Floor Doelman
The young and driven Furniture maker
What is life as a 23-year-old furniture maker documenting the workdays through Instagram? We met Floor Doelman to hear her thoughts about starting her own business so young in her parents' garage and how to balance life as a furniture maker and influencer.
In relation to her short working life, Floor has accomplished quite a lot. Shortly after graduating as a furniture maker in the summer of 2020, Floor has started her own business to be able to work with what she loves. When we ask her what the most challenging part of her work is, she answers:
“Each piece of furniture is different, which means that every project always is a new challenge that requires a new insight.”
She also explains that entrepreneurship can be a challenge in itself. The pressure to always show what you got and meet the customers' expectations. But she sees every challenge as an experience that makes her grow to become a better furniture maker.
Documenting work life
Floor first started to use Instagram as a fun way to document her work and did it mainly for her own interest. When she noticed that people liked what she was doing, it became part of her daily work routine.
“Furniture making is not a female-dominated industry. Previously I only knew female furniture makers from my own school. When I became active on social media, I started to see a lot more girls like me. I want to be an inspiration for others and make more women choose this industry.”
When we ask Floor where she gets her inspiration, she answers that her role model is her father. He works as a ship captain and travels worldwide, making him work six weeks over the sea to later be six weeks at home.
"During his weeks at home, he has always been very active in restoring things and doing odd jobs around the house. He has inspired me a lot and still does,” says Floor
Lasting and restoring
Floor always chooses good material that lasts over cheaper wood with lower quality. The goal is to make furniture that can be used over a long time and be transferred between several owners. Floor explains that there are benefits to using reclaimed lumber. Not only from an environmental perspective but also that it gives the furniture extra character. She also finds old furniture and gives them a second life.
"Sometimes, all it needs is a new layer of paint. The authenticity of the furniture gives it a unique look, nothing you can find in a store. You will get new furniture that will last for many years by restoring it.”
Few options of work clothes for women
When Floor started as a furniture maker, she worked in her regular clothes - and as you might guess, it was not very comfortable. Her mother bought her a pair of work trousers from the only local store with women's workwear, but they also did not fit very well. Today, Floor is a Fristads ambassador and has tried our clothes for a while now. When we ask her why good workwear is essential for her, she answers:
"I think it's important that the clothes I work in fit me, are suitable for work and last. I noticed a big difference when I tried on Fristads workwear - it has the combination between comfort and durability.”
Dream Project
Floor dreams about buying a scrap house or an old farm and renovating it herself. A run-down building to rebuild from the ground up into a gem. If you want to follow Floors' journey towards her goals, visit her Instagram FloorMaaktHet here.
