Entrepreneur turns college business idea into thriving venture

When David Njenga was studying for his diploma in mechanical engineering at the Machakos Institute of Technology, one of the requirements he had to fulfil before graduating was write a project proposal.

While his peers did something related to the course, he proposed a furniture business within the Karen Shopping Centre. The proposal was a reflection of his childhood dream.

After graduating, Njenga, now 35, did not want to be employed but with few options available, he took up a job as a mechanic at CMC. After a short stint at the company he resigned to help his uncle run a furniture business.

And three years later, he has turned his college project proposal into a fledgling furniture business.

Using Sh30,000 savings from his previous jobs, he bought workshop tools and a sawing machine, which, using his mechanical engineering skills, he tweaked to use electricity — and launched his venture.

Using his self-taught skills and the drive to do the furniture business differently, he opened a makeshift workshop in Karen in 2007 and although teething troubles were in abundance, so was the motivation.

For some time, he operated the furniture business alone, but later hired two employees to help him, increasing production. However, sales remained low.

To reach out to the customers and boost sales, he began distributing flyers and advertising at shopping malls.

The efforts paid off, spurring growth in his business and seeing him move from the kiosk to a large workshop with a showroom in the same area.

Currently, Njenga’s company – Stardom Interiors – rakes in profit of not less than Sh300,000 every month and employs 20 people.

Besides making all types of furniture, real estate developers contract him to furnish new houses.

He attributes the growth to self-discipline. “I ensure that there is consistency in the business, and it starts by paying attention to the nitty-gritties. For example, if the office should be open by 8am for six days a week, I ensure this happens as required.”

Transparency, sacrifice and commitment have seen him scale to greater heights. Record-keeping has also helped the entrepreneur identify the company’s weaknesses and strengths.

For instance, he says, through record keeping he was able to establish the peak season of the business.

“I know for sure that we are very busy during the month of September but very slow in February,” he said.

Njenga says that throughout the entrepreneurial journey he learnt to listen to customers and never to ignore their demands.

“However complicated a client’s designs may seem, I ensure that their needs are met. By respecting their needs, I have managed to get referrals and repeat customers which are crucial for the growth of any business.”

Statistics indicate that 75 per cent of startups close shop within the first three years. Njenga says that this is due to the fact that young entrepreneurs lack originality and the passion to grow their business.

“With fast changing dynamics, entrepreneurs need to be accommodative to erratic market trends,” he said.

For instance, Njenga says, he has noted that customers prefer matt fabrics and finish when it comes to furniture. The not so shiny (matt) finish is a western style mostly associated with elegance.

Njenga also advises entrepreneurs to take an insurance cover, just in case tragedy strikes.

“Growing a business is enough challenge. It is therefore important to insure it to have peace of mind at all time,” he said.