Today we’d like to introduce you to Stefan & Annette Kleinhans.
Stefan & Annette, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Stefan: When Annette I met and fell in love in the late 1980s, we quickly discovered our shared passion for creativity within our own home. Annette drew up a design of the first chaise lounge and I crafted my bride this first small piece of metal furniture under the most impossible conditions. No workshop, not the right tools….But the sofa “Anna” was born. And it has remained a timeless and charming gem to this day.
For thirty years, when we successfully ran our own metalworking business in Germany one passion always stayed the same – the designing and crafting of metal furniture.
Whether for our own home or at the customer’s request. And this furniture demonstrate a quality that can be enjoyed for decades to come. For this reason I designed and developed my own table collection.
The dream of offering our own German, handcrafted quality furniture in a special environment remained in our hearts all the years.
During our first trip to America in 2018, Annette and I discovered this special place, Fredericksburg, in the beautiful Hill Country.
For years, we prepared for the challenge of realizing our vision in Texas and we were able to enthuse our daughter Maya with the idea of joining us in this dream.
We hired Maya as our sales manager.
And finally, the time had come.
The opening of our showroom in Fredericksburg took place in spring 2024.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Annette: It took years to design and develop the furniture so that it truly met the highest standards. Stefan created masterpieces of perfection and, for this reason, also obtained design protection and copyright.
Obtaining a business visa for the USA is subject to strict requirements. These include, among other things, proof of a promising business venture, but above all, high investments without any guarantee of ultimately receiving the visa.
In the course of the investment, we had to travel to the USA during the pandemic, when the borders were closed to tourists. But we were granted a special exemption which allowed us to enter the US.
After the visa was finally approved, it was time to say goodbye to our family and friends. That was the most difficult part of this journey.
Once we arrived in the US, we had to set up the workshop and storage and to renovate the showroom.
It took a lot of patience and perseverance to keep our eyes on the goal and stay the course. We are grateful for valuable Texan friends who have accompanied us on this journey over years!
And from the very beginning, our source of strength on this years-long journey has been our faith in our Creator, Jesus Christ, who guides our lives with His enduring love, His presence and many miracles!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Stefan: We create tables, designer daybeds, and exclusive interior pieces that combine elegance with traditional German craftsmanship. Every product is handcrafted in our workshop in Texas, Hill Country, and designed to last for decades. Our philosophy: No compromises. Only authentic, high-quality furniture that reflects our customers personal style. Whether you are furnishing your home, your business, or a public space – with our Kleinhans Steel & Style furniture, you invest in unique design and reliable German quality.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Annette: German Engineering from its finest! Stefan is a Metal Construction Master and Welding Master and Trainer as well with 34 years long experience in his craft.
Stefan’s claim is: His handcrafted furniture must meet the same standard as if Stefan would build it for himself. Our table tops can be selected by the customers whether they prefer local stone or native wooden table tops.
We also offer luxury modern European furnishings ( chairs, armchairs, sofas) handcrafted by Koinor and design timepieces by Qlocktwo handmade in Germany.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kleinhans-steel-style.com
- Instagram: kleinhans_steelandstyle
- Facebook: Kleinhans Steel & Style
