Every parent wants to offer the very best to their children – from everyday items to the furniture in their room, which should be not only beautiful but also of the highest quality. This very idea is where the story of the family business TimberKids began, founded by the young entrepreneurs Vasile and Iana Petras, Microinvest clients, who in 2020 couldn’t find the right product, so they decided to create it with their own hands.
TimberKids is a local children’s furniture brand with its own production and a diverse catalog of thoughtfully crafted pieces, made with care and attention to detail. Discover in this interview the story behind the business, what drives the brand, and the role Microinvest played in its growth.
How did you start producing children’s furniture?
Vasile: We already had our own furniture production, but once our child was born, my wife started asking for more and more items like small tables, feeding chairs, and other children’s furniture and I would design and build them myself. That’s when I realized this direction felt much closer to us. In 2020, TimberKids was born, and today, after six years of activity, we are very proud of the work we’ve done.
What can parents find at TimberKids for their children?
Iana: We offer a wide range of products for children: tables, chairs, beds, wardrobes, doll strollers, baby and kids’ chairs, learning towers, Pikler triangles, ramps, and balance boards. We also provide storage solutions for toys, decorative shelves, and other useful items for a child’s room. At the moment, our catalog includes over 500 products.
What if a client comes with a new idea, do you take custom orders?
Vasile: Yes, we execute custom orders as well. We analyze each request and try to adapt the product exactly to the client’s needs.
What materials do you use?
Vasile: We use MDF and wood in our production, with water-based, eco-friendly finishes that are safe for children. We combine materials depending on the product to ensure durability and quality. We also offer a warranty for all our furniture. Even after 2 – 3 years, clients come back – for example, to repaint the furniture, since kids love drawing on it – and this way they can continue using it. We also adapt the products over time, such as adjusting furniture legs to make them suitable for older children.
Where can clients find you and how easy is the ordering process?
Iana: We have a showroom in Vatra town, on Stefan Voda 2B street, but our clients can also find us online – on timberkids.md, Instagram, and Facebook. Ordering is very simple and can be done in just a few clicks. If a product is not in stock, we make it within 3 – 5 days. If it is available, delivery takes place within 24 hours.
How do you find managing a family business?
Vasile: It’s quite difficult, because it’s not easy to leave work at the office – often you bring it home with you. But there are also many advantages. Iana helps me a lot, and what we create is often tested by our own children. Sometimes they even come up with ideas that we later turn into products and include in our catalog. At the same time, we support each other in everything we do, and that helps us move forward and grow the business. In the end, I think this balance between family and work defines us the most.
Iana: It’s both a challenge and a joy. For us, it’s not just a business – it’s something we’re building together as a family. Our children inspire us every day, and that motivates us to keep improving.
How did your collaboration with Microinvest begin?
Vasile: It started with a recommendation from a colleague from the business. We got in touch and met a loan expert who explained everything clearly and transparently. The whole process was very simple – no complicated procedures, no unnecessary bureaucracy. We receive the money the very next day. For us, it wasn’t just about speed, but also about being understood and treated individually. I believe that’s what makes the difference for an entrepreneur – having clarity, transparency and a partner you can rely on.
What would you recommend to those thinking about starting their own business?
Iana: First of all, analyze everything carefully and, if possible, work for a while in a similar field. That’s the only way to truly understand how things work and what challenges may arise.
Vasile: And of course, it’s important to choose something you truly enjoy. In my case, my eyes light up when I create something beautiful and useful. I believe that’s how every business should start – with passion and soul. That’s when results come differently.
*Microinvest is the only financial organization in Moldova that holds the international GOLD certification in client protection (according to the Cerise+SPTF Client Protection standards and methodology). This reflects a responsible and transparent lending process, fair financing, and a constructive approach to every request.
