In our segment of #HustleMtaani, Nairobi Leo sat down with Steve Mbego, the founder of Moon Furniture.
The company makes quality furniture on orders that include modern sofa sets, beds, coffee tables, and TV stands among others. The orders take 2-4 days to be completed and delivered to customers countrywide.
How did you start your business?
I had the idea to start a furniture business way back in 2017. However, I achieved this in May 2020 thanks to the Coronavirus pandemic. My then employer decided to send some of its employees on unpaid leave and I was among the affected. I choose to use that time to start and nurture Moon Furniture. Luckily, it picked so well and this gave me the motivation to push on.
How has the progress and growth of your enterprise been like?
Businesses have a life cycle almost similar to that of living things. It begins when an entrepreneur recognizes an opportunity, sets aside resources, implements the idea then assumes the risks and rewards.
I got my first customer a week after I started Moon Furniture. Two weeks later, I got two more Sofa Set orders. Moreover, despite the Coronavirus pandemic that led to massive job losses and pay cuts, I managed to get encouraging furniture orders in 2020. This trend has upped in 2021 and I am positive I will sell more units this year.
The progress has been motivating but with lots of challenges and lessons for me.
Steve Mbego, CEO of Moon Furniture
What challenges have you encountered so far?
When starting I had to deal with unfaithful employees who would inflate the cost of materials. However, I quickly discovered the loopholes and sealed them.
Also, I undercharged some of my initial products but an experienced businessman in the same field taught me how to price the products.
What lessons have you learned?
The most important one is having solid social capital. My first customers were people I had interacted with before: Neighbors, ex-colleagues, ex-schoolmates, and relatives. They ordered products from Moon Furniture and even referred their friends based on the trust we shared. They still order items from me to date.
Secondly, entrepreneurs should leverage online technologies/platforms to reach out to potential customers. I use Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp to advertise my Moon Furniture and generate leads.
Lastly, start small and learn as you grow. You don’t need to rent an expensive office or showroom when starting. Invest in knowledge. Ask experienced businesspeople questions. Read books. Improve your products.
What does the future hold for your business?
The future is bright. I am in the process of scouting for a suitable location to set up a showroom where customers can come pick and go. Currently my fundi’s work on the orders in an open field, 50 meters past Fedha Estate Gate 3.
How can people reach you?
They can contact me through mobile number 0727635791 or send us a message via our Facebook Page Moon Furniture Kenya and Instagram account @ MoonfurnitureKenya
What message do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?
Start small and never give up. As they say, Rome was not built in a day.
