Ahmad Habshee: From Dropout to Wood‑Wizard
Ahmad Habshee didn’t just start a business – he carved a new life out of fallen trees and a dash of rebellion. When he was a teenager dreaming up escape routes from the fluorescent glare of a high‑school classroom, he couldn’t imagine that his future would revolve around the hum of a saw and the scent of fresh timber.
Chasing the Green Dream
Today he runs Urban Salvation, a trailblazing furniture brand that turns scavenged wood into stylish, sustainable pieces. Think rugged trunks rescued from local forests and reclaimed Indonesian teak that has seen more hands before it reached his countertops.
From Scraps to Masterpieces
- Starting out: abandonment of school, dropping the badge of “student” for the badge of “artisan.”
- Facing the era of mass‑production: “The market is full of ready‑made blankets; I wanted to give people something that tells a story.”
- His motto: “Customers never leave empty‑handed.” Whether it’s a coffee table that’s doubled as a conversation starter or a chair that feels like a hug of wood, every piece leaves a lasting impression.
Real Talk on Sustainability
Ahmad says, “Sustainability isn’t a buzzword; it’s a decision made with every cut. We’re not just saving trees, we’re saving feelings.” He insists on using only wood that already had a life, ensuring no new forests suffer.
Behind Every Piece: A Tale of Resilience
He’s turned a life of setbacks into a craft that heals. When a customer walks out with a hardwood wonder, they’re also leaving with a slice of his journey: a reminder that broken dreams can bloom into sturdy tables and solid chairs.
Hi Ahmad! We understand you were from the entertainment industry. What pushed you to make a radical career change?
Urban Salvation: My Hazy Road to Redemption
It all kicked off with a humble kick‑start— the launch of the Urban Salvation project marked the first footstep on what became a relentless, wheeled odyssey towards my own personal salvation.
Why “Urban Salvation”?
- In a city that feels like a maze of neon lights and sleepless nights, I wanted a compass.
- “Salvation” sounded a bit too grand‑iloquent, yet “Urban” kept it firmly grounded in real‑world grit.
- It was a promise: “I’ll navigate the concrete jungle and find my inner light.”
The First Step: A Casual Bump into the Unknown
The kickoff was like stepping into a puddle with a pair of squeaky shoes—only the shoes were motivation, and the puddles were unexpected setbacks.
Turning Points Along the Way
- Encountered “The Cold Coffee Street”—a metaphor for early mornings facing burnout.
- Met a street artist who taught me the art of “finding colors in chaos.”
- Realized that the “Lost Wallet” of my confidence could be found again in a shared subway stand.
Humor & Heart: My Daily Mantras
Every day I whispered, “If the city’s tough, your inner monologue’s tougher!” and that bit of wit kept the journey from sounding like a sob story.
Conclusion: The Expedition Isn’t Over Yet
Urban Salvation began as a spark. Now it’s a blazing trail—still a long route, still exhausting—but every step feels worth it. The journey of self‑salvation has become more than a destination; it’s a daily move, a city dance, and a candid conversation with myself.
From a Single Pallet to a Family‑Run Workshop
I began with nothing more than a rough wooden pallet and a handful of buttons to show off at my first workshop. No fancy tools, no big showroom—just a dream and a dash of hope.
People Who Believed in the Carpenter’s Vision
- Eden: My business partner, soulmate, and the one who kept me from taking a wrong turn.
- Mr. Thanga: A client turned close friend who believed in my skill. I poured every penny into his project, and I still do for custom orders today.
- Every Visitor: Even those who don’t buy anything leave feeling like they read a story, not just a brochure.
From Entertainment to Hand‑Crafted Relationships
Back in the entertainment world I learned how to read people—what makes them click, what gets them chuckling. That skill translates into king‑size relationships at my workshop: I listen as much as I show.
When a Guest Pops In
- Discuss wood‑cutting techniques that would impress a season‑ed fence‑builder.
- Chat about sustainability—because our trees deserve a second chance.
