Leather meets handcrafted wood: a Hekkpipe collaboration born from morning R&D sessions better than any alarm clock.
Indrek asked me to contribute my skills and knowledge
of leather to the research and development of a luxury version of Hekkpipe. I
have always been a fan of the combination of wood and leather which is why I
felt at home and comfortable with the brief. However, the project was also pleasantly
different from my everyday work and these morning research and development
sessions were very invigorating.
Not to mention that the final product is very
cool. The leather adds flair and another layer to the product. The public has embraced
the new design – the pipes with leather details have fled the nest - and Indrek
is already working on a new version.
In hindsight, it seems that Indrek taught me more than
I managed to teach him. Thanks to his diverse background, Indrek has the
ability to see the big picture. Furthermore, he has a technical mind and a good
heart which is by no means less important. Living life on the fast lane has not
turned him into a machine, he is still, first and foremost, an empathetic human
being. Hekkpipe has assembled an awesome team of people who are constantly
motivating each other to improve themselves.
This has enabled them to put a lot of effort into research and development and sell their products abroad. Estonian hookahs have now found their way to different countries ranging from Saudi Arabia to USA. Indrek’s idea to redress an old idea is a good example of how thinking outside the box can be the key to success. It has been very inspiring to see how the boys built up their business and are moving closer to their dreams one step at a time. Hekkpipe is striven by economic thinking which is firmly based on a true passion for what they are doing. If I had to hold someone up as an example of how to do your own thing, I would point them out without even flinching. A textbook example of how to follow your dreams!
The collaboration was recorded once again by Tõnu Tunnel.