At Hijabis at Work, we aim to spotlight companies that truly prioritize diversity and inclusion. A great example of this is Usuals, a family business specializing in affordable, high-quality furniture. With a range of chairs, tables, and armchairs, Usuals quickly built a solid reputation thanks to their unique blend of design, functionality, and customer focus. But what truly sets them apart is their commitment to inclusion, which aligns perfectly with the mission of Hijabis at Work.
“We are a family business with a passion for furniture, but even more so for people. Inclusion and empowering women are deeply rooted in our company philosophy. These values were passed down to me from home, and I’ve integrated them into the company,” says Kaan Celik, co-founder and manager of Usuals. In addition to their focus on beautiful and accessible furniture, Usuals is actively contributing to a more inclusive society. When the opportunity to collaborate with Hijabis at Work arose, they didn’t hesitate. “My sister pointed out the valuable work Hijabis at Work does. As a company that values diversity, we were eager to contribute,” Kaan adds.
The story behind Usuals
Usuals began in 2019, but the idea of an e-commerce business had been in the works for some time between Kaan Celik and his business partner, Ufuk Taner. While Kaan worked in a different industry, he decided to bring their dream to life by building their own website, marking the start of what would later become Usuals.
“There were many sleepless nights, but fortunately, it paid off,” Kaan says with a smile. His background in IT proved to be a major asset in establishing and expanding the company. “I still stay up-to-date with the latest technologies to implement them in our business. This allows us to offer customers a smooth experience, from browsing our webshop to home delivery.”
The other half of Usuals is Ufuk, who was already active in the furniture industry. His expertise and experience quickly led Usuals to focus on dining chairs. Their shared passion for design and usability brought them to where they are now: a family business with strong growth potential.
What makes Usuals different?
At Usuals, everything revolves around three core values: quality, customer focus, and quick service. These values form the foundation of the company and are reflected in every aspect of their operation.
“We personally select our materials with the manufacturer and ensure strict quality controls during the production process,” says Kaan. Usuals only wants to bring products to the market that they’re proud of. This attention to quality goes hand-in-hand with their customer-focused approach. “We put the customer at the center of everything we do, whether it’s about user-friendly products or excellent customer service. Our Customer Service team is trained to provide the best possible after-sales service.”
Moreover, Usuals places great importance on fast and efficient service. “We’ve invested in inventory systems that keep the margin for errors in shipments as low as possible,” Kaan explains. This ensures that orders are delivered to customers smoothly and without issues.
These core values are what keep customers coming back to Usuals. As Kaan summarizes: “We want to create furniture that is not only beautiful and comfortable but also affordable and functional. That’s what sets us apart.”
Why did Usuals partner with Hijabis at Work?
The partnership between Usuals and Hijabis at Work was no accident. For Kaan and his team, supporting this initiative is a way to contribute to something close to their hearts: inclusion and empowering women in the workplace.
“My sister told me about Hijabis at Work and the work they do for hijabi women in the job market,” Kaan explains. “She has personally witnessed the challenges hijabis face. My wife works in HR and encounters the same issues in her job. Despite having the right qualifications, many hijabis struggle to find employment. When the opportunity arose to collaborate with Hijabis at Work, we were eager to participate.”
For Usuals, the message is clear: there is a labor shortage, but there are plenty of talented workers who are often overlooked. Kaan sees the partnership as an opportunity to make a positive impact. “We want to help give hijabis more confidence and encourage them to pursue their ambitions.”
How Usuals puts diversity and inclusion into practice
At Usuals, diversity and inclusion are central to the company’s philosophy. For Kaan and his team, it’s not just about creating a pleasant workplace but about fostering an environment where everyone feels at home, regardless of background or faith.
“Inclusion and diversity are more than just words to us,” says Kaan. “We’ve taken measures to ensure that everyone feels welcome at Usuals. We offer flexibility for employees who want to pray or take time off for religious holidays. We even have a prayer room, and during Ramadan, warehouse workers get extra breaks to support them while fasting.”
The family business does everything it can to create an environment where employees feel respected and supported. “For us, it’s about humanity. If someone doesn’t have childcare, they’re welcome to bring their kids to the office. I sometimes take care of my own kids at work,” Kaan adds. Such measures clearly show that Usuals doesn’t just talk about inclusion—they actively practice it.
Kaan emphasizes that diversity is not only good for company culture but also for business success. “We believe that an inclusive workplace leads to more creativity and innovation. Different backgrounds and perspectives help us better meet the needs of our customers and make us stronger as a team.”
Looking ahead to the future of Usuals
The future of Usuals looks promising. The family business remains determined to grow, both in product development and in the areas of inclusion and diversity. “We closely follow the latest trends in the furniture industry and listen to what our customers want,” Kaan explains. “This allows us to continue offering relevant products that combine aesthetics and functionality.”
But their future vision goes beyond furniture. Inclusion remains a key pillar within the company. “We’re proud of what we’ve achieved so far, but we’re always looking for ways to make our work culture even more inclusive. Especially as we expand in the future, we want to ensure that everyone feels supported and valued at Usuals.”
The partnership with Hijabis at Work fits perfectly within that vision. By collaborating with initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion, Usuals aims to have a positive impact on society. “We see it as our responsibility to create a workplace where everyone is given opportunities, and we will continue to invest in that,” says Kaan firmly.
With a strong belief in the power of inclusion and the drive to keep improving, Usuals continues to build a future where both their furniture and their people take center stage.
This article was written as part of a partnership between Hijabis at Work and Usuals. We are grateful for Usuals’ support of our initiative and look forward to continuing our work together towards a more inclusive future.
