ABOUT US
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Our History
In 1994, Steve Koning realized the potential of jumping in on the trend of dried floral décor and decided to start his own business. Working from a small barn near Waterdown, Ontario, in Canada he aptly named the company, Second Nature Designs. Purchasing a small truck that was converted into a mobile show room, Steve made his way around Ontario, regularly visiting florists, garden centres and craft stores. As relationships were formed the business grew. Before long Second Nature Designs began attending trade shows, distributing printed catalogues and saw a need to hire more sales representatives.
After 4 short years he purchased the current location, a 40-acre property in Rockton, Ontario. A much needed larger, new facility was built. Second Nature had a name among customers across Canada and eventually, North America and Europe growing the business significantly. Now, Second Nature Designs provides many major grocery stores, home décor chains, garden centres and florists with a wide variety of unique, high quality, customizable products along with dependable service.
In 2023 Banyan Capital partnered with Senior Management to purchase Second Nature Designs from Steve and together are both excited to develop and grow the company to new heights.
Today, Second Nature Designs partners with farmers and manufacturers, locally and in global communities to grow and develop dried florals and other naturally sourced botanicals and materials, which we use to bring the joy and beauty of nature into the items we design and make.
We look forward to an exciting future together as we grow!
Our Purpose
To share the Joy and Beauty of Nature
We do our best to capture the stunning beauty of plants by expertly drying them, and then designing and crafting arrangements and products that give our customers joy and inspiration for years to come. Ultimately, we strive to foster a deeper connection between nature and living spaces, and our commitment is to offer products that not only beautify living areas but also promote a sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle.
Our Values
Do the Right Thing– It’s bigger than any one of us, yet it starts with each of us. We lead with integrity, and we earn trust. We are hungry to grow our business but winning only counts if it’s done in the right way.
Dare to be Transparent– Drawing on our courage and self-confidence we embrace clear, open communication rooted in good intentions and trust, offered authentically with both conviction and humility.
Play as a Team– Our people are our strength, so we work together to leverage everyone’s collective genius. We hold each other accountable, and when one of us is down, we help. Same goals, one team.
Drive for Excellence– We move fast, and we strive for excellence, not perfection. We care about the outcome, deliver as promised, and we never accept the status quo, we believe there are always creative and innovative ways to improve.
Own it– Entrepreneurship is in our DNA, we are passionate people and take calculated risks. We make decisions based on facts and intuition, and we pride ourselves on taking initiative with the highest level of urgency and energy. We all operate like this is our own business, always meeting our commitments.