Gaotlhobogwe turns passion for upholstery into business
Pauline Dikuelo | Tuesday March 7, 2023 06:00
The business, which operates besides the busy road that passes by Partial residential area in Gaborone, specialises in the production of furniture, repair of the old furniture and car interiors.
It manufactures sofas, chest of drawers, television stands, headboards and wardrobes amongst others. They also fit car interiors which include door panels, dashboards, as well as chairs.
Narrating his journey to BusinessMonitor, Gaotlhobogwe who is aged 30, said his passion for upholstery was sparked by his neighbour who used to provide the same services as his. “My journey started back in 2010 after completing my BGCSE, we used to have a neighbour who was doing upholstery.
I used to watch him and developed interest, one day I asked him to teach me and he agreed,” he revealed. “We then worked together for quite some time before he decided to move back to his home country.
By that time I was also admitted at Boitekanelo College.” Upon completion of his studies at Boitekanelo, he started looking for jobs but was unsuccessful. Gaotlhobogwe then decided to pursue his passion for upholstery.
He saved some money and managed to purchase machinery, material and started production. “I used to stand by the road and advertise my services; I would normally run after cars, stop them and offer to provide my service on the spot. One day I met this man who was charmed by my hustle. He let me fix his car and has been supporting me since then,” he added.
Even though the reception has been rocky, Gaotlhobogwe says he has managed to secure some clients who usually refer others to his business. Currently, Purelight clientele includes individuals, lodges and companies. He said his business is also affected during rainy seasons as they operate in an open structure something that he said has also cost him a potential client who insisted on buying from them once they operate in a warehouse.
According to Gaotlhobogwe, they are currently looking for an affordable warehouse to expand their business as it has the potential. Last year they applied for the Youth Development Fund and managed to get funding to the tune of P100, 000. “We haven’t started using the money yet as we are looking for a warehouse. We want to run our business professionally as we have bigger plans of supplying furniture shops and even owning one where we intend to sell our products directly. We want to open furniture shops in Nata, Sebina and other places across the country.
Once we get a warehouse we will then buy the other machinery and start producing in bulk,” he said. In addition he said they have approached other furniture companies with an intention of supplying them. “We courier our products across the country to places like Orapa, Kasane to mention a few. Currently, I have four employees and have plans to hire more as we expand our operations,” he said.