‘Soft toys have always been and will always be popular’, said Viktor Tsymbal, founder of VIK-NAT toy manufacturing company

On 30 October we, BABY EXPO team, visited the production facility of VIK-NAT PE (Chernihiv), soft toy manufacturer for the last 17 years and BABY EXPO exhibitor for the last 5 years. VIK-NAT is distinguished by large area, new machinery, modern approach, high-quality fabrics and accessories, and substantial volumes. We have interviewed Viktor Tsymbal, VIK-NAT’s founder.

- VIK-NAT is a well-known Ukrainian manufacturer of soft toys. How did it all begin? What was the trigger for your decision to go into such business?

At that time, our friend’s daughter who was living in the Republic of Belarus sewed soft toys. My wife and I just took the cue. Our first toys were hand sewed. Then we bought one, two, three sewing machines and thus, little by little, developed our business.

- What was the hardest part about it?

First three years were the hardest. Sometimes we wanted to quit but we had to keep going and work even more.

- How do new ideas come into your head? What is your source of inspiration?

Actually, we have several sources of inspiration. We use both our own imagination and Internet. We visit trade fairs both in Ukraine and abroad (Germany, China, etc.). It is not uncommon when we remodel a toy again and again to obtain the looked-for result. We have heart in work.

- How many professionals are engaged in creation of VIK-NAT soft toys?

Our team consists of 27 people as of today.

- Do you adopt foreign practices?

I visited some Chinese toy factories and was impressed with their good diligence and performance. It should be one of our top priorities.

- There are less and less soft toys on the shelves today. Do they have a future?

You are right; there are less soft toys on the shelves, their range and appearance are changing. But I think that soft toys have always been and will always be popular.

- Please tell us about your partners.

Masyanya TM has been our principal partner and friend for over 10 years. It is engaged in wholesale trade in children’s toys all over Ukraine. It is impossible not to make friends with Masyanya!

- What are your plans for the future?

We are planning to move forward, further develop, embody new ideas, participate in trade fairs and be fond of our work even more.

Prepared by BABY EXPO team