Looking Back: CX History

Our first logo!

The year was 2003. It was 10am on March 12^th. Roomy, a 800sqft furniture store opened its doors for the first day of business, ready to conquer the small space market. Joanna, owner, designer and the only employee of Roomy at that time, made her first sale that day– a sweet smelling candle for $4. Who knew that this would transform into what is now, Condobox.

Our first custom storage bed! At this time, we also offered custom artwork.

Joanna Kakkavas, CEO of Condobox, always says that when things are meant to be – they happen. In grade 9, Joanna remembers hearing the description of ‘entrepreneur’ in her marketing class for the first time, at that moment she said to herself “that’s going to be me” Fast forward 15 years later and not feeling very inspired by working for someone else (and frankly – sick of only being able to take 2 weeks of vacation) she knew it was her time to take a leap of faith and go for it on her own. 

July 10th, 2003. Roomy is featured in the Toronto Star.

Walking down King Street, Joanna stepped into a store that was selling wall beds that was very suitable for her concept of furnishing small condos.  The owner asked her where her showroom would be and she didn’t quite know, he happened to mention the building next door would be available for rent in two weeks and Joanna didn’t hesitate. When things start to flow you have to go with it—and move quickly! The next month, Roomy opened up on 250 King East.

Our first showroom! Now Yoo's Deli & Variety.

During the first year in Buisness, Roomy raised $900 for breast cancer (a modest start). Since the beginning, giving back to our community has been very important to us. We are so excited to have launched the Open Box Foundation Dec. 2011.

With only 25K in savings, just enough to cover first and last month’s rent and inventory – the business needed to take off quickly. And did it ever. Roomy got a lot of attention as being one of the only furniture store specializing in condo living. (In fact, Joanna only signed a two year lease – because she knew that if the business didn’t grow within two years, it wouldn’t be worth it.) Sure enough, within two years Roomy expanded to a larger location down the street, to its current location – doubling in size.

House and Home, 2003. Roomy is described as, "a mecca for condo and apartment dwellers"

That first year of business, Joanna remembers living very conservatively. Moving back in with her parents, she was able to reinvest all of her earnings into the business to make grow without over extending herself.  At the two month point, Joanna hired her first employee, Melanie, her accountant who still works with us today. Joanna knew she couldn’t focus on the big picture while focusing on the small details of the business at the same time. She also met local wood workers that first year after she was approached by a customer who wanted a custom side table.  In those days Joanna didn’t say NO, so she sought to find someone to build it. The next day a local woodworker came into the store just starting out who brought with him a beautiful handmade paddock wood vase.  Joanna showed him her sketch and the story continues as he to this day builds a lot of our custom designs for our clients.\

So many things were set into place during those first 12 months – business connections were developed, the Roomy brand started to spread throughout the city, and Joanna became known for her ability to make small spaces feel well.... Roomy.