Passion for home decor: Teacher builds successful business

Sakhile Ngwenya always dreamed of turning houses into beautiful homes with her interior decoration and home decor skills.

As a dedicated teacher at Dominican Convent High School, she did not let anything stop her from pursuing her passion. She founded SK Pòsh Interiors, a company that specialises in curtains, Venetian blinds and various interior designs.

She started from humble beginnings in Bulawayo’s Nketa 8 suburb, where she developed a keen eye for interior design and curtains. She told Saturday Leisure how research was crucial for her business.

“I had always known that one day I will have a brand that focuses on home decor but I didn’t know how and where to start. So, I started by using a runner who used to bring me sheets and bedding from South Africa. I felt that’s not what I wanted. So, I did my research and travelled and met different suppliers in the neighbouring countries, gathering enough information I needed,” she said.

She learned about the diverse preferences of the affluent, who were her main target market. In July 2022, she officially registered her company. She said her childhood inspired her to focus on curtains, blinds and interior decoration.

“What inspired me to focus on those is that I never used to like seeing curtains at home hung on nails growing up. I didn’t like the look. I always loved beautiful places and my belief is that a curtain defines the style and personality of any homeowner. I believe that before investing in good furniture, start with dressing your windows,” she said.

She faced many challenges, such as difficult clients who refused to pay or bargained too much, and the intricate work of cutting, sewing and adding eyelets by hand. She also had to balance her roles as a teacher, a mother and an entrepreneur. She often sacrificed sleep to manage her business, advertise on social media and maintain an online presence, while teaching in the afternoon.

Her 100 percent blackout curtain was her star product, which attracted a niche market. She also loved eyelet curtains, but she was flexible to meet her clients’ needs and wants. She worked with many prestigious individuals and companies, such as the CEO of Lobel’s Biscuits in Guruve and the

Tongofa family, who own Aqua Drilling Company. Her most significant clients were new house owners, especially those from the diaspora.

She has a BCom in Marketing Management (Midlands State University) and a Post Graduate Diploma in Education (Lupane State University). She is a minimalist and relies on self-teaching and research to stay ahead. She said her authenticity, honesty, transparency, and professionalism have earned her a good reputation among her clients.

She has ambitious plans to expand her business in the future.

“There are plans for expansion. I am currently working on my showroom in Bulawayo which will be launched very soon. However, I plan to introduce linen, bathroom accessories and my own brand of scented candles. I also want to push a clothing brand, PoshPanache which is inspired by my love for fashion and looking good.

“I may also diversify to something totally different from home decor and fashion but I’m still doing my research. People should be on the lookout,” shared Ngwenya. @MbuleloMpofu