Today we’d like to introduce you to Ann Nygard
Hi Ann, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, surrounded by rolling hills, thick forests, and a close-knit community. It was here that I developed a lifelong connection to nature and a deep appreciation for simple, meaningful traditions. As a teenager, I had the opportunity to study abroad in Finland, where I fell in love with Nordic culture. The minimalist design, the warm glow of candles in every window, and the deep sense of “hygge” (coziness and contentment) made a lasting impression on me.
My life has taken me all over the world—from Sweden and Helsinki to Rwanda and England—but no matter where I went, I carried those Nordic values with me. Home, for me, has always been about intentionality: filling a space with objects that bring warmth and joy.
In 2019, my path took an unexpected turn when I was recovering from an accident. During that time, I discovered woodworking, and it felt like coming home. At a local Maker Space, I created my first wooden house, inspired by the timeless charm of Nordic villages. It was a small but powerful moment that sparked something inside me. I began to dream of crafting sustainable, heirloom-quality decor that could bring the spirit of the seasons and the joy of tradition into people’s homes.
That’s how Hauskaa was born. Today, each piece I design reflects my journey—blending the natural beauty of Vermont with the simplicity and elegance of Scandinavian design. Whether it’s a handcrafted wooden house made form scrap from local fine furniture makers, a fir tree made from upcycled baseball bat, or high-quality dripless candles, every item is a celebration of sustainability, craftsmanship, and home.
For me, Hauskaa is more than a business—it’s a way to bring people closer to nature, to their loved ones, and to the traditions that matter most. I hope each Hauskaa piece inspires others to create their own stories and memories, just as they’ve done for me.
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?
Hauskaa has unfolded in a way that feels like it was meant to be, but the road hasn’t always been smooth. One of the pivotal moments came early on when a friend saw the first Hauskaa houses and wanted to purchase 1,500 for a school’s 50th-anniversary event. It felt like the perfect launchpad—until Covid hit, and the event was canceled.
Suddenly, I had to rethink everything about how I would sell. That challenge turned out to be an opportunity in disguise. I opened an Etsy store, which not only allowed me to start selling online but also led to becoming an Etsy Editor’s Pick. That recognition gave me the confidence to launch my own website, and from there, I began knocking on local retailers’ doors. To my delight, Hauskaa was well-received, and I’ve since grown to partner with incredible retailers like the LL Bean Home Store and Simon Pearce.
The biggest obstacle along the way has been learning how to leverage technology to streamline operations and become more efficient. Hauskaa is still very much a lean and mean operation, so finding ways to balance craftsmanship with the demands of growth is a constant challenge. But every hurdle has also been an opportunity to learn, adapt, and grow.
I believe that those moments of struggle have shaped Hauskaa into what it is today—a brand that’s built on resilience, creativity, and a commitment to bringing joy into people’s homes.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Hauskaa, I focus on creating handcrafted wooden holiday villages that capture a sense of warmth, joy, and timeless simplicity. People are drawn to the modernity and minimalist design of Hauskaa pieces, which reflect a blend of Nordic inspiration and Vermont craftsmanship. What makes this journey particularly meaningful for me is that, even though I’m not a professionally trained designer or artist, I had a clear vision for these products and brought it to life.
What I’m most proud of is how Hauskaa has grown beyond my original vision. While it started as a small idea—a single house crafted in a Maker Space—it has evolved into something much bigger, thanks to the input, collaboration, and support of incredibly talented people. I work with artisans and craftspeople whose dedication to excellence elevates every piece, and I’m continually moved by how many people believe in Hauskaa and want to help build it with me.
What sets Hauskaa apart is our commitment to quality, sustainability, and a connection to tradition. Every piece is thoughtfully designed, made from upcycled or sustainably sourced wood, and finished with non-toxic materials. But beyond the product itself, Hauskaa is about creating a sense of home. It’s not just decor—it’s a way to bring people together, to celebrate the seasons, and to honor the beauty of simplicity.
For me, it’s been a privilege to see how these little wooden villages resonate with others, bringing a spark of joy into their homes. That connection is what inspires me every day.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Something surprising that most people might not know about me is that woodworking wasn’t always a part of my life—it came to me during a time of healing. After an accident in 2019, I was searching for a creative outlet and found myself drawn to woodworking for the first time. It started with crafting a single wooden house at a local Maker Space, and I had no idea that it would grow into Hauskaa.
Another unexpected piece of my story is that I’m not a professionally trained designer or artist. I approach Hauskaa with a combination of vision, intuition, and a deep appreciation for quality and craftsmanship. The collaborative nature of my work—drawing on the talents and skills of others—has been key to creating something truly special.
I think people might also be surprised to learn that the fir trees in our villages are made from upcycled baseball bat scraps. Sustainability has always been a guiding principle, even in the smallest details.
For me, Hauskaa isn’t just a business—it’s a reflection of resilience, creativity, and the belief that beauty can come from unexpected beginnings.
Pricing:
- Fir Tree from 5″ to 8″ range from $36-$42
- Cottage candlestick holder starts at $49
- Special savings when purchasing sets.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hauskaa.com/
- Instagram: @HauskaaVT
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HauskaaVT/
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/HauskaaVT
Image Credits
NA
