Introduction: Debrecen – The Birthplace of Ikigai/

Debrecen, the primary city of northern Hungary, is where our extraordinary journey begins. It’s the story of Ikigai, an idea that started as a seed and grew into something remarkable. We embarked on this unique adventure with a clear mission: to curate hand-picked vintage products for our customers. However, this journey was far more than just a business endeavor; it marked the inception of the “ikigaiom vibe.”

The Heart of Debrecen: Our Quest Begins.

We set out on our quest in the heart of Debrecen, surrounded by its rich history and culture. With its hidden treasures and vibrant energy, the city provided the perfect backdrop for our journey. It all started in a van with our Hungarian friend Peter and his loyal dog, Balu.
A Crystal Clear Goal: Discovering Vintage Treasures.

We aimed to discover vintage products that would capture our eyes and hearts. The adventure took us to various warehouses, including one in the small town of Szarvas near Debrecen. We met Laci and his wife, a couple of passionate vintage hunters there.

The Treasure Hunter’s Dream: Laci’s Warehouse.

Entering their warehouse was like stepping into a treasure hunter’s dream. The place was fully stocked with vintage items, and spiderwebs adorned the corners. We embarked on a unique treasure hunt with Balu as our fearless companion. We crawled together between piles of vintage relics, carefully examining each item, searching for something that would catch our eye and resonate deeply with our hearts.

Building Connections Beyond Language: Shared Joy and Laughter.

The process was an adventure in itself, filled with excitement and anticipation. Each discovery was a story waiting to be told, a piece of history waiting to find a new home in our collection. We shared laughter, stories, and the joy of finding hidden gems with Laci and his wife, forging connections that transcended language barriers.
The Impressive Array of Laci’s Vintage Treasures
On the other end of the spectrum, we met Laci(same name, another person), a seasoned vintage collector with an impressive array of vintage treasures. His hangars were a marvel, each item meticulously arranged, waiting for us to pick from the endless variations. It was a testament to the dedication of those who understood the value of preserving history and craftsmanship.

Venturing into Village Worlds: Exploring Every Possibility.

Accompanied by Peter and Balu, we launched from house to house in the village world, each residence potentially holding a unique piece of vintage that awaited our discovery.

The Turning Point: A Simple Cutting Board.

The moment that marked the transformation of our Vintage Hunt into the seed of Ikigai was an unexpected one. As we strolled between vintage shops, surrounded by an array of intriguing relics and artifacts, something entirely ordinary caught our eyes – a simple cutting board.

The Humble Beauty of the Cutting Board.

This cutting board was neither a vintage nor a brand-new item but a humble, unassuming kitchen tool. However, there was something about it that drew us in. It had an understated elegance, a quiet charm that spoke volumes despite its simplicity.

Peter’s Connection: Unveiling New Possibilities.

As we stood there, captivated by the simple beauty of that cutting board, a powerful thought echoed in our minds: “We want this cutting board in our home.” It wasn’t just about acquiring an item; it was about a desire to bring that level of quality into our lives.
Our friend and fellow adventurer Peter observed our fascination with the board. He watched us closely, sensing the connection we felt to it. With a knowing smile, he spoke, “Israel, let me look at that.” As he examined the cutting board, his face lit up with recognition.
“Wow, these boards bring back memories,” he said. “I know the guy who produces them, and his factory isn’t too far from here, about 100 kilometers away. We used to do vintage business together a long time ago. Would you like to meet him? It’s been years since I last saw him. Let’s go.”
At that moment, our journey took an unexpected turn. The cutting board that had initially caught our eye had become a symbol of how our pursuit of quality and craftsmanship had led us to random encounters and the opportunity to reconnect with old friends.

The Birth of Ikigai.

We agreed to Peter’s suggestion with excitement and anticipation, knowing that this meeting could unveil even more layers of our adventure. We were filled with wonder and curiosity as we left the vintage shop with the cutting board in hand. This tiny and simple cutting board, coupled with Peter’s unexpected connection, had led us to meet Szolt and marked the inception of “Ikigai.” From this point forward, Ikigai was born.

Conclusion: Deep Connections and an Evolving Story.

Our treasure hunt, guided by Peter and accompanied by Balu, had transitioned into an entirely new venture: our collaboration with Szolt and the unfolding story of Ikigai. Our soulmate section will share this remarkable journey and the deep connections formed. Szolt, both as an individual and through his company, had become an integral part of our motto and was seamlessly integrated into our evolving story.

“Why Ikigai?”

“Why Ikigaiom vibe?” we will tell this story soon.