Spotlight on Skuja Design Studio
In 2025, we are excited to highlight inspiring stories of individuals growing their businesses in Southern Vermont with the support of SEVCA. Recently, Chris from SEVCA had the pleasure of visiting Oleg Skuja of Skuja Design Studio, one of our talented Micro Business clients. Oleg's journey reflects the creativity and resilience that define our vibrant local entrepreneurial community. Over the past few months Oleg worked closely with Chris in SEVCA's micro business development to build a business plan and financial statements that helped Oleg obtain a loan from the Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation to purchase equipment and open his new shop in Wilmington, VT. We present you with a Q & A with Oleg Skuja the sole proprietor of Skuja Design Studio.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Skuja Design Studio located in Wilmington, VT.
What service or product do you offer?
Custom high-end furniture, cabinetry design and fabrication.
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind starting your business?
I have big passion for design and the creative process. I am very detail oriented so it suits me well to design and create. I have also realized that no one else in the region is offering this kind of product and I can meet a unique demand for the people in and around Southern Vermont. Also, work/life balance is very important to me while raising three kids so making my own hours and being my own boss was integral to starting this business.
Why do you love your work?
I love going into the little details and creating real fine stuff that lasts a long time and is of high quality.
What makes your business / organizational offerings unique?
I am unique to this region. There's a strong demand for high-end custom furniture in my area, and no other local shops can create what we offer. I also come from a unique background being that I am from Estonia and there are certain perspectives and ethics I can bring that are refreshing to my local clients.
Who is your primary customer / client base, and how do you attract and retain them?
My primary clients are ski homeowners looking for high-quality custom furniture. At this point my name and offerings are circulating around and I have not had a need for advertising as half of my work comes from word of mouth. I occasionally reach out to my network of builders and designers that are always looking for custom offerings.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a business owner?
Being pulled in lots of different directions and wearing many hats. As a sole proprietor I am in a position where I am not financially ready to hire yet but I cannot handle everything myself.
What are some of the biggest challenges your organization has faced?
Inflation and scaling. Prices are very high for materials, rent and supplies etc. Not everyone can afford things made in our valley. It is tricky to scale and bring staff on board— it will drive the overhead up even more if I wanted to have people on payroll.
What is your relationship to SEVCA and why is it important to you or your business/organization?
SEVCA played a big role in connecting me to BDCC and helping me get funding to scale my business. Also, having SEVCA and BDCC believing in me and helping me through the process provided me with tools and a sense of self confidence.
What innovations or changes have you implemented to adapt to customer / client needs?
New design tools, new equipment, and technology.
What role does the community play in supporting your business / organization?
Local contractors always have each other backs. I feel supported when I need help with some heavy lifting or moving.
How important is the local economy to you and why is it important for people to purchase products and services from local businesses / organizations?
The local economy is essential. The ski mountain and the people that reside in this region are the key to my success as producer of high-end custom furniture.
Website: https://skujadesign.studio/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skuj...