Those who do, they can!
November 1, 2022 at 4:47 pm
Edgars Brokāns, the founder of the "Epoxysvete" brand, obtained a bachelor of engineering degree in materials science and a qualification as a woodworking engineer at the Latvian University of Agriculture. He has been actively engaged in various wooden products for several years, and construction has always been a relevant activity.
Edgars says: "Working for less than two years at the hardwood floor production plant of SIA "Amber wood" as the main department manager in the oiling and varnishing department, I learned a lot of new technologies with various oils, waxes, pigments, with which it is possible to obtain exclusive parquet and laminate floor surfaces. A customer once asked if I had heard of epoxy products. Curious as to what these products are, I tried to make a wood-epoxy alloy object, and it worked for my own pleasure.
Next, I wanted to find out about the viability of the products and the interest of customers. In 2021, I participated in the training "Support for rural youth to promote entrepreneurship" and the competition "Be in the countryside!" with the idea "Epoxy and natural wood products in your home". I successfully reached the semi-finals with my business idea. In my opinion, what was missing at that moment was more experience and clarity of the financial plan to reach the finals. Because the finalists already had a clear vision of the product, finances and sales. The competition commission recommended to continue what was started in order to develop your business idea and become an entrepreneur.
Later, I participated in the program of the State Employment Agency "Measures for starting a business or self-employment", writing my business plan idea. Being among the best, I got a grant for the purchase of equipment, raw materials, timber, as well as a monthly grant, I became a performer of economic activity. The former farm building is now turning into a production facility, which is located in Svete parish of Jelgava county. Later, I participated in the pre-incubation competition of the LIAA Business Incubator, where I also successfully entered the top twenty, getting the opportunity to improve my proposed manufactured product - a natural, dried wooden structure combined with epoxy resin. I produce cup coasters, wall decorations, table tops, serving boards and meat boards. Epoxy resin has excellent mechanical and chemical properties, very good adhesion to various surfaces, low shrinkage. High resistance to water and its effects. Easy to maintain, renewable. When processed, an elegant, decorative design object is formed. As I developed, I realized that I can also offer my skills as a service. In pouring various kitchen tables, imitating the tone of the marble or stone table top. According to the wishes of the customers, it is possible to offer on an individual order, if the customer has any allergies, to find safe epoxies, such as green epoxy, which are 60% made from plant products. And EcoPoxy, made in Canada and made from hemp and soybean oil, is 100% non-allergenic, non-toxic, non-conductive, non-toxic to aquatic organisms, and then further treated with food-friendly oils or waxes. In addition, it is also possible to individually engrave, burn, embed with fluorescent epoxy that glows in the dark, or embed LED lighting. I share my idea publicly and gain more and more followers, people appreciate a unique, individually designed interior product. I have also started creating my own website, epoxysvete.com, and at https://www.etsy.com/shop/epoxysvete you can see my creations. Of course, they are also promoted on social networks, such as instagram https://www.instagram.com/epoxysvete/ and facebook - EpoxySvete. Epoxy resin allows any piece of wood to be considered potentially useful, creating a unique design object. Such surfaces are resistant to temperature changes, moisture and mechanical damage. They are reliable and durable. With the help of epoxy, it is possible not only to create new furniture, but also to transform old ones.
I participate in the project "Kopdare" - we do, create and grow together, it is a project to promote the participation of Jelgava region residents. My brand name "Epoxysvete" promotes my parish where I live. I help maintain the "Kopdare" and "Visit Svete" Facebook pages.
Future goals are to create your own production facility, sell a wide range of products to European countries using the etsy platform. The priority would be not only to produce, but also to participate in various exhibitions outside Latvia, promoting your service. Restoration and creation of kitchen table surfaces with epoxy resin, which would already imitate the shades of marble and stone table tops. Provide your service to various design fittings stores for the creation of exclusive table tops in apartments and houses.
My advice would be: if you are ready to create your idea, you must be ready to work all the time. Knowing that there will be moments when you want to put an end to everything. But first I would recommend to understand whether others are interested in your idea and would be relevant. And if you feel that there is a response, then you have to continue, looking for new opportunities for development. Because those who do, they can. The main thing is that you like what you do and know what you want to achieve. Thank you, all the best wishes for “Long Live!” team, because without the competition I wouldn't have realized my potential."
Agnes Stivriņa,
Business consultant of LLKC Jelgava office