07 Sep 2018

With shrinking employment opportunities across the country many young people are  venturing into businesses to escape the jaws of poverty.

One such youth is owner of Baitshoki Investment, Mr Kefentse Baitshoki who tapped into the furniture manufacturing business to make ends meet.

In an interview, Mr Baitshoki explained that his business specialised in furniture design, kitchen fittings, car interior as well as manufacturing sleigh beds, head boards, couches, upholstery, carpentry and joinery.

The 34-year-old carpentry and joinery graduate from Lehututu Brigade stated that he worked at Chobe Design for two years after he completed the programme, but has since been self-employed.

“The two years experience I gained while I was a Chobe Design employee gave me hope and assurance that I can make it in the industry,” he said.

He said he sponsored his business with his savings, adding that he was driven by passion to change his life and be his own boss.  His business operated from Gaborone but later relocated to Kanye because of high rental fees.

He has found a more convenient and reasonable space to operate from in terms of rent.

Mr Baitshoki said he applied three years later for a youth fund and that  he was funded to the tune of P100 00 in 2014 to upgrade the business.

Mr Baitshoki credits the Kanye and surrounding communities for boosting his business.

“Most of the time I deal with clients I met during expositions and market days where I get the opportunity to showcase my work and interact with different people,” he stated.

Mr Boitshoko credits his marketing strategy for the success of his business, stating that he made sure he offered good quality service up to his customer’s satisfaction, and that some furniture shops in Kanye referred clients to him to repair their furniture.

As most entrepreneurs, he also took his business to social media platforms to market his craft as well as through flyers and business cards.    

“I survive in this business because of uniqueness and creativity and my work speaks for me,” he said.

After realising that the business was sustaining itself, he employed two youths to help him.

Mr Baitshoki said although he faced a lot of competition from established brands, he would not give up and was looking forward to increasing his clientele. ENDS