Villander uses his skill to earn a living
Lekopanye Mooketsi | Thursday January 8, 2015 11:40
This, however, does not seem is not the case with Teko Simmons Villander who resides in Gaborone West and earns a living using his skill as a craftsman.
The Afrikaans speaking Villander, originally from Tsabong says he has been creating art since he was very young and says it is a skill he inherited from his late grand father.
Even before he started school, Villander would come up with toy cars made from wire and other interesting crafts. Over time, he discovered a love for working with wood.
“That’s my passion,” he said.
Upon completing his Cambridge certificate at Matsha College, he enrolled at the Lobatse Brigade and took up a carpentry and joinery course.
Villander spent two years at the brigade before his final year at the Tswelelo Brigade in Ramotswa.
The artist was able to fund his training with money he earned from selling his After tertiary, he worked for a local company, but finally managed to set up his own workshop, which he operates from home.
His eye-catching displays at the Gaborone West shopping complex always attract a curious crowd. The collection includes sculptured tree branches as well as wooden trays. He has also designed lamps that are craftily inserted into horns.
“These special lamps are a favourite item for his customers,” he said.
The passionate artist also gives life to old bottles by decoratively layering soils in what he refers to as ‘Kalahati Sands’.
The 27-year-old Villander collects this sand from Kgalagadi. Villander also sells colourful stylish earrings’ pricing starts at P10.
An interesting piece worth noting is theconverted a car radio for domestic use. Villander placed the radio set and its speakers in wooden cases. Music of The late Lucky Dube’s could be heard blaring from the speakers.
The radio is the most expensive item there going for P750. Prices for the other artworks ranged from P60 to P200, but Villander leaves room for negotiation.
He said he has been able to combine his skills to come up with different designs.
“I didn’t want to fold my arms when I have talent. This is why you can see this marvellous work,” he said pointing at some of his designs.
Villander’s business, like any other, has its ups and downs.
For example, he pointed out that his business is seasonal.
“There is a time when there is high demand for the products,” he said, adding that at times he has to reduce prices in order to clear stock.
Villander is, however, not complaining. He might not be raking in millions but he manages to survive, he said.
“I am earning a living from this business but I want to turn professional,” he said.
Villander is sometime unable to complete some projects due to lack of funds; and some times he suffers injuries and has to put a hold on his production. Further adding to his challenges are customers who place orders and do not collect them.
After nine years in the trade, he is able to point to some progress being made and he belives the future looks bright.
So far with no real source of funding he relies on the councill and support of the Department of Youth to stay in business.
When they hold market days, they also invite him and other young entrepreneurs to exhibit. He said such events are always very fruitful.
Villander, always eager to learn, said he always gets advice from other people.
“There are people who encourage and advise me. I always listen to their advice to improve myself,” he said.
Villander sources his raw materials locally. Some of the materials have are made from recycled products.
The innovative entrepreneur believes that he has been able to persevere through hard work.
“I believe in what I am doing. I am also passionate about my job. If you want to do something, you must follow your dreams,” he said.
Villander’s dream is to one day run a tuition centre and share his skills with other young people.