Discover SIMPLY OAK™, a premier European White Oak flooring provider led by Victoria Player. With over 21 years of luxury market expertise, the company delivers exquisite, sustainably-sourced flooring solutions to builders, architects, and designers globally.
Her Story
About Victoria Katharine
Victoria Player is the President and Owner of SIMPLY OAK™, a premier provider of bespoke European wood flooring and custom architectural wood products for luxury residential and commercial projects worldwide. With over two decades of experience in high-end sales, business development, and operations, Victoria has built a reputation for delivering innovative solutions and exceptional craftsmanship to the architecture and design community. Her leadership is defined by strategic vision, a commitment to quality, and a dedication to creating spaces that are both timeless and functional.
Under Victoria’s guidance, SIMPLY OAK™ has expanded its offerings beyond flooring to include custom wall panels, artisanal stair components, patio decking, and ceiling treatments, all crafted with meticulous attention to detail and sustainability. She has overseen projects of global significance, including the Art House at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre in Mumbai and the Hoback Club in Jackson Hole, ensuring each installation meets international standards of excellence. Passionate about sustainability and biophilic design, Victoria integrates environmentally conscious practices into every project, reflecting her deep commitment to ocean conservation and responsible use of natural resources.
Beyond her professional achievements, Victoria is an avid paddle boarder and ocean advocate, using her platform to promote awareness and protection of marine environments. She combines her love for the water with her business acumen, inspiring her team and clients to prioritize both design excellence and ecological responsibility. Her professional philosophy centers on delivering outstanding client experiences, fostering innovation, and maintaining an unwavering commitment to quality, establishing her as a respected leader, mentor, and trusted partner in the global design and construction community.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Victoria Katharine
01What do you attribute your success to?
Honesty, integrity and relationship-building; being transparent with clients and presenting solutions when problems arise. Perseverance, grit and reinvesting profits into a self-funded company built while raising her daughter as a single mother.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
From an old boss in the private jet industry: 'If you throw enough shit against the wall, some of it's gonna stick.'
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Go for it. Believe in yourself, persevere, ignore the haters, seek mentorship, learn from mistakes and take every opportunity.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Biggest challenge: operating in a male-dominated construction and architecture environment where women are often the only female in the room. Opportunity: continued global growth, securing high-profile projects and building partnerships with top architecture firms.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty is the cornerstone of both my professional and personal life. I value transparency, integrity, and accountability in every interaction, whether I am leading a team, collaborating with clients, or nurturing relationships with family and friends. I believe that trust forms the foundation for meaningful connections and long-term success, and I strive to approach every decision and commitment with sincerity, respect, and a strong sense of responsibility.
Her Content Hub
Articles by Victoria Katharine
VICTORIA KATHARINE PLAYER: STRIVING TO PROCURE THE BEST EUROPEAN WHITE OAK TO ENHANCE ANY HOME, OFFICE, OR BUSINESS
Discover how Victoria Player's passion for European White Oak and uncompromising commitment to excellence has transformed SIMPLY OAK™ into a global leader in luxury flooring solutions.
As the President and owner of SIMPLY OAK™, Victoria Player is committed to finding the finest products available while providing unmatched, detailed service to builders, designers, architects, and end-users alike.
Victoria expertly guides her clients through a selection process that clarifies the various characteristics and specifications of different woods. The result? A breathtaking, premium product that enhances any home, office, or business.
With over 21 years of experience in the luxury high-end market, Victoria began her career in the private jet sector. For the past 17 years, she has focused on exporting White Oak flooring from Europe, and she has recently broadened her brand by offering in-demand wood species to provide these outstanding products to clients around the globe. She strongly believes that her company maintains her high standards for quality and sustainability.
Originating from the prestigious city of Oxford, England, Victoria considers herself a genuine "World" citizen, having lived in various countries. When she is not working with her clients, you can find her discovering new places or enjoying water activities, where she takes pleasure in paddle-boarding, snorkeling, and sailing.
