Our Story
Soft Haven was founded in 2010 in the heart of Asheville, North Carolina, a region renowned for its thriving arts and crafts community. Our founder, Eleanor Ainsworth, a passionate furniture designer, envisioned a company that would prioritize both exceptional comfort and sustainable practices. Eleanor, a graduate of the prestigious Rhode Island School of Design, brought her unique artistic vision and commitment to ethical sourcing to the creation of Soft Haven. Initially operating from a small workshop, Eleanor, alongside a team of dedicated artisans, began crafting bespoke sofas and chairs, quickly gaining a reputation for unparalleled quality and attention to detail.
Word of Soft Haven’s exceptional craftsmanship spread rapidly throughout the Asheville community. Customers were drawn not only to the comfort and style of the furniture but also to Eleanor’s commitment to using locally sourced, sustainable materials. As demand grew, Soft Haven expanded its operations, moving to a larger facility while maintaining its core values of quality, craftsmanship, and sustainability. Today, Soft Haven remains a family-owned business, guided by Eleanor’s original vision and the unwavering dedication of our team of skilled artisans.
Our Values
At Soft Haven, we are guided by a set of core values that inform every aspect of our business:
- Comfort: We believe that furniture should be more than just functional; it should be a source of relaxation and rejuvenation. We design our furniture with ergonomics and ultimate comfort in mind.
- Quality: We are committed to using only the finest materials and employing time-honored craftsmanship techniques to ensure that our furniture is built to last.
- Sustainability: We believe in protecting our planet for future generations. We prioritize the use of sustainable materials, minimize waste, and support responsible forestry practices.
- Community: We are proud to be a part of the Asheville community and are committed to supporting local artisans and businesses. We actively participate in community events and initiatives.
- Integrity: We conduct our business with honesty, transparency, and respect. We treat our customers, employees, and suppliers with fairness and consideration.
Our Manufacturing Process
Our furniture is meticulously handcrafted in our Asheville workshop, using a combination of traditional techniques and modern technology. Each piece is carefully constructed by our team of skilled artisans, who bring years of experience and a passion for their craft to every project.
- Design: Our design team, led by Head Designer Samuel Blackwood, creates innovative and timeless designs that balance comfort, style, and functionality.
- Material Selection: We source our materials from trusted suppliers who share our commitment to sustainability and quality. We use locally sourced hardwoods, organic cotton fabrics, and eco-friendly fillings whenever possible.
- Frame Construction: Our skilled carpenters construct sturdy and durable frames using time-honored techniques, ensuring that our furniture will withstand years of use.
- Upholstery: Our experienced upholsterers meticulously cover each frame with fabric, paying close attention to detail to create a flawless finish.
- Finishing: Our finishing team applies protective coatings and hand-finishes each piece to enhance its beauty and durability.
- Quality Control: Every piece of furniture undergoes a rigorous quality control inspection before it leaves our workshop, ensuring that it meets our exacting standards.
Commitment to Quality
Quality is at the heart of everything we do at Soft Haven. We believe that furniture should be an investment, and we are committed to providing our customers with pieces that will last a lifetime. We use only the finest materials, employ skilled artisans, and maintain rigorous quality control standards to ensure that our furniture meets the highest expectations.
“At Soft Haven, quality isn't just a buzzword; it's the foundation upon which we build our reputation and our furniture,” says Margaret Olsen, Head of Production. “We believe in creating pieces that are not only beautiful and comfortable but also durable and long-lasting.”
Our commitment to quality extends beyond our manufacturing process. We also provide exceptional customer service, offering personalized design consultations and ongoing support to ensure that our customers are completely satisfied with their purchases. We offer a comprehensive warranty on all of our furniture, giving our customers peace of mind knowing that their investment is protected.
Sustainability Initiatives
Soft Haven recognizes the importance of environmental stewardship and strives to minimize our impact on the planet. We are committed to using sustainable materials, reducing waste, and supporting responsible forestry practices.
- Sustainable Materials: We prioritize the use of locally sourced hardwoods, organic cotton fabrics, and eco-friendly fillings whenever possible. We work with suppliers who are certified by organizations such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).
- Waste Reduction: We implement waste reduction strategies throughout our manufacturing process, including recycling, composting, and reusing materials. We also offer a furniture recycling program for our customers, helping to keep old furniture out of landfills.
- Responsible Forestry: We support responsible forestry practices by sourcing our hardwoods from sustainably managed forests. We work with suppliers who are committed to replanting trees and protecting biodiversity.
- Eco-Friendly Finishes: We use water-based finishes that are low in VOCs (volatile organic compounds), minimizing our impact on air quality.
- Energy Efficiency: We strive to improve energy efficiency in our workshop by using energy-efficient lighting and equipment.
