About Us
Look, we started Excel Academy because we got tired of watching people sign up for hobby courses and quit after week two. Been there ourselves. So we built something different — courses that don't waste your time with fluff. We focus on the stuff that actually matters: real skills you can use, teachers who genuinely know their craft, and small class sizes so you're not just a face in the crowd. Whether you're picking up woodworking at 35 or finally learning to paint properly, we've got the setup that makes it stick. No pretense. Just solid instruction.
Over time, we’ve built a reputation for reliability, quality, and clear communication. We treat each project as a partnership and aim for outcomes that last.
Our Core Values
The principles that guide everything we do
Honesty First
We tell you straight up if a course isn't right for your skill level. Rather lose a customer than waste your time and money.
Small Is Better
Our classes cap at 12 people. Period. Bigger class? Your instructor can't give you real feedback. That's just math.
Teachers Who Teach
Every instructor here actually practices their craft outside these walls. They're not hobbyists reading from slides. They're working artists and craftspeople.
Show Up and Do It
We believe you learn by making things, not by watching someone else make things. Lots of hands-on time in every single class.
Why Choose Us
- Experienced TeamOur professionals have decades of combined experience. We've seen it all and know how to handle any challenge.
- Quality GuaranteedWe stand behind our work with comprehensive guarantees. If you're not satisfied, we'll make it right.
- Fair PricingTransparent, competitive pricing with no hidden fees. You'll always know exactly what you're paying for.
- Proven ResultsThousands of satisfied customers and a track record of successful projects speak for themselves.
Meet Our Team
The people behind Excel Academy
We’re a team that values ownership, clarity, and growth. We celebrate wins, learn fast, and keep client outcomes at the center.
Lenka Svobodová
Founder & Director
Started Excel Academy after taking too many mediocre pottery classes. Worked in adult education for 9 years before going all-in on hobbies. Still teaches advanced ceramics most Wednesday evenings.
Martin Dvořák
Head of Instruction
Carpenter and furniture maker who runs our woodworking program. Been teaching here for 5 years. Has strong opinions about hand tools. Makes everyone feel like they can actually build something real.
Petra Navrátilová
Program Coordinator
Handles scheduling, registration, and keeping us all organized. Former graphic designer. Knows every student's name after one class. Unreasonably good at solving last-minute room conflicts.
Our Mission & Our Vision
Our Mission
Teach practical hobbies to real people without the BS. We run courses where instructors give a damn about your progress, class sizes stay small enough for actual feedback, and you walk out with real abilities — not just a completion certificate gathering dust.
Our Vision
A place where people discover they're actually capable of creating things they thought were out of reach. We want Excel Academy to be the spot where hobbies turn into genuine joy, where showing up feels natural instead of obligatory.
Our Story
Founded in 2018, Excel Academy started from frustration. Our founder took three different pottery classes in one year. Each one felt rushed. Instructors overwhelmed. Zero personal attention. So she decided to do it backwards — small groups, careful pacing, real mentorship. First class had 8 people learning basic watercolor. Word spread. Now we run 47 courses across 13 different hobby categories, but we've kept that same principle: quality over quantity, always. We've trained nearly 3,200 people since we opened. Most of them came back for another course.
Our Approach
Our approach combines proven methods with modern tools. We start with discovery, align on goals, plan clearly, and execute with quality checks at every step.