When the COVID-19 pandemic dealt a death knell to an event organising business in 2020, a couple from Umsunduzi in KwaZulu-Natal tapped on their passion for interior design.
Barely three years later, the husband and wife duo are reaping the rewards, creating much-needed employment along the way.
This is the story of Busisekile and Sibonga Shelembe, the directors of BDesigns Furniture in Merrivale.
Speaking to Vuk’uzenzele about their journey, Busisekile said this venture started in 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown.
“When COVID-19 hit, our sector [events management] was the hardest it. Fortunately for us, I can sew. We are both good with our hands. We started [making furniture] casually for our home and friends...” she recalled.
In 2022, the business moved to a manufacturing office in the area.
Early this year, BDesigns moved again to a factory space as the business grew.
“The first factory was much smaller than the one we are in now.”
While the couple has since revived its events management business, they have fully committed themselves to growing the furniture-making start-up.
BDesigns currently employs seven full-time staff. The team comprises seamstresses, upholsters, carpenters and a general worker.
“I did a short course online on interior design but this is something that came to me as a passion.”
According to Busisekile the ultimate goal for BDesigns is to have a commercial showroom and a shop where customers can do walk-ins.
BDesigns produces head- boards, couches, dining chairs, ottomans, cushions, throws and runners. The business also offers carpentry services for built-in cupboards and wardrobes.
While the business was mostly self-funded, BDesigns did receive assistance from the Umsunduzi Local Municipality in the form of a generator.
“Everything that you see here is self-funded,” she said.
The generator came in handy during the frustrating episodes of loadshedding.
“I was very angry with government. On the one hand, they were saying we should be starting businesses and create jobs and yet there was this sabotage of not having electricity,” she said. “I wrote to the mayor saying we would be closing doors because of this issue.”
Thankfully, the municipality came to her rescue with the much-needed generator, which cost about R20 000.
For more information about BDesigns Furniture, contact Busisekile on 083 282 6038 or email: Busisekile@live.co.za. Visit their Instagram page @ bdesignsfurniture Instagram.
For more information on how to receive support from the Msunduzi Local Municipality, email: led@msunduzi.gov.za or contact
080 000 1868. You can also visit the municipality’s website on www.msunduzi.gov.za
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