In 2015, Dansean Mugambi ventured into the world of interior design, founding Dankiz Arts & Creations Limited, a business that defied conventional wisdom by thriving without the crutch of formal education in the field.
Mugambi’s initial foray into entrepreneurship started in high school, where he discovered his knack for artistry and design.
“I was an art student in high school. By the time I was in Form Two I was doing screen and fabric printing. I would buy plain t-shirts then custom-make them. I would sell to my classmates and school clubs,” he said.
This early endeavor wasn’t just about making profits; it was the canvas on which he painted his passion and laid the foundation for what was to come.
Although Mugambi received an admission letter to the University of Nairobi after scoring a commendable B+ on his form four exams, financial constraints compelled him to pivot away from traditional academia.
Undeterred, he chose to continue his t-shirt printing business from the confines of his mother’s home.
This decision marked the first step towards a trajectory that would be defined by resilience, resourcefulness, and a burning desire to succeed against all odds.
It was his unwavering commitment to his craft that set him apart.
He transformed t-shirt printing into an art form, recognizing that his unique approach resonated with customers who craved more than just garments.
“I have worked with many artistes in the t-shirt printing business including Juliani, Eko Dyda and Jua Cali,” he says.
His orders would soon grow to more than 3,000 t-shirts in a month
This realization spurred him to explore the world of interior design, a domain that seemed far removed from his current path.
However, his intuitive understanding of aesthetics and design principles, honed through years of creative exploration, proved to be his secret weapon.
Embracing his newfound passion, Mugambi embarked on a journey that showcased the power of hands-on experience.
Drawing from his practical skills and artistic intuition, he set about transforming spaces, one project at a time.
He started small, relying on the trust of friends who allowed him to experiment with their homes.
Mugambi’s breakthrough arrived through the Tony Elumelu Foundation, a platform that provided him with invaluable mentorship and seed capital.
“After research I introduced 3D panels. I was among the first people to import it in Kenya. I began selling them from my house and later got this showroom in Nyali,” he notes.
This leap into uncharted territory underscored his willingness to embrace change and his commitment to offering clients something distinct and exceptional.
As his business thrived, Mugambi recognized the importance of continuous learning.
Despite lacking formal education in interior design, he seized every opportunity to expand his horizons.
Online courses became his virtual classrooms, where he delved into topics such as color theory, space arrangement, and planning.
Dankiz Arts & Creations Limited emerged as a force to be reckoned with, adorning homes, offices, and commercial spaces across Nairobi and Mombasa.
Mugambi’s portfolio boasted an impressive list of clients, ranging from bars to hotels and shopping malls.
His business also provides earnings to more than 50 people.
