After spending several years abroad, Nicolae Croitoru and his family decided to return home to Moldova and start their own business. This is how the brand “Bucatarii Croitoru” was born, specializing in custom kitchen manufacturing.
In this interview, Nicolae, Microinvest client, shares his journey, talks about current kitchen trends, how to choose the right appliances, and how important timing is in business. He also tells why Microinvest was the partner who believed in his idea and helped him take the first step.
How did “Bucatarii Croitoru” story begin?
Years ago, my wife and I decided to move to Europe in search of a better future for ourselves and our children. I began working in the furniture installation industry, and over the years, I gained valuable experience. Even back then, I had the idea that one day I would return home and start my own business in Moldova. I gradually began acquiring equipment that I knew would come in handy later. Once I had the knowledge and confidence, we made the decision to return and bring that dream to life. That’s how “Bucatarii Croitoru” came to be in 2018– a family business we’re truly proud of.
Nicolae, tell us more about your product range. What exactly do you offer your clients?
We produce custom kitchens, and for us, every kitchen we create should not just be furniture, but a part of the home – an extension of its atmosphere. We offer everything from standard solutions to fully tailored projects Even our standard models remain flexible – we assemble them like a modular system, adapting to the size and specific features of any space. When it comes to custom kitchens, everything starts with an idea. Our designers bring that idea to life and literally “draws” the client’s dream – the kitchen where you want to cook and spend time with your family.
What’s trending right now? What types of kitchens do your clients prefer most?
More clients are choosing minimalism – modern kitchens without unnecessary details, but extremely functional and easy to use. People appreciate when every centimeter of space is used wisely – pull-out storage systems, hidden drawers. Special attention is given to household appliances: it’s not just about how functional they are, but also how seamlessly they blend into the overall interior design. At first glance, such kitchens may appear minimalist or straightforward. In fact, they demand exceptional precision, creativity, and meticulous attention to detail from the designer. Our mission is not just to meet expectations – but to exceed them.
Why did you decide to go beyond furniture and offer built-in appliances as well?
The reason is simple: we wanted to offer our clients a complete, all-in-one solution – from the kitchen concept and design to full functionality. We’re now official importers of Franke appliances – a reliable and high-quality brand. Our range includes everything you need – refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, sinks, and plumbing fixtures. style and, a customer orders a kitchen and then faces the complex task of finding appliances that match in size, style, and function. We wanted to simplify this step. Our goal is to deliver fully finished, convenient spaces where every detail is carefully planned.
It’s evident that successful businesses are built on considerable effort and investment. In your view, how crucial is the role of financing in supporting business growth?
When we returned to Moldova about 7–8 years ago – I was immediately struck by how difficult it was to get a loan. The conditions were tough, and the options were limited. In my view, things have changed drastically since then. Today, Moldova can truly compete with European countries in terms of the level and quality of financial services. Financing is one of the key tools for business growth – especially at the beginning when you need serious investment in equipment, raw materials, and the team. Sometimes, a loan is what makes it possible to take that first step and start building a sustainable business. The most important thing, of course, is to approach it responsibly – to understand your financial capacity and have a clear plan for how the funds will be used.
You mentioned the importance of having a reliable financial partner at the start. How did your collaboration with Microinvest begin?
I first turned to Microinvest in 2019 – I was planning to buy equipment that wasn’t yet available in Moldova. I was just starting out, and honestly, not many people believed we would succeed. Among all the companies I approached, only Microinvest responded. When they called and told me the loan was approved – I couldn’t believe it at first. Since then, we’ve been working together, and this partnership has proven to be stable and trustworthy. What I value most is the promptness with which Microinvest makes decisions. In business, time is one of the most critical factors. It’s like in sports – there’s a moment when you need to act. If you miss it, you lose the opportunity. Microinvest understands that and helps you seize that crucial moment.
*Microinvest is the only financial organization in Moldova that holds the international GOLD certificate in the field of customer protection. This signifies a responsible and transparent lending process, fair and transparent financing, and a constructive approach to any request.
