In a world where creativity meets resilience, Thandeka Khumalo stands as a beacon of inspiration in Empangeni. With her brand, Khumalo Home Interiors, she is not just transforming spaces; she is reshaping lives and redefining what it means to embrace one’s cultural heritage through design.
“I’ve always believed that your environment shapes your mindset,” Thandeka begins, her eyes lighting up as she speaks. “When I started in 2016, I wanted to create décor that celebrates local culture but still feels modern and luxurious.”
Her journey started small — with a single sewing machine, designing curtains and cushions from her mother’s garage. “I remember walking door-to-door offering my services,” she recalls. “Most people didn’t take me seriously, but I kept pushing because I knew where I wanted to go.”
Today, Khumalo Home Interiors has a showroom in Richards Bay and clients across KwaZulu-Natal, from Durban to Pietermaritzburg. Her team of ten young artisans crafts bespoke furniture and décor pieces that combine Zulu patterns with contemporary design.
“The hardest part was funding,” Thandeka admits. “There were times I felt like giving up. But I learned that when passion is stronger than fear, nothing can stop you.”
Her proudest moment came when her brand was featured in a national home design magazine. “Seeing ‘Empangeni’ printed next to my name reminded me that great things truly can start in small places,” she says with a smile.
Looking ahead, Thandeka dreams of opening a Design Training Studio to empower rural youth. “My story isn’t just about décor,” she says. “It’s about building a life, one design at a time.”
Written by Mvelo Ngobese
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