At SIMPLY OAK™, our team is dedicated to offering exquisite flooring solutions that enhance the aesthetic of any environment, whether it’s a home, office, or commercial establishment. It is our priority to carefully select the finest quality European White Oak and provide outstanding services to builders, architects, designers, and end users alike.
European White Oak is celebrated for its attractive appearance and delightful tactile qualities. It stands out as a superior option compared to other types of wood due to its density, stability, and beauty. Historically, this wood has been utilized in the construction of some of Europe’s most stunning cathedrals and castles. With appropriate care, the allure and worth of this wood will only grow over time. Although it is often viewed as a luxury item, European White Oak is also appreciated for its warmth and inviting feel. In fact, even Victoria’s childhood home featured this beautiful flooring, and she aims to make this experience available to a broader audience.
SIMPLY OAK™ sources its wood from landowners who practice sustainable production methods, and all products are certified to FSC® and PEFC™ standards. The wood is then processed at a mill that is committed to traditional craftsmanship. Victoria’s team assists clients through a comprehensive selection process that details all the wood’s characteristics and specifications, including pattern, stain, and beveling choices.
SIMPLY OAK™ has successfully completed multimillion-dollar projects across the United States, Europe, Latin America, and Asia. She remarks, "We are a global company and eagerly anticipate collaborating with clients in new regions.”
Victoria is an exceptionally skilled professional who prioritizes timely communication with both clients and suppliers. She recognizes the significance of closely monitoring suppliers to guarantee that every phase of the process is carried out within the anticipated timeline. In instances of delays, she advocates for transparency and honesty with clients, clarifying any alterations to plans or schedules. She acknowledges that challenges are an inherent aspect of life, yet she firmly believes that transparency is crucial for swiftly addressing them. Victoria takes pride in her straightforward and sincere approach, which has cultivated trust and loyalty among her customers.
When customers are considering flooring purchases, there is frequently an emotional element that influences their decision-making process. For new clients, it is essential to offer support throughout the entire journey, and that is where Victoria excels. She understands that some customers may need extra guidance, and she is more than willing to provide that assistance even years after the installation is finished. Victoria values maintaining contact with clients through follow-up calls or notes, not just as a sound business practice but also as a means to keep SIMPLY OAK™ at the forefront of their minds. It brings her personal satisfaction to know that her clients are enjoying their flooring, and this high level of service often results in repeat business and referrals. Customers recognize that SIMPLY OAK™ is a dependable and straightforward solution for their flooring requirements.
Victoria cherishes honesty and integrity as fundamental values. She is committed to being open and straightforward with her clients, placing a high value on hard work and dedication. Most importantly, Victoria aims to make her clients feel appreciated and cared for throughout the entire process. While she provides a white-glove experience, she also incorporates a softer, more feminine approach.
In a male-dominated industry, Victoria recognizes the necessity of having a strong personality to seize business opportunities. She frequently interacts with men, including developers, architects, and installers. This reality requires her to be mentally equipped to confront any perceived weaknesses and stereotypes, as she understands that failing to do so could result in being overlooked or dismissed. Nevertheless, Victoria views the challenge of overcoming these stereotypes as a vital aspect of her journey to becoming a successful business leader.
Victoria is dedicated to fostering the growth of SIMPLY OAK™ and positioning the brand as a leading player in the industry. She acknowledges the product's strengths and the value of the team supporting it, and she is eager to discover how far they can advance the business. As technology progresses, Victoria stays abreast of the latest innovations to guarantee that she can provide her clients with the finest service and products available.
In addition to her business achievements, Victoria views herself as a role model and a source of inspiration for others, especially women. She advocates for leading by example and aspires to empower other women to chase their dreams and attain success in their chosen fields. Ultimately, Victoria aims to create a flourishing business while also making a meaningful contribution to the industry and the broader community.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.