Interview with Slobodna Dalmacija, section Gušt

Ana and Marijan Ilić design and produce everything a child needs for play and fun, and their range under the Ilić Design brand has already become recognizable. As we learned in a conversation with the more delicate half of this hardworking couple, their story began when her job in finance was eliminated due to a company reorganization. Always creative, she came up with the idea to combine her sense for drawing and design with her husband’s woodworking skills. The first product they offered to the market, Ana tells us, was a foldable climbing frame and a swing with personalized fabric. After the success of the “swings,” which made them recognizable, they wanted to expand their range. While researching and combining ideas, they realized there were very few products in our market for developing fine and gross motor skills in young children. Little by little, they gathered the necessary tools, and in an old backyard house, they set up a workshop. Ideas for what to make next seemed to come on their own.

Which of your products have children embraced the most?

Our first big boom came with the model of a swing that adapts to the child’s growth and a swing stand that allows it to be used indoors. Our second major success was the launch of sensory motor products, such as the sensory board, wooden foldable climbing frame, and the learning tower. These are the types of toys we are currently focusing on the most. The sensory board allows exercises such as opening and closing, unlocking, and stacking, which promote the development of fine motor skills and concentration, while also encouraging speech. The learning tower helps children from 18 months to 6 years old with communication, and it also offers a safe way for them to be at the height of the kitchen table, protecting them from falling backward.

What age group are your products for? We also saw you on your profile in something like a rocking chair?

Primarily, most of our products are intended for our youngest, up to around 5 years old. However, we do have some swing models that can be used by older children, and even parents, as well as the balance board, which has proven to be great for older children, parents, and even for athlete rehabilitation.

I would say that some of your products require prior knowledge of didactics. Did you have to consult with any experts in that field for certain products?

That’s right. In addition to doing a lot of research ourselves, we also consulted with experts in the field, who guided us on what and how to do things.

Do you use only wood, plywood, etc.? Is this part of your shared approach towards “healthier” toys?

We exclusively use natural materials, primarily birch plywood for products that require high load-bearing capacity and safety, beech and oak for making the wooden parts of the swings, and ash for making the stands.

for swings, certified cotton fabrics from Croatian manufacturer. Each piece is handmade and painted with ecological water-based paints. Base and coatings that are not harmful to health.

To get into this business, you had to have machines. Did you have any problems with that and how did you proceed?

To begin with, we invested our own funds in basic machinery so we could get started. Soon after, we applied for subsidies and were successful in the application process. With the funds we received, we purchased the most important machines we use in our work today. Everything really went quickly and without any problems.

How many products do you currently have in your range, and are you planning to introduce anything new?

“We currently have 15 different products in our regular range, but we also already have designs and new ideas. We hope to bring them to life at the beginning of the year, if not sooner.

 Does your way of working allow for that? Is there anyone else who helps you and your spouse with the work?

At the moment, it’s just my husband and me working, though family members occasionally step in to help with painting and assembly. We always have ideas, but sometimes we just don’t find enough time to bring them to life. That’s why we take time off twice a year—mostly to work on those ideas. People often wonder how we come back from vacation feeling even more tired!

WROTE: OLGICA GRIZELJ-IVIC

PHOTO: KOVA ZG