Today we’d like to introduce you to Esthela Cuzmar
Hi Esthela, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
We originally attended the Charleston Home and Design show to promote custom engraving on home products like cabinets. We didn’t see much success with this business concept, but it helped us discover a huge market need. At the show we were asked if we had the capability to design a cover for an air vent. We researched the market and could not find air vent covers that were decorative, functional and affordable. So, we started designing some prototypes and that led us to where we are today.
Starting Stellar Air was a gradual process for us. We launched our website in August 2016 after testing the idea and getting phenomenal feedback from home shows. We made prototypes of our designs and tested with a third party lab for airflow data. With a background in engineering, we wanted to be sure we had data to support our product and it was important that our vent covers would maintain the correct airflow levels. Before starting our business, we did not have experience in the HVACs system airflow – we just wanted a product that would look much better than the metal grilles on the market and something that would be functional, easy install and decorative. We’ve learned a lot along the way!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
We have been very lucky to have loyal and great employees that care about the company and the quality of the products. I guess finding the materials during the pandemic was hard not only for us but for other manufacturing companies as well, but that help us research for other resources and wide our vendors list.
Managing expenses is very important to us and to see where we are investing it. I would say Marketing has been the most challenge area where we have to significantly invest in order to show our product. Since our product is unique, not a lot of people knew you can do this beautiful upgrade to your return air system, so learning how to target homeowners, contractors, builders, interior designers and architects has been a great experience for us. We participated in lots of Home Decor shows to have more exposure and expanded our platforms to sell not only in our website but also in Amazon, Wayfair, Etsy, Facebook and Instagram and now The Home Depot, also we expanded our distributors along the country.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As an owner along with my husband, we both work on innovate and create more designs and products such Magnetic floor flush registers, custom design for panels and decorative screens. With his engineering background and my design experience we build high craftmanship products with an excellent quality and performance.
We are a family-owned local business that supports itself. Our community is very important to our success, so we make it a point to treat every customer like part of our family and provide top notch customer service. We partner with other leaders in the home industry in our hometown of Charleston, SC, like realtors, Interior designers, builders. We’ve found that this community-based approach helps us achieve greater word of mouth and a network of loyal repeat customers.
We are very proud of creating a very special product. Our magnetic and decorative air intake covers and registers are made to replace the unattractive exhaust fan covers in any living space. With a unique touch of design, it will enhance the room by adding a piece of art to hallways, living rooms or any space of a home. As a husband-and-wife team, we pride ourselves on being a family women own business that brings unique and inspired designs into the lives and homes of families across the country, and every vent cover is proudly made in the USA!
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Planification. The pandemic hit everyone by surprise, and we were just not ready. This helped us get prepared for future crisis that may come.
Pricing:
- starting at $25 for wall and ceiling registers
- Magnetic return air vents around $100
- Flush floor registers $60
- We offer bulk discounts and support Military Service
Contact Info:
- Website: https://stellarairdecorativeventcovers.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stellar.air/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stellarairventcovers/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuyA7zb7YIwetdIRKMs7gEA
