THE STORY OF AMANITA

AMANITA is a social enterprise and circular economy-based work center, founded in 2013 by Solve et Coagula OÜ. Our focus is on social entrepreneurship, which we define as business activities aimed at addressing specific societal challenges. We achieve this by selling our products and services. In other words, a social enterprise operates to achieve a particular social objective, utilizing the income generated from its business activities to fulfill that purpose.

The social mission of social enterprises involves direct contributions to people’s well-being, improving livelihoods, and maintaining the desired state of the natural and living environment. At AMANITA, we upcycle wood based on circular economy principles while providing employment opportunities for people with reduced or limited work capacity.

Products and Services

Currently, our primary products include wooden keepsakes and souvenirs, a variety of handicrafts, and creative works. Examples include cutting boards, trivets, bottle holders, flower boxes, benches, mailboxes, foldable wooden cars and motorcycles, as well as puzzles and brain-teasing games. We also offer CNC milling and laser cutting services, with the option to engrave logos and texts on products, making them personal and unique.

Additionally, we provide training sessions and are open to collaboration. We are also expanding into other social services, such as support person services and specialized care services.

Sustainability and Inclusion

Our products are primarily crafted, renovated, and repurposed using materials that would otherwise be waste from large-scale production (e.g., plywood, veneer, laminated wood, pallets, etc.). Our workforce predominantly consists of individuals with reduced or limited work capacity, who work under the guidance of activity supervisors. Currently, we operate primarily in Pärnu, offering sheltered employment services for people with reduced work capacity, in collaboration with the Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund and the Social Insurance Board.

Rehabilitation and Empowerment

Our rehabilitative activities foster independence among individuals with special needs and help prevent learned helplessness or institutional dependency. Therapeutic handicraft activities provide an outlet and a sense of achievement while offering feedback to assess an individual’s perseverance, mindset, motivation, and abilities. Ideally, we aim to match each person with tasks suited to their capabilities.

Community and Mental Health Initiatives

In addition to our enterprise, we operate as a nonprofit organization (MTÜ) AMANITA, adhering to the ethical code of conduct for nonprofits.

We are also in the process of establishing a mental health center in Pärnu called Villa Amanita. The center will offer various therapies, training sessions, seminars, and services within the mental health field.