January 2013. My first industrial sewing machine, for which I had to start looking for a studio space because my apartment at that time was very small. We found a small 20m2 space at Ajataju reastauration workshop (Telliskivi 57, Tallinn), and built walls around it.
Back then working at school after hours was not possible so we needed a space and access to machines to advance our skills. Since I was a student back then with no money, I proposed some of my course mates at Estonian Academy of Arts that we could use the space as a shared studio, divide the costs by four and I would give the machines to free use. For that we founded a non-profit organisation (MTÜ Avatud Töökoda).
Our first reseller was a design shop Nu Nordik. Maybe the first sales were like a few products per month. Our first products were Slim, Super Slim card cases, One Piece Wallet and braided Leather Bracelet.
When I get old and succeed doing my own thing, this will be my favorite blog post. If not. At least I died trying and can't complain having a boring life. :)