- Explore ways to spark real change in the little ways most folks overlook.
Most business owners skip this part, but I don’t. I want people to feel welcomed, not just “customers,” but family at the gates of my workshop.
Humor, Eager Listening, and the Gut Feeling That Help Stories
When we talk the talk, the workshop becomes a second home. With a friendly grin, I’ll explain the next step in our craft—it’s almost as fun as a sitcom episode, only with real wood.
Thank You, sorry you know Who I am, and the dream we’ll build.
Tell us about the story behind your workshop name, Urban Salvation.
Urban Salvation: Finding My Space in a Singaporean Canvas
In my early twenties, I felt the same way most folks in Singapore: stuck, wandering, and craving something that pulled me out of the grey drip of everyday life. It was only with Urban Salvation that I started piecing my identity back together, one timber plank at a time.
Why wood, why now?
When the very first humans carved out shelters, they turned to wood. It’s reliable, timeless, and—most importantly—pleased the eye. In an industry where scraps fly like confetti and furniture is treated as a quick fix, I wanted to bring that ancient reverence back.
What I’m looking to add to the world
- Priceless craft: A touch of artistry that refuses to dissolve into the share‑week market.
- Enduring legacy: Hand‑crafted pieces that age gracefully, becoming family heirlooms.
- Local pride: Celebrating the talent that takes years to refine its skill, rather than rushing to masses.
Our Mission in a Rapid‑Turn Economy
In a place where every “latest” is just a blink, I aim to remind people that living soundly means investing in stability—against the stringy background of disposable goods. By giving furniture that tells a story, we’re encouraging a slow‑mode lifestyle where each piece speaks of care, patience, and heritage.
The Verdict
Urban Salvation isn’t about building a brand; it’s about building a story—your story. Let’s trade quick fixes for time‑tested quality and turn routine spaces into living histories, one sturdy, artisan armchair at a time.
It can’t have been easy carving out a career in woodworking. Could you share more about your journey and the challenges you faced?
What the 5Cs Never Taught Me
Back in 1989, I was born into Singapore’s legendary 5Cs system: Condominium, Cash, Credit, Car, and Career. The idea was simple—own a flat, have cash on hand, get credit cards, drive a car, and secure a solid job. If you kept all those in check, you’d be the envy of every corner office.
Why the “C” System Feels Like a Card Deck
- Condominium – Think “house hunting” with a brag value of 50%.
- Cash – More envelopes than a savings account.
- Credit – Because the bank liked to see your debts on a chart.
- Car – Speeding lanes, parking garages, and the occasional “you’re on your own” gas bill.
- Career – Yes, that’s the part where we’re supposed to be running the company.
But life was a bit less groomed than the glossy brochure suggested.
Trapped in the Furniture Jungle
Before I joined Urban Salvation (the mega‑corp that turns your spray paint into sensors), I was cramped in a furniture firm that never quite understood what “growth” really meant. I remember asking for a raise and being faced with a question: “What’s your education level?” My answer? “I didn’t finish secondary school.” That was the moment the stigma hit hard – in Singapore, if your name doesn’t read like a degree, you’re automatically pushed south of the raise ladder.
When “Secondary School Dropout” Sounds Like a Hallmark Card
It felt like the entire corporate world had decided that a diploma was more valuable than hard work. My voice was swallowed by the idea that Education = Pay, and not a single smile from a manager for my long hours or creative closet design ideas. The irony was that I was working in furniture – the industry that literally builds homes, and yet the folks who assembled the desks didn’t see the value of a person who can flip a chair in two seconds.
Lessons Learned and the Power of Persistence
- Speak Up – Don’t let “absence of a diploma” be the final verdict.
- Dare to Reframe – Convert your shortcomings into strengths; even a dropout can design the future of home décor.
- Embrace the 5Cs in New Ways – From home to heart, the list is flexible after all.
So if you’re reading this, and you’re anywhere in a “different kind of work” zone, remember: the 5Cs aren’t a rulebook; they’re a starting point. Step out, speak your truth, and keep building. Even if it’s a chicken‑pox of a floorboard, you’ll always have the chance to upgrade your career—including the chance to finally get that raise you deserve.
