Meet Rekindle
Devin Schaffner is on a mission to keep meaningful items in our lives and out of our landfills.
Honouring timeless design, Devin founded Rekindle to create bespoke décor that would spark meaningful connections and help people to live sustainably.
“The design philosophy of rekindle is sustainability through long lasting products,” said Devin. “Home is where we have some of the most meaningful experiences, so I wanted to create bespoke décor and handcrafted home goods that would support these experiences. I believe that investing in high quality, personalized items can spark an emotional connection to goods that encourages us to live with fewer but better things and avoid contributing to a throw-away society.”
Minimalist and Scandinavian inspired, each piece is handcrafted in small-batches from high-quality sustainable materials that are designed to last and age gracefully.
“We look at our items as investments in both your life and the environment. All our creations are made in Canada and support local communities by using local, natural materials that change for the better with the passage of time. All our bespoke décor and home goods are designed and fabricated by a small group of craftspeople who design pieces with meaning, longevity, simplicity, and beauty in mind and share a common belief that the highest standards increase the quality of our lives.”
Devin hopes that his customers will cherish their Rekindle décor so that they may become modern heirlooms that can be passed on to someone special.
“When you love what you own, you care for it and you don’t throw it away to replace it with something new.”
What’s the founding story behind Rekindle?
I returned back to school after being an interior designer in 2010 to complete a bachelors of Industrial design at OCADU with the ultimate goal of developing my own brand that truly represents my values as a person. I created Rekindle as my thesis in hopes of countering the tremendously wasteful throwaway society of our time. I wanted Rekindle to be truly sustainable and benefit our planet while also heightening the human experience. I went deep into understanding what a so-called “consumable” product is and what it could become so it would be more than something we use, discard and replace.
What inspired you to name your business ‘Rekindle’?
Rekindle was created around re-thinking what products are and how we connect with them. Emotional connections are the backbone into a sustainable piece. When we connect to something on an emotional level we want to care for it, use it, and never throw it away. What could be more sustainable than Rekindl-ing our relationship with items we use everyday?
What do you enjoy most about woodcrafting (and when did you begin engaging in this craft)?
I have always considered myself a designer instead of only a woodworker. I am currently working with wood as my primary medium, but adding a variety of well crafted items in multiple mediums is the direction Rekindle is going. I started with wood in the late 2000s. When I created Rekindle while in school I leaned more towards spending time in the woodshop as the smell, the texture, and the richness of the material was enticing. I also found that the pieces I was creating were perfect for wood.
Where do you draw inspiration for your designs?
Inspiration is such a fun trip! It can come from anywhere, at any time. I love exploring Scandinavian and Japanese design as they have such subtle details, functional features, and a warm aesthetic. I have a Scandinavian background which may be why I tend to feel at home with this style. I create items that I believe will benefit this world, more than just its initial use by a person. Each item I create needs to support an experience that is not a trend or a fad, like coffee with a close friend in your living room, dinner with family, or reading a book in a cozy chair with a cup of tea. If the experience I am supporting hasn’t been proven it is much more challenging to become emotionally connected to them – if they aren’t here to stay, they are destined for the landfill. I am always trying to enrich these experiences with quality goods that support experiences bringing people together.
Aside from yourself, is there anyone else involved with your business?
Rekindle is a whole community of people. It has always been my dream to have a collaborative environment that I get to build everyday. We are slowly adding more collaborations with other creators supporting a common goal. Formally, Rekindle is myself with the unwavering support of my wife, but the collaborations with the outside community creating long lasting items is also our team.
What’s some great feedback you’ve received from happy customers?
The connection we have with our community is a very special experience. Many of our customers mention how the level of craftsmanship is outstanding and like nothing they have seen. We focus on details that many people do not bother doing. We believe in creating products that will eventually be heirlooms, no different than a very expensive dining table, and we ensure our attention to detail is at the highest level. We go the extra mile to ensure our goods will be memorable for a lifetime. Our customer service has also stood out. We believe in what we are making and will always stand by the quality of our goods. We know our customers are paying a premium for something that will last and if it doesn’t that is on us, and will make sure you get a piece that will last. Ultimately, I believe in doing my absolute best with anything I do, and I believe our community sees that.
What’s some great feedback you’ve received from happy customers?
Rekindle is what I think about all day, everyday. I am so passionate about what Rekindle is and what it will become. I am constantly dreaming up where we are going and the collaborations I am creating are always being refined. We will be releasing the newest collaborative collection of goods before the holidays 2021 and I see this collaborative spirit being essential going forward. When I look to the future I see Rekindle offering a more experience based service. I would love to create an overnight/day destination for people to enjoy the luxury of the Rekindle brand in a beautiful natural environment with all the refined amenities that increase the quality of life. We hope to have a gallery-shop and café too that will be a hub for supporting the Rekindle lifestyle.