Armed with nothing but his daily fare, Sammy Njau dared to dream big.
Little did he know that his passion for creating exquisite furniture would lead him to establish Tangerine Furniture, a flourishing business.
As a graduate in real estate from the University of Nairobi, Sammy’s initial path was far from entrepreneurial.
Like many recent graduates, he was drawn towards employment opportunities.
He briefly worked as an intern in a furniture showroom in Ngara, Nairobi, but it didn’t fulfill his ambitions.
“It was not a real job; just an internship, and I didn’t even complete it. It just didn’t work for me.” Sammy recalls.
Unwilling to settle for a conventional career path, Sammy turned to entrepreneurship.
With limited resources at his disposal, he became a broker, advertising and selling his former employer’s furniture while earning commissions on conversions.
His early success came from a combination of online marketing and the referrals he received, thanks to the excellent service he provided to his clients.
It was during this phase that the seeds of Tangerine Furniture were sown.
Tangerine Furniture, located in Ngara on the outskirts of Nairobi’s city center, offers a wide range of furniture, from sofa sets and dining sets to coffee tables and curtains.
Customers can place unique orders, and Tangerine’s dedicated technicians immediately spring into action to bring these visions to life. The company boasts its own showroom and workshop.
What sets Sammy Njau apart is his unwavering passion for creating exquisite furniture.
For him, it’s not just about making money; it’s about producing masterpieces that leave a lasting impression on clients. He emphasizes quality over quantity and believes in the value of delivering exceptional work.
“To me, making state-of-the-art furniture is my passion,” he says. “I believe in quality as opposed to quantity – producing masterpieces that satisfy my client.”
Honesty and integrity are at the core of Tangerine Furniture’s success.
Sammy prides himself on the transparency and trustworthiness of his business.
While challenges inevitably arise, Sammy’s commitment to maintaining a high level of service has helped him overcome hurdles, including clients who refuse to pay or delays in payments.
In addition to these challenges, Sammy faces the natural ebbs and flows of the furniture business.
Just like the seasons, there are high and low periods in this industry.
But Sammy knows that paying bills and ensuring that his employees are compensated on time are non-negotiable responsibilities.
Reflecting on his entrepreneurial journey, Sammy offers valuable advice to up-and-coming entrepreneurs.
He underscores the importance of embracing new technology, reading extensively to expand one’s knowledge, effective delegation, and a willingness to be persistent, adaptable, and flexible.
He likens the art of business management to horse riding – a balance between holding the reins tightly enough to maintain control and allowing enough slack for the freedom of movement.
