Our Story
"Our garage was full to the ceiling"
Do you quit your secure office job to start your own art business, just after having twins? Anna and Marco did. What started at the kitchen table in Kollum, Friesland, has now grown into Pieces of Art.
The idea that changed everything
The entrepreneurial seed was planted around the birth of their twin boys in early 2021. They were looking for something unique for their wall. When they discovered the possibilities of sustainably produced felt, everything fell into place. "We found out that the material had fantastic acoustic properties," Anna says. Marco: "We immediately saw: we can make something really cool with this that doesn't exist yet."
Chaos at home
The initial phase was, to say the least, chaotic. "Our garage was overflowing with leftover materials and large panels," Marco laughs. "I was literally assembling artworks on the small desk in the nursery. And as soon as the boys were asleep, we continued working at the kitchen table." Because it really no longer fit in the house, they moved to a small, old shed. They decided to take the plunge together: they quit their jobs and went all-in for Pieces of Art.
The roof came off
That choice proved to be a bullseye, although it wasn't without some sweat. "During our first Black Friday campaign, the roof literally came off," Anna says. The entire network was called upon. We worked six days a week until deep into the night, assembling and packing artworks. Marco: "You couldn't turn around in the workspace, but we got everything out the door on time."
Big dreams
Meanwhile, the small shed has been exchanged for a larger one, and they handle the entire production themselves. Their art already hangs in interiors in various countries, but there's absolutely no sitting still. "We want to continue to grow and remain the market leader in acoustic art," Marco says ambitiously. Yet, they remain wonderfully down-to-earth, in true Frisian style. "We sometimes forget to pause and celebrate our successes," he admits. "As soon as something beautiful has been achieved, we immediately look at what can be done even better."
Tips from the experts
Are you nervous about choosing a piece of art for your home? The most important tip from the experts: forget the unwritten rules. "Really choose something that suits you," Anna advises. And above all, don't be too modest! Marco: "People often buy art that's too small. Don't be afraid of a statement piece."