Q PLEASE INTRODUCE US TO YOUR COMPANY, DAYGROW.

Daygrow is a studio that develops and manufactures sustainable goods of different designs. We create products in various areas, such as crafts, goods, exhibitions, and spatial art, and are now focusing on products related to camping, the outdoors, recycling, and upcycling.

Q WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO CREATE THIS MOSQUITO COIL HOLDER?

We upgraded our existing goods. It was initially shaped like a simple fish with graphic patterns, but we thought giving it the distinct characteristics of a real fish in Korean waters would promote Korea’s regions. Masu salmon, which inhabit the clean valleys of Hwacheon-gun, Gangwon-do, then crossed our minds.

Q CAN THE HOLDER ALSO OPEN BOTTLES AND REMOVE FIXED LOOPS?

It was initially designed as a mosquito coil holder for camping, but we also wanted to reduce potential outside waste. Its mouth seemed like the best part to add multiple functions, so we added the functions to open bottles and remove fixed rings. The holder is made of stainless materials, which means it doesn’t rust and can be cleaned easily. We condensed our countless ideas into this tiny object.

Q MASU SALMON-SHAPED MOSQUITO REPELLING COIL HOLDER AND KEY RINGS INSPIRED BY THE YELLOW CROAKER ARE SO USEFUL AND EXCELLENT. HOW DO YOU COME ACROSS SUCH BRILLIANT IDEAS, AND WHAT PRINCIPLES DO YOU FOLLOW TO CREATE?

What matters most to us is that the product tells a story and has complementary features and shapes. We seek the best shapes for an optimal and ergonomic structure.

Q HOW DID YOU JOIN THE CONTEST?

We learned that it’s crucial to observe things to commercialize and exert genuine effort into understanding what we want to make, relevant issues, and history. The stories Daygrow will create from now on will be based on Korea’s regions. Starting with Gangwon-do’s masu, we’ll release new series of fishes related to various areas. After the contest, we gained the confidence to do so.

Q ANY FUTURE PLANS?

We plan to make stories about cherry blossoms, mustard flowers, butterflies, birds, and more. In particular, we’re preparing for the spring cherry blossom edition to celebrate the next year. That edition will be sold online through Amazon in Japan and Europe.