Our Story

Birth of Rusteak

Vivek is the heart and soul behind Rusteak.

Vivek Sharma

Back in 2018 Vivek had firmed up his decision to start on his own and between the things he was passionate about - the choice had to be something which does not turn into a costly hobby . In Mumbai he did not find any established brand in Teakwood products - furniture as well as artefacts.

It seemed a paradox - a city housing the costliest real estate of the country, housing the largest majority of India’s rich and famous, yet devoid of the best medium for making artefacts and furniture- Teakwood !

Whatever quality options were available in the hardwood space in Mumbai were predominantly imports in standard sizes , which restricted any innovations and bespoke options . Vivek saw an opportunity here which led to the creation of Rusteak .

Vivek sees Rusteak as a journey of wood from its imperfections and unpredictable nature to designs and final products which are Clever , aesthetic, minimalist , visually balanced and ‘Immortal’- durable and logical designs for generations.

Rusteaks material of choice is predominantly reclaimed Teakwood , usually Burma teak retrieved from demolished bungalows dating more that a century. This also fulfils our commitment to be Sustainable with a minimal Carbon footprint .

  • Sustainability

    The city is crowded with specifiers and influencers who, in their zest for higher billings end up crowding already space starved homes with unwarranted false ceilings, wall panels, and furniture without logic - all in Environmentally degrading, unsustainable, and high carbon emitters like ply, MDF, laminates, veneers etc.

    These are no doubt quick turnaround products, providing a bang for the money – but not for the select few who need quality, durable, robust, long-lasting, low maintenance products.
    Rusteak, as a responsible citizen, fulfils sustainability commitment by using either Plantation Teakwood or reclaimed Teak, usually Burma teak retrieved from centuries old bungalows .

  • Market

    The market for value-conscious buyers is crowded with many players. On one side, there are big established brands, while on the other side, individual carpenters are working on-site in cahoots with a specifier and influencer segment quickly turning around Ply projects – no need for keeping a workshop – order material on site, work, finish and move on. Hardwood has its limitations of storage, machining, shaping, sizing, shearing, and joining – none of the challenges in the ‘quick fix’ ‘fly by night’ products!

  • Teakwood

    The market dominated by ply and processed wood, focuses on quick turnover and profits. Customers often aren't aware of the benefits of Teakwood.

    Through SWOT analysis and market research, Vivek ventured into making furniture, artefacts, and décor items in Teakwood- with a conspicuously heirloom, nostalgic, edgeless, and Rustic finish. This gave birth to Brand Rusteak. Vivek recognized his strengths in in-house design, quality, and timely deliveries, leading him to consolidate all operations under one roof.
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Sep 2018

Rusteak's journey began in September 2018, operating from Andheri, the Heart of Mumbai. Rusteak has completed turnkey projects, including several bungalows and apartments within and around Mumbai and the larger story of ‘Bespoke furniture and artefacts’ (Communicating, designing, manufacturing and finishing) and then shipping them to numerous individual customers pan India.

In the early stage of inception the pandemic occurred which saw Rusteak priortizing the well-being of woodworkers by shifting them inside the workshop, setting up facilities like a pantry and an open kitchen, and working tirelessly with an objective of supporting the Team- predominantly ‘migrants’.

Slow Living Philosophy: In this world of fast-paced consumerism, Rusteak embraces the methodical philosophy of Nature and slow living, encouraging mindfulness and appreciation for the beauty of craftsmanship. We handcraft things. We are slow because we believe true luxury is closer to nature, and nature is slow.

Transparency: Rusteak's open studio policy and itemized Excel-based pricing is our commitment to having complete transparency with the customers. In addition, each product comes with a minimum of three years of guarantee.

Driving Force: Philanthropy

Rusteak creations are born out of happy hands. By supporting migrant artisan families, Rusteak strives to make a positive impact on their lives and communities.
Drawing inspiration from the teachings of the Shreemad Bhagwad Geeta, Rusteak's founder, Vivek, sees these values as the driving force behind the brand's mission.

The community of artisans and craftsmen who are empowered to create beautiful, sustainable products.


Rusteak’s core is compassion for the people, contentment in ‘giving’ and free from the state of ‘Aham- I / Mine’, controlled and aspiring to be balanced in both joys and sorrows.

Inspiration

The three shlokas from Chapter 12 come close to summing things for RusTeak.

अद्वेष्टासर्वभूतानांमैत्रःकरुणएवच।

निर्ममोनिरहङ्कारःसमदुःखसुखःक्षमी।।12.13।।

He who hates no creature, who is friendly and compassionate to all, who is free from attachment and egoism, balanced in pleasure and pain, and forgiving

सन्तुष्टःसततंयोगीयतात्मादृढनिश्चयः।

मय्यर्पितमनोबुद्धिर्योमद्भक्तःसमेप्रियः।।12.14।।

Ever content, steady in meditation, self-controlled, possessed of firm conviction, with the mind and intellect dedicated to Me, he, My devotee, is dear to Me.

यस्मान्नोद्विजतेलोकोलोकान्नोद्विजतेचयः।

हर्षामर्षभयोद्वेगैर्मुक्तोयःसचमेप्रियः।।12.15।।

He by whom the world is not agitated and who cannot be agitated by the world, and who is freed from joy, anger, fear, and anxiety he is dear to Me.