Person Behind the Place: Natalie Ivashkina

Person Behind The Place: Natalie Ivashkina

Founder | Eco German Kitchens

Natalie Ivashkina has always seen the world through an artistic lens. As the founder of Eco German Kitchens, she has made it her mission to bring high-performance, eco-conscious European design to life in uniquely personal ways.  Ivashkina's penchant for entrepreneurship and her keen awareness of quality and design allows her to connect with clients and give fresh perspectives that makes them feel right at home.

Tell me the story of your business.

I've been fascinated by art since I was young. As a child, I could spend hours just staring at paintings, getting lost in the details of the brushstrokes and techniques. I loved admiring pieces in art books and ended up attending art school as a child, but ultimately earned a degree in Economics and Management. At 23, I opened my first business, a wholesale food supply company, but I dreamed of blending my work with my love of art and creativity. So when I met someone in Germany who introduced me to the craft of German kitchens, I knew that my dream would soon become realized.

I began to learn the process of how this specific style of kitchen is manufactured and assembled, and knew that I wanted to introduce it to other parts of the world. About 10 years ago, this market was very limited on the Eastside. So, I decided to get certified as a kitchen designer in Europe and opened a small studio in Factoria, in Bellevue.

What sets your business apart from similar retailers on the Eastside?

We are incredibly meticulous with a strong eye for detail and quality. The cabinets we offer exceed customer expectations, with every piece designed with the very best parts, from ultra-durable frames with waterproof coatings, self-closing doors that adjust to the perfect speed, materials that don’t leave fingerprints, and unique lighting. They're not just cabinets — they're a work of art.

We also don't just do kitchens, but take on a variety of projects including bathrooms, bedrooms, closets, medical offices, restaurants, and commercial spaces.

Tell me about one of your recent projects.

I recently completed a project in the GIS Plaza, a six-story building across from the Bellevue Library. My team and I installed all of the kitchen cabinets in the apartments. The outcome was stunning and everything went very smoothly.

How do you connect personally with your clients?

Before I start any project, it is always my goal to establish a relationship with my clients that helps me better understand their lifestyle — what they like, what they don't like, their favorite colors, how many people are in their family, and anything else that may be important to know about them. All of those little details help me envision a "vibe" for the kitchen. Every space has its own personality, and when I design it, I make sure to pour some of my heart into it. For me, a kitchen is a reflection of the people who live there.

How do you hope to see your business expand in the coming years?

In the future, I'd love to continue forging connections with developers in the Downtown Bellevue community to make our products more accessible to residents and tenants of our high rises.

What struggles have you faced as a small business owner, and what advice would you give to others considering opening their own small business?

The biggest challenge for me was my English — it’s my second language, so the first few years were tough. I had to learn all of the technical language about kitchens. It was also difficult to land my first big commercial project without a portfolio or any experience. No one wanted to give me a chance, but I persevered and now have several under my belt. For anyone who wants to start their own business and chase their dreams, I say go for it. Don’t let fear stop you — take the next step. Water doesn’t flow under a rock.

Person Behind The Place is part of the Heart of Bellevue: our campaign to showcase local businesses while connecting you with stories of activity, creativity and recovery. Find out about our campaign and explore more of what’s happening around Downtown.