Koazy Home, a furniture start-up aims to create a relaxed atmosphere for its customers

KOAZY Home is a homegrown creative brand based in the UK, driven by the inspiration of a relaxed and effortless lifestyle. 

The business operates from the university's start-up incubator (UoB Elevate) and is founded by University of Birmingham graduate Guangyu Shi and Ruixin Tong.

Guangyu: Upon arriving at Birmingham International Airport in 2021, I faced the challenge of finding suitable accommodation. Despite exhaustion from the journey and multiple moves, I had to quickly acquire bedding and kitchen supplies. It took time to gather the necessary items, but their quality fell short. 

These experiences, along with interactions with new international students, inspired the creation of 'KOAZY Home'. Our goal is to ensure that the first night of international students arriving in the UK is no longer cold by enjoying a one-stop service from KOAZY. Customers can pre-order our bedding products and choose their arrival time in the UK. 

We deliver the bedding to their designated address at the specified time, catering to their specific needs with our acceptable price in high quality products.

This is how we started with the initial idea to fulfill the real pain points for this certain group.

Going forward, another important aspect is product design. Based on our market research, we have observed a lack of creativity in many home-related products, particularly in the balance between comfort, aesthetics, playfulness, and their connection to technology. There is ample room for further exploration in these areas. 

In our Chinese office, we have a dedicated team of professional product designers, and we are actively seeking exceptional designers worldwide to expand our product line and meet the diverse consumer demands.

Our mission is to enable all life enthusiasts to reconnect with their authentic selves and indulge in a life of comfort and serenity, through our range of products and services. With Koazy Home, you can embrace the true essence of living and experience a sense of inner peace and physical rejuvenation. Join us on this journey of enjoying life to the fullest.

Furthermore, regarding the production of bedding products, we are actively
engaging with local suppliers in the UK to establish partnerships. Our goal is to establish the KOAZY brand, integrate British and Chinese supply chain resources, and make significant progress in this area by 2025. This will be a key focus of our efforts in the coming years.

Starting a business in the UK as a foreigner has been a significant challenge for me and our team. Language barriers, unfamiliarity with the local market, and navigating business practices and policies have posed obstacles. 

However, being part of the incubator has provided invaluable support. Through entrepreneurship-related activities, we've gained insights into the real market environment and valuable resources. 

The inclusive and friendly atmosphere nurtured by the B-Enterprising team has fostered connections with fellow entrepreneurs, allowing us to exchange experiences and feel a strong sense of belonging. Additionally, we've acquired professional knowledge such as taxation, law, intellectual property, and data securities, and connected with alumni, potential investors, and interns through various sessions and business networking activities.

What are the best aspects of running a business?

The greatest part is transforming a hopeful vision into reality. It's like building with LEGO, taking something from 0 to 1 and beyond. This journey is both pride-worthy and immensely valuable. Looking back on this experience in the future, regardless of its outcome, will be a moment worth celebrating and commending oneself for.

What are the greatest challenges?

Risk management. All business activities are closely tied to risk, and any decision-making mistakes can result in missed market opportunities, not to mention the loss of time and money. 

This places higher demands on entrepreneurs. Effectively gathering information, efficiently extracting the most valuable insights from it, and using that information to make informed decisions become crucial skills

Name one thing you wish you knew before you started?
My only regret is not starting my own business earlier; however, since I have begun now, I believe the best mindset is to keep moving forward. Every day, I strive to make progress and become a better version of myself compared to yesterday.

What's your biggest takeaway?
1）Be proactive and maintain a proactive mindset in all circumstances. Take the initiative to approach people you want to connect with, actively seek knowledge you want to learn, and proactively build your life and career. By staying proactive, becoming the master of own life.

2）Adopt a "just do it" attitude, without overthinking or engaging in meaningless interactions. Identify what you want to achieve, plan it step by step, and follow your established roadmap. As long as you take action, you will always be on the path towards your goals. 

Visit the KOAZY Home website here

With thanks to Guangyu Shi

Edited by Bob Lee