About GoGora
About Company
The company “Gogora” was founded in 2021 and produces Georgian folkloric wooden toys and Montessori children’s furniture. Our values are based on principles of humanism, intellectual depth, a sense of quality, and environmental orientation. At the core of Gogora’s activities are people and nature.
Our mission is to support adults who are interested in the positive upbringing of children in the process of forming humane, intelligent, free, and independent individuals.
Our goal is to contribute to creating a healthy, safe, and developmental environment for children, combining traditional, time-tested ideas with modern approaches in this process. Through our activities, we aim to bring back mystical yet familiar ideas into the upbringing process and create new, unique experiences.
Safety
When creating toys and children’s furniture, like with food products, the most important aspect is their safety and the study and consideration of all the rules, laws, and standards that regulate this industry. Various developed countries have different…
The overarching goal of all standards is to ensure the safety of children. Under the Association Agreement with the European Union, Georgia implemented a technical regulation on toy safety in June 2021, based on the European Directive (2009/48/EC). Did you know that this same regulation also addresses the safety of children’s furniture? In the absence of experience in correctly interpreting the directive and implementing standards (such as DIN EN71, ASTM, etc.), Georgian manufacturers are seeking knowledge independently. In this process, we are supported by organizations such as “Produce in Georgia,” the Georgian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the National Agency for Standards and Metrology, and other local and international organizations. Particularly valuable is the exchange of experience with foreign manufacturers. We constantly strive to utilize all opportunities and deeply study the standards. Additionally, we actively work to raise consumer awareness and are always ready to share our experience.
Social Responsibility, Production, and Sustainable Development
To bring our ideas to life, it was essential for us to establish our own production facility, organized and operated according to our values, in a place we deeply love—a magical setting perfect for creating enchanting stories: the mountainous region of Adjara. In this industry, sustainable development is nearly impossible without having our own production. After two years of a challenging yet fascinating journey, with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP-Georgia), we established our first energy-efficient and green technology-equipped facility in the picturesque village of Gundaura in Keda Municipality. We believe that production adhering to international standards and high social responsibility is possible even in Georgia’s mountains.
Later, with the support of “Produce in Georgia” and subsequently the USAID Economic Security Program, we opened a small branch of the facility in Tbilisi (2023). Our production process is based on shared values. Workplace safety is ensured. A key priority for us is employing mountain residents, particularly women and various vulnerable groups. The facility is disability-adapted, ensuring a comfortable working environment for individuals with different needs. Additionally, we work on a convenient home-based employment principle, adapted to the natural conditions of mountain life. Remote employees include young mothers who cannot work on-site due to childcare responsibilities.
We package our products in eco-friendly ways, using recycled paper and fabric bags. Periodically, we organize workshops on waste recycling to promote best practices in waste management. We believe that the efficiency and social responsibility of the production process are as important as the quality of the final product.
Our Team
Nino Razmadze
I am Nino Razmadze, an ethnomusicologist researching traditional Georgian folklore and musical instruments. With a wife and four children, I am intimately familiar with the needs of both children and parents.
My journey began during the 2017-18 Erasmus+ project, led by Mara Rosenthal. This project took me on a cultural exploration of Latvia, Estonia, and North Macedonia, where I learned about each country’s cultural heritage protection practices. However, my true inspiration stems from the richness and mysticism of Georgian folklore, including ethnography, fairy tales, myths, and traditional crafts, as well as the vibrant communities residing in rural areas.
Driven by my desire to integrate Georgian ethnographic elements into wooden toys and furniture, I found myself drawn to the mountains of Adjara. Having previously undertaken musical folklore projects in this region, I was captivated by the closeness to nature, freedom, and unique spirit of its inhabitants. The old Georgian authenticity and identity still thrive in these mountains, characterized by rich culture, music, rhythm, and hospitality. I believe that the joyful and creative nature of mountain children reflects the essence of this cultural heritage.
Navigating the complexities of the toy and children’s furniture industry, especially during the pandemic, I engaged in remote training and mentoring programs to understand every facet of the process, from ideation to packaging. Through this experience, I gained a deeper appreciation for concepts like circular economy, secondary recycling, and social responsibility, all of which form the foundation of my business.
I envision creating internationally recognized products infused with Georgian ethnographic themes, ecological consciousness, and educational value. By crafting toys and furniture that embody these principles, I aim to support adults in providing nurturing environments for children, fostering calm and familial spaces.
Murman Turmanidze
I am Murman Turmanidze, residing in Gundauri village of Kedi municipality, along with my wife, two children, and parents. Agriculture is our family’s primary occupation, and all members actively participate in it. Life in the village demands considerable effort, but it also offers numerous benefits. In contrast to city life, we enjoy access to natural products and prioritize a healthier lifestyle. The city, to us, signifies stress and chaos.
We take great pride in our village and its development, striving to contribute meaningfully. Therefore, we welcomed the establishment of the “Gogora” enterprise in our village with open arms. The employment opportunities it offers will not only benefit individuals but also contribute to the overall growth of the village. We firmly believe that this enterprise holds promise for everyone, particularly enhancing the livelihoods of village residents.
Our aspiration is for everyone involved to find contentment, including employees and the broader community. We are committed to maintaining a clean environment and ensuring that children, the ultimate recipients of our toys, experience joy and satisfaction.
Partners
Our partners and supporters are our greatest wealth. Over the years, we have established strong business relationships with various organizations dedicated to knowledge enhancement, acceleration, and enterprise development.
Since 2018, we have collaborated with numerous organizations on projects ranging from knowledge enhancement programs to enterprise construction and technical equipment. Some of our key partners include “EU for Georgia ENPARD,” CENN, KEDA LEADER, IoD, CSRDG, ÖIR, the Municipality of Kedi (Autonomous Republic of Adjara), “Creative Georgia,” “Social Enterprise Dadar,” Startup Büro, UNDP, USAID, the “Rural Development Agency,” “Produce in Georgia,” SMEDA, STARTA, the Tbilisi City Hall Acceleration program “Spark,” and the “Bank of Georgia,” among others.
The support we receive from our friendly countries and donors is both an honor and a responsibility. It is this support that empowers us to create a socially responsible enterprise and products that meet high European standards. Our vision is to establish manufacturing facilities in both the capital city and the mountains of Ajara, producing high-quality wooden toys and children’s furniture.