It is important to be questioned during the process
A functional, easy-to-use and lively interior detail. This is how Jennie Josefsson describes the silicone knife magnet. The magnet, which is a stylishly designed pad with an adhesive backing, is a practical tool that keeps knives or other magnetic objects in place in the kitchen. Today, Jennie dedicates herself not only to her business, but also to giving back to other entrepreneurs who share similar experiences with her.
In 2004, Jennie Josefsson and Fredrik Kågefors founded KG DESIGN, focusing primarily on functional and stylish products made of silicone. Although the launch of the company was almost twenty years ago, Jennie remembers the first years as positive and stimulating.
- It was great fun to start my own business. I also think it's very lucky that you don't know everything from the beginning that you have to learn. I would probably have been discouraged and overwhelmed," laughs Jennie.
In addition to a positive attitude towards entrepreneurship, Fredrik and Jennie's different characteristics were also a winning concept. Jennie describes herself as creative and grounded in reality and Fredrik as clever and solution-orientated.
- Although we had no one to guide us, we had each other. And we did it all the time with pleasure, always striving for improvement.
Production of the knife magnet
The idea for the knife magnet originally came from a conversation Jennie overheard in a kitchen shop. The conversation was about how the person in question was looking for a product to hang the knife on, without having to drill in the kitchen. That's when the thoughts started flowing. Jennie and Fredrik decided to explore silicone and quickly realised the many benefits of the material.
One of the challenges in developing the knife magnet was to find both a magnet and a double-sided tape strong enough to hold an average kitchen knife. It was of course important that the magnetic function of the product should be central, and that the product should be perceived as easy to use. After a few weeks of experimenting, the knife magnet took its finished form.
Insights over the years
Today, Jennie has a different working situation than she had in 2009 when the knife magnet was finalised. She notes that she enjoys her current role, where she works partly as an interior design consultant and also helps other entrepreneurs who also work with silicone but are at an earlier stage in their careers.
- It is important to be challenged during the process and not just surround yourself with yes-people. It is also nice for me to be able to give back. I get the energy of a new entrepreneur, but not the emotional roller coaster of being new to the industry.
After many years as an entrepreneur, Jennie brings with her some essential keys and insights that she has learnt along the way and that have also given her direction for the future.
- It is easy to get stuck in your own mind. It's especially important to surround yourself with people that you trust to grill you. Let them ask the questions that will come at a later stage anyway and learn to listen to your own gut feeling. Try to enjoy the journey as well!
Jennie's advice to other innovators:
Ask for help! It is always a good idea to use people in your neighbourhood, but remember that there is also external help available.
Make sure you have overall economic knowledge.
Surround yourself with people who dare to question your idea.
A functional, easy-to-use and lively interior detail. This is how Jennie Josefsson describes the silicone knife magnet. The magnet, which is a stylishly designed pad with an adhesive backing, is a practical tool that keeps knives or other magnetic objects in place in the kitchen. Today, Jennie dedicates herself not only to her business, but also to giving back to other entrepreneurs who share similar experiences with her.
In 2004, Jennie Josefsson and Fredrik Kågefors founded KG DESIGN, focusing primarily on functional and stylish products made of silicone. Although the launch of the company was almost twenty years ago, Jennie remembers the first years as positive and stimulating.
- It was great fun to start my own business. I also think it's very lucky that you don't know everything from the beginning that you have to learn. I would probably have been discouraged and overwhelmed," laughs Jennie.
In addition to a positive attitude towards entrepreneurship, Fredrik and Jennie's different characteristics were also a winning concept. Jennie describes herself as creative and grounded in reality and Fredrik as clever and solution-orientated.
- Although we had no one to guide us, we had each other. And we did it all the time with pleasure, always striving for improvement.
Production of the knife magnet
The idea for the knife magnet originally came from a conversation Jennie overheard in a kitchen shop. The conversation was about how the person in question was looking for a product to hang the knife on, without having to drill in the kitchen. That's when the thoughts started flowing. Jennie and Fredrik decided to explore silicone and quickly realised the many benefits of the material.
One of the challenges in developing the knife magnet was to find both a magnet and a double-sided tape strong enough to hold an average kitchen knife. It was of course important that the magnetic function of the product should be central, and that the product should be perceived as easy to use. After a few weeks of experimenting, the knife magnet took its finished form.
Insights over the years
Today, Jennie has a different working situation than she had in 2009 when the knife magnet was finalised. She notes that she enjoys her current role, where she works partly as an interior design consultant and also helps other entrepreneurs who also work with silicone but are at an earlier stage in their careers.
- It is important to be challenged during the process and not just surround yourself with yes-people. It is also nice for me to be able to give back. I get the energy of a new entrepreneur, but not the emotional roller coaster of being new to the industry.
After many years as an entrepreneur, Jennie brings with her some essential keys and insights that she has learnt along the way and that have also given her direction for the future.
- It is easy to get stuck in your own mind. It's especially important to surround yourself with people that you trust to grill you. Let them ask the questions that will come at a later stage anyway and learn to listen to your own gut feeling. Try to enjoy the journey as well!
Jennie's advice to other innovators:
Ask for help! It is always a good idea to use people in your neighbourhood, but remember that there is also external help available.
Make sure you have overall economic knowledge.
Surround yourself with people who dare to question your idea.
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