The founders of CleverCube were looking for a stylish way to hide clutter in their cube storage unit.
What they found was a thriving business.
It started as a simple, no-tools solution for everyday organization and grew into an Etsy shop that’s giving IKEA KALLAX shelves a whole new personality.
It All Started With One Sentence
Stephanie and Sam were in their tiny, one-bedroom apartment in downtown Vancouver when Sam said,
I’ve been watching some YouTube videos, and I think I can build a laser cutter.”
Suddenly, the couple’s small apartment transformed into a mini construction zone as Sam began a process fraught with trial and error.
Do-overs were a common occurrence as Sam found better ways to build. One of the biggest hurdles was getting the materials they needed.
Stephanie explained, “We live in Canada, so some of the items were easier to get delivered to the States. Fortunately, we were close to the border, but driving a 3-foot glass laser tube back through customs was a bit nerve-wracking.”
Nerves aside, the couple persisted, and eventually, they welcomed “Mr. Burns” to the family. But their homemade laser cutter wasn’t the only new addition.
The couple was also expecting their first child, and Stephanie dreamed of quitting her job as a medical office assistant to stay home with their daughter.
However, for that dream to become a reality, they needed to bring in enough income with “Mr. Burns.”
Stephanie set up an Etsy shop, and they got to work trying out a bunch of ideas. Some were good, some were flops.
Their most successful creations were custom dog ornaments, until their daughter’s love of all things arts and crafts gave them a little inspiration.
And So, CleverCube Was Born
Like many new parents, Stephanie became the lucky owner of a bunch of craft clutter.
Googly eyes, glitter, pom-poms, and beads were jumbled into her faithful, albeit bland, IKEA KALLAX cubbies. The only problem was, she could still see all of it.
Doors seemed like a logical solution, but Stephanie wanted something that would stand out from the ubiquitous look of your average storage cubby.
Plus, she wanted to change things around easily whenever she had the urge to reorganize.
Since screws tend to ruin the faux wood finish of most cube shelves, Stephanie asked Sam to create a smart, stylish solution that could stick in place.
Soon, the creative couple figured out how to transform a KALLAX unit into a modern organizer without using any tools.
Even better?
The installation is so easy that even the most DIY-averse folks can do it.
Fast forward, and CleverCube took shape, showcasing custom-fit KALLAX storage cubes that add a stylish, functional twist to IKEA’s iconic shelving.
The cubes fit seamlessly into existing KALLAX units and offer unique patterns in durable materials.
Why IKEA KALLAX?
The KALLAX unit is one of IKEA’s most popular items, prized for its ample storage and affordability. IKEA fans are quick to pick up this classic cube unit when they need to add storage to their home.
However, the basic design doesn’t exactly give off designer vibes, which is likely why the KALLAX is at the center of plenty of IKEA hacks.
From Hack to Hustle
Sam and Stephanie’s custom KALLAX cubes were such a success when it came to solving their storage needs, they figured others might need some, too!
Around the same time, the COVID-19 lockdowns were starting.
Stephanie recounted, “Suddenly, millions of people were sitting at home, staring at their cluttered cube shelves and thinking, ‘Maybe it’s finally time to deal with that.’”
The same million people were also doing a lot of online shopping. As sales went up, Sam’s work as an audio-visual engineer was dwindling, so in Christmas of 2021, he decided to take the plunge and quit.
The couple’s Etsy shop took off. Sam made the doors and shelves while Stephanie handled the Etsy side of things and chatted with customers.
It turns out that plenty of people liked the idea of a way to hide clutter that didn’t require any tools. They also liked having an easy way to give their cube shelving a unique look.
Over time, the duo added more designs and finishes, often inspired by their customers.
For example, when someone ordered a clear acrylic door, Sam and Stephanie decided to add the listing to their shop, even though they didn’t think it would sell well. Spoiler alert: It’s now their top seller.
A Commitment to Their Customers
CleverCube is extremely grateful to its customers. Stephanie said that after improving on the design so many times, she and Sam were almost embarrassed by the original version.
But several of their first customers stuck with them through the rough spots.
The couple tried narrowing down their ideal customer, but it’s pretty much impossible.
Their customer base is so diverse, and they get reviews with pictures of all the different ways the CleverCube gets put to use.
The acrylic shelves are a favorite of collectors who use them to display everything from baseball cards to vinyl records.
The wooden doors turn up everywhere from bedrooms to playrooms, even bathrooms!
Stephanie loves the idea of their cubes being in homes around the world, “It’s a pretty neat feeling for this girl from the Canadian prairies.”
What’s Next for CleverCube?
CleverCube plans to launch frosted acrylic doors in the near future. Stephanie says they’re also working towards improving their social media presence and upping their online advertising game so they can continue to expand their reach.
Check out their amazing pieces in their Etsy shop, CleverCube.
Words of Advice for Other Hopeful Hackers
Think you have an IKEA hack that could become a thriving business? Stephanie has some advice for hopeful hackers!
- “Make something that’s hard to do well,” Stephanie says. Their doors aren’t the easiest thing to make, especially the wooden ones, so most people prefer to buy rather than try and make their own.
- Be a part of a team. Stephanie and Sam make a great partnership because they each have separate strengths. “It carries its risks, of course, but none of us are good at all the things, and it’s so encouraging to have someone to share your ups and downs with.”
- If you’re not great with social media and online advertising, try AI to get you started. There are a lot of free tools that can help you get going without overspending.
Most importantly, Stephanie advises to
Keep on pushing, keep on praying, and make every product as if you were making it for yourself.”
Could Your Idea Be the Next One in Our Designer Spotlight?
This post is part of an ongoing series that celebrates the imagination and skills of indie designers who create for the IKEA aftermarket. If your idea of a good time is turning a basic flat-pack into something extraordinary, we want to hear about it!
Have you turned your passion for IKEA customizations into a thriving business? Drop us a line—we just might feature your story next.
You may also like this story on how a Dad’s IKEA hack became a business.