In the heart of Nairobi, a vibrant showroom on Quarry Road hums with the sounds of hammers and saws, crafting a symphony of creativity and hard work. This is the world of Furniture Zoo, where a rainbow of brightly coloured furniture pieces fill the space, showcasing the artistry of Kenya’s emerging furniture industry. At the helm of this creative powerhouse is Emily Wangui, a 38-year-old entrepreneur whose passion for design and determination have made her a force to be reckoned with in the furniture manufacturing sector.
Emily Wangui, known to her online followers as Wakeji Kamore, is the energetic and visionary proprietor behind Furniture Zoo. Her journey into the world of furniture began not with years of carpentry experience, but with a serendipitous discovery on YouTube. Wangui came across an interview with Jumoke Dada, a 26-year-old Nigerian entrepreneur who built her successful furniture store, Taellio, from scratch. This moment of inspiration ignited a fire in Wangui, pushing her to turn her own dreams into reality. Furniture Zoo was born out of Wangui’s desire to create a space where quality, custom-made furniture could be crafted to meet the specific needs of her clients. Her showroom is more than just a place to buy furniture—it’s a hub of creativity and craftsmanship, where every piece is carefully designed and built with precision.
Starting a furniture business from scratch required more than just passion; it demanded a significant investment in machinery, raw materials, and skilled labour. Wangui’s journey was not without its challenges. One of her earliest hurdles was navigating the world of furniture manufacturing equipment, a field in which she had little prior knowledge. Trusting a seasoned carpenter to guide her, she carefully selected the necessary tools and machinery, laying the foundation for what would become a successful enterprise. With just 18 months in business, Furniture Zoo has grown to employ a team of 20, including 14 salaried core members who manage administration, joinery, and finishing. The team also includes contractors specialising in sofa framing, upholstery, welding, and lathing, all contributing their expertise to ensure that each piece meets the highest standards of quality.
Furniture Zoo caters to a diverse clientele, with about 60% of its customers being expatriates who have settled in Kenya. Local Kenyans, particularly those residing in Nairobi’s suburbs, make up another 34% of the customer base, while 6% includes commercial clients such as resorts, hotels, and restaurants. Wangui’s team handles 10 – 15 orders per month, with projects ranging from single accent chairs to complete furniture sets for commercial spaces. Each piece is tailored to the client’s specifications, from the style and size to the choice of wood grains, stains, and finishes. This bespoke approach has earned the company a loyal following, with clients returning time and again to furnish their homes and businesses with unique, high-quality pieces.
As a woman in a predominantly male industry, Wangui has faced her share of challenges, particularly when sourcing materials or leading a team of mostly male employees. However, she believes that being a woman in the furniture manufacturing business has also worked in her favour. Many of her clients are women tasked with furnishing homes, hotels, and restaurants, and they appreciate the unique perspective and attention to detail that Wangui brings to her work. She approaches every challenge with a willingness to learn, turning obstacles into stepping stones for success. Her story is not just one of business acumen but of breaking barriers and paving the way for other women in the industry.
Looking ahead, Wangui is excited about the future of Furniture Zoo. The rapid urbanisation in Nairobi and across the region is driving demand for quality furniture, particularly as the housing market continues to expand. Residential construction in Kenya alone accounts for more than 50% of a market worth over US$16 billion annually, providing a wealth of opportunities for businesses like Furniture Zoo. Her vision for Furniture Zoo extends beyond the showroom floor, as she continues to innovate and expand her business.
