It is difficult to run a business in a country where home-brewed products and services are not supported and embraced as they should be. But, this didn?t stop the Mafikeng-born Tshego Chanda from starting her own furniture business. She is the mastermind behind Sebilo Creations, a business which offers an array of services including architecture, interior design, contemporary furniture design and furniture manufacturing.
Where It All Began
As a teenager I was quite creative with everything I touched. Friends thought I would pursue a career in the fashion industry, but interior design chose me. At the tender age of 13, I designed floor drawing layouts for my mother?s house ? the house was built from the drawings. I was present at every construction stage though I didn?t know anything about building materials apart from brick, cement, sand and stone aggregate.
I also used to play around with furniture layout in the house; I felt the urge to re-arrange my mother?s furniture at any given time because it wasn?t aesthetically pleasing, and that usually got me into trouble. I was finally introduced to architecture and interior design?in Grade 12.
Taking a Step Further
After I matriculated I enrolled for studies in Architecture at the former Technikon Pretoria. Five months into the course I was employed by an architectural firm in Pretoria. My love for furniture and interior design magnified when I was designing houses. The passion I have for this industry inspired my career choice, and this led me to start my own company.
Business Background
Sebilo Creations is a young company which aims to apply an African feel to its products. I registered the business in 2008 and operations started in 2009. The name was inspired by a Setswana idiom ?bana ba mmala o sebilo? directly translated ?children of the soil (of a darker skin).? African people are known to be hard, strong and warm ? these characteristics are translated into Sebilo Creations team and work ethic.
Challenges
Finance was the greatest challenge in getting the business off ground. I had no funding back up. I had to fund the business from my own pocket. It would have been great if I had had a mentor to guide me through this journey and advising on crucial elements of the business. I relied on the internet for information. I also asked friends and family for advice and I read self-help books.
Another major challenge is gender discrimination by a number of our potential black clients. Women need to prove themselves twice as much in business.
Clients
Sebilo Creations? clients are young families/adults with a modest income and are looking for the same products and quality that high end customers can afford, yet at a cheaper price.
When we do house calls for purpose-made furniture and interior design, the response we receive is phenomenal. On the other hand, some think we don?t have the ability and the capability to produce the high standard of work. This is largely due to perceptions about new black-owned businesses being unprofessional and not having quality products. It?s going to take us a while to break that mentality and that?s the challenge we are willing to take head on.
My Greatest Lesson
Passion for what you do should be the driving force behind opening your business. Keep on learning; a crash course on handling company finances is essential. Keep abreast of what?s happening in your industry and keep up with technological trends. Above all, enjoy every step of the way.
- P.Mash
For more information, check the Sebilo Creations Facebook page:?www.facebook.com/pages/Sebilo-Creations/102032366583814
Tshego?s email address is:?tshegoc@webmail.co.z
patrice oneal monkey bread letter from santa sweet potato pie sweet potato pie twas the night before christmas norad santa
No comments:
Post a Comment