Why I Walked Away
There was a single, scorching truth that cracked the door shut on my old job: The company never considered my ideas. Even after triple‑multiplying revenue and proving my worth with no CPF on the table, my passion for woodworking and my willingness to pour time into it hit a wall.
The Broken Confidence
One sentence shattered it all: “Your education doesn’t justify the pay you’re asking for.” For a young professional, a paycheck is one thing; genuine happiness is another.
Feeling Stuck?
- It was a real challenge to get anyone to back my vision.
- So I packed bags and headed worldwide—UAE, Indonesia, Malaysia—learning the craft from the pros.
- I didn’t care whether I was taught with humble village tools or high‑tech CNC machines.
Never Stop Growing
I kept my ego on a short leash and even scavenged my way through life’s dumpster dives. I faced ridicule from customers, low‑ball offers, and no‑show appointments. Yet every tough lesson was a stepping stone.
The $20 Challenge
Jobs paying $20 a day just to build a portfolio seemed impossible, but now I proudly say it was worth the grind.
Take‑It-To-The-Next‑Level Advice
To anyone feeling stranded today: Believe in yourself, invest in your own potential, and keep learning forever. The journey may be rough, but the reward? Endless—like a fine piece of wood—waiting for your hands to shape it.
Has sustainability always been important to you?
Why Sustainability isn’t a Passing Trend
Back in the day, people thought sustainability was just a buzzword that would fade away like a bad fashion fad. Pop culture convinced us that fast‑fashion cycles would always win out, and that cheaper, lower‑quality goods would keep coming in caravans.
But the 21st century has turned that assumption on its head.
We’re Seeing the Bigger Picture
- People are waking up to the real impact our choices have on the planet.
- We’re also learning about how our actions ripple across society—economically, socially, and politically.
It Starts with Me—and the People Around Me
Tell you what, I belong to that generation that actually believes we can make a difference. For me, sustainability isn’t just a label; it’s a daily practice.
- It’s knowing the life cycle of the products I buy—why that wooden table is better than the other.
- It’s minimizing wood waste so we keep the planet even greener.
- It’s directly supporting the team in Indonesia—skilled woodworkers who keep families fed and dreaming.
- It’s backing my creative crew here in Singapore, the folks who turn a messy idea into a polished brand.
Our Dreamful Mission
Yeah, we’re aiming high—really high.
We don’t just want a few “green” perks; we’re crafting long‑lasting solutions for the folks who feel left out of mainstream business.
Think about those who’ve been turned away or sidelined time and again. We want to open doors for them, create chances where they no longer have to feel invisible.
So, Where Does Sustainability Live?
If you ask me, sustainability is not a one‑off idea—it’s a lifestyle. It’s the “how we thrive together” mantra. It’s an everyday choice: the way you move through your life, the way you put your work and values in line with the world around you.
In a nutshell: Sustainability is for everyone.
We hear you’re currently taking classes for a diploma in furniture and spatial design. Has that changed the way you think about furniture design so far?
First‑Year Chronicles: Learning, Living, and Leading
I’m still fresh out of the gate, diving into the basics of design and craftsmanship. It feels a bit early to draw hard conclusions, but the people I’ve met on this journey have already inspired me to become a better version of myself.
Mentors Who Sparked a Fire
- Mr. Chiew – lights up the studio with practical wisdom.
- Mr. Russel – reminds us that creative risk pays off.
- Ms. Ho – brings that unique NAFA perspective that keeps our ideas fresh.
All of my classmates are younger than I am, and they treat me like the older sibling of the class. It’s a refreshing break to learn how to connect with the next generation, and I see it as a chance to help shape their future leadership.
Finding My Path
Your main goal at school isn’t just to prove what you already know but to figure out where you can go next. Keep your mind wide open and let curiosity lead you into whatever sparks interest.
