Sylvanus Woodcraft Ltd is owned by  Sylvanus Onipede, who was born in Hackney in the East End of London in 1966, to Nigerian parents. They returned to Lagos with the family soon after his birth. Sylvanus went to school in Nigeria until the age of 13, but then he contracted meningitis and lost his hearing, which put an end to his normal school career.

At the age of 16, Sylvanus gained a place to study cabinet and furniture making at the Trade Centre in Lagos, Nigeria. He studied there for three years, worked for a local furniture manufacturer and started his own small business. 

In 1987 he returned to London, and a year later continued his studies in furniture design at the London College of Furniture (now Guildhall University) under Bob Thornhill.  He worked on his own  projects, and did some contract and voluntary work for charity.

In 1990, he set up his own business, Sylvanus Woodcraft Ltd, with the help of the Prince's Trust. He now lives in central Hackney and has his own studio workshop a few minutes away from his home.  He undertakes individual commissions, as well as collaborating on larger projects with architects, interior designers and other contractors.

Sylvanus' hearing has been aided by a Cochlear Implant since 1997. He loves music and is an enthusiastic salsa and tango dancer in his spare time.