By: Mpho Shelile

Maseru – In the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship, Mamakhetha Sehlabaka founder of Garden Experience has carved a niche by blending quality furniture with personal customization and flexible payment solutions.

Her business journey is a testament to identifying market gaps and creating innovative solutions to meet customer needs.

From importing couches from South Africa to setting up a thriving lay-buy system, Sehlabaka’s venture reflects a keen understanding of both consumer preferences and financial accessibility.

Sehlabaka’s entrepreneurial spark ignited from observing a growing desire among local customers for personalized furniture that mirrors their unique tastes. “Many people wanted furniture that aligned with their style and space needs,” she recalls.

However, the local market offered limited options, often forcing customers to settle for mass-produced designs. Recognizing this demand, Sehlabaka decided to bridge the gap by importing high-quality couches from South Africa and offering customization options, empowering customers to design pieces perfectly suited to their homes.

Building the business required strategic planning and seamless execution. Sehlabaka began by forming partnerships with trusted South African suppliers to ensure product quality and timely deliveries. The next step involved designing a system that allowed customers to personalize every detail of their couches, ranging from fabric type and color to design style.

To make premium furniture more accessible, she introduced a lay-buy plan, allowing customers to pay over a period of three to six months. “Our goal was to remove financial barriers without compromising on quality or aesthetics,” she explains.

The success of the business became evident when customer interest soared. Sehlabaka recalls, “When clients enthusiastically embraced the idea of customization and gave us repeat business, we knew we had tapped into an underserved market.” The high adoption rate of the lay-buy plan further validated the business model, demonstrating that the company was not only offering desirable products but also making them financially attainable.

Sehlabaka’s business stands out due to its blend of customization and financial flexibility. “Many furniture stores sell pre-made designs, but we allow customers to design their own pieces, giving them control over every aspect,” she says. This personalized approach ensures that each product is unique. The lay-buy system is another differentiator, offering customers the convenience of spreading payments over several months, thus making high-quality furniture accessible to a broader audience.

Revenue is generated through two primary streams, couch sales and customization fees. Customers can either pay a 60% deposit upfront with the remaining 40% on delivery or opt for the lay-buy plan. This model ensures a steady cash flow, even during slow sales periods. “The lay-buy option provides us with predictable income and allows customers to furnish their homes without financial strain,” Sehlabaka explains.

Sehlabaka’s target audience includes homeowners, interior designers, and individuals furnishing new spaces. The business engages this demographic primarily through social media platforms, where it showcases design possibilities and customized pieces. Partnerships with local home décor businesses further expand outreach.

“We also rely heavily on word-of-mouth referrals, which we earn through excellent customer service and post-purchase support,” she adds.

The company’s marketing approach leverages the power of visuals and customer stories. “We showcase before-and-after photos of customized furniture, illustrating the transformation our products bring to homes,” Sehlabaka shares.

Seasonal promotions, especially during holidays, are used to attract new customers and boost visibility. The lay-buy plan is also highlighted as a key feature, making premium furniture more attainable.

Like many entrepreneurs, Sehlabaka faced several challenges when starting her business. “Navigating the logistics of importing furniture and ensuring consistent quality was a steep learning curve,” she reflects.

Establishing trust with customers unfamiliar with the lay-buy system was another hurdle. However, through clear communication and reliable service, the company demonstrated the value of flexible payment options, gradually gaining customer confidence.

Financial management is a priority, especially during challenging periods. “We carefully monitor our cash flow, relying on the steady payments from lay-buy customers to maintain operations,” Sehlabaka explains. The business also negotiates with suppliers to reduce costs and regularly reviews expenses to ensure sustainability. “We focus on essential areas like marketing and customer service to keep the business resilient.”

Sehlabaka is particularly proud of two major achievements, launching the customization service and introducing the lay-buy plan. “These innovations have allowed us to meet diverse customer needs and make quality furniture more accessible,” she says. Building long-term relationships with both suppliers and customers has also been a significant accomplishment, reinforced by the satisfaction and loyalty of repeat clients.

Running a business has been a transformative experience for Sehlabaka, shaping her leadership style and personal growth. “I’ve become more decisive and resilient, learning to manage both customer expectations and team dynamics effectively,” she shares. The competitive nature of the market has also taught her the importance of adaptability and staying focused on long-term goals despite challenges.

Looking ahead, Sehlabaka envisions expanding the product line to include dining sets, bedroom furniture, and other home furnishings, all customizable to customer preferences. “We also plan to open more branches in different regions and enhance our online presence with tools that allow customers to visualize their designs before placing orders,” she reveals.

To those considering starting a business, Sehlabaka offers practical advice: “Understand your market and customer needs before you begin. Always prioritize quality and be prepared for challenges. Flexibility is crucial, especially when it comes to finances, offering payment plans can help maintain cash flow and attract more customers. Most importantly, be patient; success takes time.”

According to Sehlabaka, the key to sustaining a successful business lies in customer satisfaction and consistent quality. “Listen to customer feedback and be willing to adapt to market changes,” she advises. Building strong relationships with suppliers and customers, alongside effective financial management, are also essential components for long-term success. “Innovate continuously and focus on providing value, and your business will thrive,” she concludes.