WoodiesShack: The Journey of a Zimbabwean Furniture Manufacturer

Mlamuli Moyo, a born and bred Zimbabwean, has taken the furniture manufacturing industry to another level since he founded WoodiesShack in 2007.

Mlamuli started his journey after completing his high school education. Not knowing what he wanted to do, he took a gap year at Edgars stores before pursuing a degree in accounting at Midlands State University. However, it was a friend who introduced him to the world of furniture manufacturing, and everything changed from there.

“My friend’s uncles already had a workshop in Makokoba, and we decided to go into business together,” Mlamuli said.

He added, “We initially specialised in baby furniture under the name KiddiesNest, but we pivoted to make all kinds of furniture as the business grew.”

Satisfied Customers

Now operating under the name WoodiesShack, Mlamuli’s company specializes in teak furniture and custom designs. The company has built beds for a lodge in Victoria Falls and has been invited to Zimtrade workshops to prepare and educate entrepreneurs on how to export their products.

While Mlamuli has had many highlights, his real joy comes from satisfied customers and referrals.

“I love getting a design and creating something out of it and watching the customer’s reaction when they see the finished product. It gives me a sense of fulfilment that I’m contributing something positive to the world,” he said.

Startup Hurdles

However, building a business in furniture manufacturing has not been easy as it was met with many hurdles. High turnover rates and procuring the right quality of wood have been some of the challenges he’s faced. But, Mlamuli believes that the key to success lies in team building, problem-solving, and strategic thinking.

“As long as you treat furniture manufacturing as a business and not just a hobby, you’ll succeed,” he advised.

Mlamuli’s story is one of perseverance, dedication, and hard work. As he continues to navigate the ever-changing landscape of furniture manufacturing, he promised that he will always strive to produce high-quality furniture that exceeds his customers’ expectations.