Ia Shengelia is a business management specialist by profession, has been working in the social sphere for years, but at the same time she always managed to make creativity an integral part of her life. Since childhood, she has been drawing, sewing and constructing, taught by her mother, who is now her right hand in business. In parallel with her work, in 2019, Ia founded her own toy brand IkoKids , where she combined the pleasant and the useful, and very soon won the hearts of customers.
- How did your business story begin, what motivated you?
I have loved making handmade items since childhood. First I sewed for dolls, then for my children. High-quality and environmentally friendly toys were hard to find on the Georgian market, so I often sewed them myself. Once, while traveling in Germany, I saw a children's tent in a toy store, and it made an amazing impression. I couldn't transport it because of its size, so I decided to sew it myself. My youngest child was 8 years old at the time and literally lived in the tent. It was an inspiration, and I decided to share unforgettable emotions with other children. That's how my hobby turned into a business.
- The path from the beginning to the present, expectations and reality
I took my first steps without any initial capital. I sewed a tent with a small amateur sewing machine, took a photo and uploaded it to Facebook, and it sold the next day, which was a great incentive for me… At first, I only made tents on individual orders. Soon, sales increased. I was looking for a physical store, but when the pandemic began, online sales became more active. At the same time, competition increased. I always felt that I was not young enough to start a business, and my competence was not enough to take further steps in the business. I actively began to take care of my self-development. I overcame many challenges, including a hacker attack. The knowledge and experience I gained, the support of my relatives, and loyal customers gave me great strength. In one month, the demand for products was greater than in previous years. I bought a professional sewing machine, set up a workshop, and today our whole family is involved in this business, and our goal is constant development, continuous improvement and diversification of products and services. The indicator of success is customer feedback and the smiling faces of children.
- What do you offer to customers?
We create a safe, caring and magical childcare environment where children can learn and grow through play. We make children's tents, where parents often play with children, which is important for children's development. We also make storage units, soft toys, decorations for children's rooms and parties, tents for dolls, children's bags. The material I use is only 100% cotton and naturally processed wood. The products are environmentally friendly, educational and safe. We have the opportunity to offer both individual and ready-made products. In 2022, I created a workshop where customers can select products from the existing stock on site.
- Why your product/service? What makes you unique?
We create a healthy and magical environment for children. Ikokids has its own distinctive style, which is helped by our creativity and inventiveness. We work on any individual order: we can draw a personal name, any inscription, drawing, favorite fairy tale or movie character. All drawings and inscriptions are done by hand, with anti-allergic paints. Our products are as safe as possible, environmentally friendly and made with high quality. Our toys have an exceptionally beautiful, distinctive visual and are educational. When creating a design and selecting colors, I take into account color trends in the interior, because they are also part of the home decor. The products are packed in biodegradable bags. We hand over fabric waste to the enterprise for recycling and reuse.
- What does it mean to you to be in business? Why this business in particular, what do you like about this field?
Being in business is a big responsibility towards the customer, family and teammates. It is important to invest in your own education and qualification. This is my favorite job, in which I put my whole heart and soul, I take care of, raise and develop them as if they were my own children. This field allows me to give children unforgettable emotions.
- What is your energy source?
The feeling that we are creating a necessary and important product for children, which, in addition to its benefits, brings a huge and unforgettable emotion, is the source of my energy.
- What would you advise the young "me"?
Don't be afraid of obstacles and changes. It's never too late to start!
A very friendly and supportive team, with whom sharing both problems and successes is a moment for me as well as for a family member, who, I know, will provide me with sincere support and competent consultation in both cases.
- The main message from you entrepreneurs…
Constantly develop and believe in your own abilities!
