Christian Kägi & Matthias Graf
In conversation with the two co-founders of QWSTION
We've been subletting QWSTION's beautiful space since this summer. However, our first collaboration with this inspiring team dates back a few years, when we were able to sell our ceramic bowls in their store . It's high time we introduced you to the two innovative minds behind this sustainable company:
How did QWSTION begin?
We were looking for a good everyday backpack and saw products everywhere that would eventually become waste – most of them made of plastic. We wanted to challenge the norm of how things are designed, manufactured, and used to develop better solutions – and that's why we founded QWSTION.
How did you meet and what inspires/challenges you about working together?
We met as studio neighbors in the former Maag area and felt that we were interested in the same questions.
Matt, how would you describe yourself as a boss and colleague?
I would describe myself as an open and collaborative boss and colleague. It's important to me that all team members have the opportunity to contribute solutions, as I'm convinced that different perspectives often produce the best results. I enjoy supporting the team in finding their own solutions. A positive working atmosphere, where laughter is encouraged, is particularly important to me – for me, the key to success lies in the collective.
And you Christian?
Not much can faze me... but sometimes I can be a bit stubborn, haha. I treat everyone with the same respect, whether old or young, rich or poor.
What brings you joy?
Bringing people together to initiate positive change, trying out and developing new things. Seeing how other people enjoy our products. Spending time in nature.
What does a typical day in your office look like?
Never the same twice.
What is easily underestimated in your day-to-day business?
How important interpersonal relationships are.
What are your top three values in life?
Curiosity, trust, gratitude
What does your free time look like?
Christian: For me, free time is time with family and friends, exercise, being in nature – preferably all of this at once, and listening to some rocksteady music.
How do you deal with defeats?
There's often something to learn. Life rarely goes according to plan. We try to understand negative emotions and enjoy positive ones.
What will be unpacked from the Tiny Factory this Christmas? ☺︎ ☝︎
Matthias: Of course the ceramic jar that I just picked out from you!
Christian: Regardless of whether it is Christmas, the sour cherry granola is part of our inventory.
Your wishes for the next two years?
We want to inspire as many people as possible to question how things are made in order to learn about them. To ask what connections exist and what it takes to take responsibility in our society and enable change – for other people, today and in the future. Personally, I hope this also happens on the world political stage.
In the photos: Co-founder Christian Kägi, co-founder Matthias Graf, and Omar, clothing designer and co-developer. He also repairs the banana fiber bags, thus upcycling.
Location: at the QWSTION headquarters in the Werkstadt, Zurich .