11 Sep 2014

A budding young entrepreneur, Mr Teko Villander, who hails from Bokspits in the Kgalagadi District has an undying love for individual style, fashion trends, and art products.

The 27-year-old, Mr Villander is fast becoming a carpentry star. He tells BOPA that since he launched his carpentry business in 2006, the business has always attracted a lot of interest.

The young entrepreneur uses wood to design trays, chopping boards, pen and pencil holders, braai tongs, jewellery boxes, coffee mug racks, key-holders and many other products. 

He also uses bones and wood to design necklaces, earrings and bracelets to cater for his customers who are into fashion. Mr Villander describes his designs as unpretentious with a heavy dose of attitude, distinctive and daring in nature. 

He says the fact that his products are hand-made, durable, and of high quality, clearly gives him an upper hand when compared to others in the same business because many customers are mostly attracted to his business.

Another factor that contributes to him having a larger market, he says is his price range.

“I sell my products cheaply as compared to my competitors. 

Most of my competitors do not usually cater for the unemployed class and customers from the middle class. I have made it my business to cater for these people who cannot afford to buy expensive products,” he points out.

He is happy that he is able to cater and satisfy the needs of all customers regardless of their financial background,” he says.

Mr Villander’s wooden trays are priced between P180 and P300 each depending on the size and shape and his braai tongs, pen and pencil holders are worth P50 each, he says, adding that his to die-for jewelry boxes are worth P150; stylish earrings go for P30 while necklaces and bracelets can be bought for P40.

The young carpenter says his passion for carpentry started in 2001 when he was a Design and Technology student at Tsabong Junior Secondary school.

“My love for the subject drove me to be the designer I am today; I was very good at the subject and the fact that I like to experiment and try out new things also influenced me to join the carpentry business,” he says.

He says he conceptualises how something can be constructed and then he sits down to make it.

He says upon completing his Form Five at Matsha College in 2005 with 34 points, he began his small carpentry business the following year, beginning with only a small market for his products then.

His growing passion for carpentry later pushed him to enroll for a course in carpentry and joinery - C level at Lobatse Brigade Centre in 2008 until 2009, which he passed with a distinction.

To sharpen his skills in Carpentry and to also give his business an opportunity to grow, Mr Villander says that he used the profits he gained from selling his products to finance his education at Tswelelopele Brigade Centre in Ramotswa to study Carpentry and joinery - B level in 2010 and 2011 after which he was awarded a Credit achievement.

In 2012, he expanded his business and started producing in bulk; thereby relocating from his home in Tsabong, where he initially operated from, to Gaborone to tap into a much larger and trendier market.

“My move has attracted a more expansion-based approach to my business, and unlike in the past, I no longer move from house to house marketing and selling my products,” he points out, adding that he now advertises his products through social media such as facebook and twitter.

His products can be found at Tsabong Cultural Centre and also at Gaborone West shopping mall, where tourists and individuals can buy them.

Further, revellers at the Annual Khawa Dune Challenge event usually give him good business as they are fascinated and buy his designs in large quantities.

For those interested in the carpentry business, Mr Villander advises them to first establish a market, gain skills and knowledge to effectively and efficiently run their businesses.

“Decide what product you want to produce, for whom and in what quantities. 

You will need to target customers for your products through advertising. Your product knowledge on the other hand will enhance profit. 

Start your business from home to keep overhead expenses down. Finally, be creative and try innovative ways to market your line,” he advises.

To the unemployed youth, his advice is that they should open their eyes and face the realities of life and start their own businesses, adding that just like him, they can start small and end big.

“Fear of poverty, lack and unemployment motivated me to work with my hands. I am an established carpenter, I supply a lot of people with my products, I am now living a sustainable and self-reliant life,” he says.

Mr Villander says that he plans to supply different shops with his products because by doing so, his business will flourish. 

He says he wants his business to be a major player in the carpentry industry country wide, adding that the future for his company is bright because it has been operating not for long, but he has had many positive responses and widespread interest from customers.  ENDS