We are excited to introduce a new series, Brand in Focus, where we showcase the awesome brands and the people behind them whose products are available for dropshipping at Hertwill. Our first brand in focus is Tairi Roosve Design, founded by the Estonian designer—surprise, surprise—Tairi Roosve. The brand offers striking handmade leather bags and accessories, all in limited quantities, ensuring that you won’t see their items on just anyone in a bus or office. Here is our fun interview with Tairi Roosve.
Interview with Tairi Roosve
What is the Tairi Roosve brand?
Tairi: Handmade modern and functional leather bags and accessories that exemplify a classic style with a fun twist. High-quality materials and a personal approach are the priorities of the brand.
What is the most difficult aspect of building your brand and business?
Tairi: The constantly changing world and uncertainty. Definitely, the financial aspect and the most valuable thing in our lives—time.
What is your favorite product from your own collection?
Tairi: I usually design things based on my own needs first. I find myself needing a specific item, and that’s how a new product is born. However, if I have to choose a favorite product, it would be the cloud wallet. It’s very enjoyable to make, always gets a lot of attention, and I always carry it with me everywhere.
Where do you see the Tairi Roosve brand in 10 years’ time?
Tairi: Product development is a difficult and long process. It’s very important to me that my product is of high quality and necessary. I hope that in 10 years, I will be able to create at least five functional bag models and have a studio shop with some helping hands. It’s also important to find and maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life. One should not stifle the other.
Which song would best describe the Tairi Roosve brand?
Tairi: Hanna Liisa Uusmaa’s “Absoluutselt.”
What is an unusual habit or an absurd thing you love about your work?
Tairi: I believe there is no leather designer who doesn’t love the smell of leather. Vegetable-tanned leather, in particular, smells wonderful.
What failure or apparent failure set you up for later success?
Tairi: I had a dream job in London, where I successfully climbed the career ladder. Then COVID-19 happened, and I lost my job. This pushed me back to Estonia, where I decided to try turning my hobby into a job. I wrote a business plan, which was successfully approved, and I received a grant to start a business. Things happen for a reason.
If you could have a billboard with anything on it, what would it say?
Tairi: Buy less.
If you could have dinner with any historical figure to discuss your brand, who would it be and why?
Tairi: Gabrielle Bonheur “Coco” Chanel—because many of her quotes have been a guiding light for me. I would love to discuss style, fashion, and design over a glass of champagne.
Why did you decide to try Hertwill with your brand?
Tairi: It’s a great concept. Very easy to set up and convenient for designers to use. The team is very helpful and supportive.
What small change made a big impact on your business?
Tairi: Buying a new industrial sewing machine. It may not be a small purchase, but it’s crucial for efficient small-scale production.
Who has been your most influential mentor, and what did you learn from them?
Tairi: My partner and his unconditional support. His words, “you’ll never know if you don’t try, and every experience is a lesson,” have pushed me forward a lot.
Could you recommend a brand or designer who might not be well-known yet, but you are a fan of?
Tairi: Eva Oherjus and her beautiful headbands.
What advice would you give to designers who are thinking of starting their own brand but haven’t made the jump yet?
Tairi: Be extremely curious and passionate about what fascinates you. Consistency leads to success. Things will start to happen when you give them a chance.
Thanks to Tairi for the fun interview and for being a part of Hertwill.