Turning Design into Legacy
I’m driven to create furniture that carries a story—one that builds a legacy, a brand that speaks laughter and meaning, and leaves no stone unturned in the pursuit of excellence.
This first year is just the starting line, but with mentors, peers, and a thirst for learning, the road ahead looks brighter than ever.
If you could change one thing about Singapore’s furniture scene, what would it be?
Singapore’s Talent Puzzle: Why We’re Not Just a “No Talent” Label
My Take: From “No Talent” to “Yes, We’ve Got It”
Everyone keeps saying Singapore is talent‑less, yet every time I walk the streets, I see the opposite. We’re investing heavily overseas, rating international products as the golden standard, but in reality our own backyard is already packed with top‑notch makers. Why not jump on that?
Meet the Local Legends
- The Fellas – masters of their craft who turn wood into art.
- Alvan Koh – from Mokko Wood Studio, known for precision and style.
- Uncle Ray – the go‑to guy at Hand Design with a knack for custom pieces.
- 25 Degree Woodworks – blending modern design with solid craftsmanship.
Why People Pay Big for Overseas Goods
Many households hand out thousands of dollars on imported furniture, convinced that overseas gives higher value. Clearly, it’s all about perception: does “good furniture” also mean “good design” or “good materials” for you? Even the same object can feel vastly different when brands scream marketing, not just skill.
Our Local Talent Is Ready to Shine
We have a wealth of talent so close you could practically hand them the customer’s next order. We’ve been waiting for the community to recognize this. Every Friday, the old navy store visits the “Hand Design” warehouse and wonders why they’re stuck on foreign imports. Our makers have the knack for ergonomics, the ability for adaptation, the skill to use a needle and a spoon— all at the same time.
It’s Time for a Community Statement
Why not support local businesses? Why should we fail to nurture the next generation of designers? The answer is simple: we’re all right next to the talent. Let’s pivot the narrative and start investing in the next wave of Singapore’s own.
What are your biggest aspirations for Urban Salvation?
Turning Urban Salvation into a Friendly Hub
We’re doing more than just a business makeover. We’re building a place where people show up, leave with a grin, and never get bored. Think of it as a living classroom that actually feels like a neighborhood.
The Promise for Each Visitor
- Leave with a new skill you can brag about at parties.
- Carry a taste of the unique experience that only Urban Salvation offers.
- Join a community that’s bigger than the furniture we make.
We aim to make every visit feel like stepping from a small shop into a bustling university of creativity.
Why This Matters
Urban Salvation isn’t just a furniture company; it’s a tripod of innovation—a woodworking school, a design studio, and an international brand all born in Singapore.
Since becoming a private limited studio, we’ve set our sights on a global horizon. We’re eager to prove something clear: Singaporean roots can grow into world‑class stems.
A New Chapter Ahead
Picture this: a workshop where you can sand a cedar plank to a glass‑smooth finish, a design lab where ideas turn into prototypes, and a showroom that showcases pieces shipped straight across continents—all under one roof, with a friendly smile waiting on the door.
At Urban Salvation, we’re not just selling furniture; we’re opening a conversation between craft and culture, with you at the center. Join us, and experience the difference.
What do you do to stay inspired?
Inspiration on the Daily Grind
Every single day, I find myself buzzing with motivation. It’s like a steady stream of creativity that never stops flowing.
Who Keeps Me On My Toes
- Colleagues – They throw fresh angles at me, pushing me to think outside the box.
- Customers – Their trust in my professional guidance fuels my passion.
- Students – They come hungry for advice, and watching them grow is pure joy.
The Sweetest Reward
The real kicker is seeing someone actually buy my own design. That moment? Pure bliss. It’s proof that someone believes in my vision and can’t wait to bring it into reality.
A Fresh Whisper of Who and Where
- Stay in the loop with Urban Salvation through their website, Facebook, and Instagram. Feel the vibes, check the updates.
- Remember, this narrative first found a home in City Nomads.
- Here at SustainabilityHome Works, we’re all about practical tricks that make living greener.
