help with this. As a designer, Juie takes care of the company's appearance. Her experience as a freelance designer in another project, "hey ju design", enables her to use her knowledge and network for Senzaan. Nevertheless, she herself says that the two businesses are different and emphasizes the need for openness and flexibility when facing new challenges such as import and customs, pricing or distribution.
BENEFITS YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED/POSITIVE IMPACTS?
As the two are originally from Thailand, they have no language barrier when working with the partner company. What's more, their country of origin is the reason why they decided to sell Thai products and work with Thorr. Thorr is a former fellow student of Juie's from Thailand.
They have also built up a network in the social entrepreneurship community and came across a consultancy service for social enterprises. They received support in refining their business model and the online store business.
PLANS / VISION FOR YOUR BUSINESS?
The Senzaan founders are optimistic about the future and have clear plans for themselves and their company. Mo emphasizes the key role of a stable relationship for the continuity of Senzaan. The company's existence depends not only on the founders' relationship, but also on whether their business model continues to support the communities in Thailand and help the villagers there. This approach validates their idea, and they are willing to consider reorienting or redesigning should this path change.
Juie and Mo recognize that the online presentation of their products cannot adequately convey all the qualities and features. Therefore, they are actively engaged in finding ways and collaborations to present their products effectively at offline events and other showcases. Their aim is to bring the special charm, tactile touch and unique smell of their handmade wickerwork to life.
REFERENCES:
https://www.senzaan.de/fair/
https://shorturl.at/emrtR
