Founding story February 2023: Dion Manufaktur
Dion has always had a passion for cars and Carolin is a qualified saddler. Combining both professions, the parents of three children founded Dion Manufaktur in September 2022. In addition to genuine craftsmanship with leather and fabrics, the two also offer carbon processing and special paintwork in their own workshop in Burgwedel.
© Dion SchulzCarolin and Dion, how did the idea of founding the company come about?
Carolin: I got into saddlery through my passion for horses and trained accordingly. I've always helped my husband redesign the inside of his own cars. That went down so well with his friends that we thought about making something of our own out of it. Before we founded Dion Manufaktur, Dion had spent two years running a small business alongside his business studies to try out what was popular and in demand on the market. This allowed us to get a feel for how big the potential is and how we can stand out from the competition.
What are your tips for other founders?
Trying things out. We started small and always asked ourselves what people wanted. We looked at the competition and searched for a niche. It doesn't have to be the big picture right away. Some things take time and need to grow. The small business allowed us to test whether our idea had any prospects alongside our studies and office job.
However, you should also bear in mind that a start-up costs a lot of money. For example, a professional external image is just as important as the actual idea. You have to be prepared to take risks and say goodbye to the perhaps more comfortable path of permanent employment at some point.
Who is your target group?
Anyone who values the individual and high-quality design of their vehicles has come to the right place. We have customers who want to have the seats of their old car reupholstered with fabric or people from the tuning scene who are looking for something special. We refine sports cars or repair older models with original materials. Every project is unique. In many new vehicles, the interior and attention to detail are often skimped on. This is where we take care of the refinement. This could be a leather steering wheel or an individual gear knob. The fascination lies in the detail.
How does the Dion manufactory fit into the era of sustainability and e-mobility?
It goes very well together. If you want to keep your old car, we can reupholster the interior in a classic style or give it a completely new design. We also install modern steering wheels in older vehicles, for example.
E-mobility is no longer about the exterior tuning or the sound of a vehicle, more emphasis is now being placed on an individual interior. And it doesn't always have to be leather. We also have vegan covers.
© Dion SchulzDion Manufaktur
Heierdrift 51
30938 Burgwedel
Phone: 015140704559
Mail: info@dion-manufaktur.de
www.dion-manufaktur.de
Carolin and Dion on their collaboration with hannoverimpuls:
Dion's business studies gave us a very good foundation. We applied for the start-up grant through hannoverimpuls and had a great contact person at our side in Martina Reuschel, who answered all our questions quickly and competently. Together with her, we drew up a comprehensive financing plan that included all possible variables given the current situation. That's how we went from a small business to a real company.
Martina Reuschel, Project Manager Start-up and Entrepreneurship at hannoverimpuls, on the collaboration with Carolin and Dion and their Dion Manufaktur:
The two of them are passionate about their craft. And they know what they can do. We were able to give Carolin and Dion the tools of the trade that they were missing.