First Person

WoodFactory. Interview with Kristel Schoeman-Daneel

Tell us something about your professional background and why you decided to work in this industry…

I have a degree from the university of hospitality management in Holland and used to work in the services management industry in Amsterdam, then in Marbella from 2000. So I have lived in Marbella for 14 years. Two years ago I started WoodFactory. I was looking for a new challenge, and I always missed very natural style furniture and decoration in Marbella.

Tell us more about your products, and what are the basic principles behind your company?

WoodFactory creates and produces furniture made from recycled/used wood. Everything is made-to-measure for our clients. From dining tables, stools, beds and cabinets to complete lounge sets. We also do complete projects such as restaurants/bars, doors, interior and exterior kitchens, built-in wardrobes, etc. The basic principle of WoodFactory is to create something new from used materials.

How would you summarise the market at present and how you fit into this market?

The market in Marbella is recovering from the crisis, but still has a long way to go. The market depends completely on second home residents from northern Europe, Russia and Arab countries. These residents spend money and this reflects the market in Marbella. Almost all my clients are of northern European nationality, with a few Russian or Arab nationalities, but mainly northern Europe. They love my designs and the recycled wood concept, so that makes my company successful. Apart from northern European clients, I have also seen an important increase in the number of Spanish clients buying my product, especially over the last year.

What do you most enjoy about your work and what is your vision for the company?

I love creating new products and also the personal contact I have with my clients. I would like WoodFactory to grow in the near future and maybe start a second showroom.

What do you think the future holds for wooden furniture?

As my furniture is not standard wooden furniture but new contemporary designs, and we are using recycled wood, it makes my product unique. It’s very trendy and shabby chic design, which fits very well into the Marbella lifestyle. Apart from that, we make everything to measure, and also offer a mix of materials such as tables with metal legs and wooden top, or tables with a ceramic tiles inlay.

What do you think is key to running a successful company in Spain?

It’s important to find a unique product/service and distinguish yourself from others. Be personally involved in your business, create a good team and work hard

WoodFactory
Polígono San Pedro de Alcántara

Calle Budapest 16
ES
Marbella
Tel. +(34) 620 230 376

kristel@woodfactory.es

www.woodfactory.es