Cupix Projects makes inroads in carpentry space
Olebile Ganelang’s passion for woodwork was enough to convince him to make a switch from the construction industry, the field he has qualifications in, to carpentry. A Construction Management graduate, Ganelang says it all started last year when he was conducting research about the industry and identified a gap in the market.
He then registered his company, Cupix Projects, and put up advertisements in billboards that are strategically located around Gaborone. It wasn’t long before the first client called. To his surprise, it was Gaborone Private Hospital that wanted him to design some products for them.
“This was not just any client, it was indeed a breakthrough and we were under pressure to deliver to their standards. Even though I knew we would meet their expectations, I was still anxious,” he explained. This was like a launch pad as from there, Cupid Projects also got calls from individuals who wanted custom-made products, making the business to blossom. Ganelang said word of mouth did wonders for them as they kept getting new customers who were referred by their satisfied clients.
“Our client base grew from individuals to lodges, hotels and corporates,” he added.
Ganelang added that even though the industry has many players, his company is competitive as they design contemporary and classic furniture, customising bespoke and unique pieces to suit clients’ taste.
“We create visuals for clients and match their spaces to moods, feels and branding,” he said.
The company specialises in furniture manufacturing, shop fittings, household fittings, office partitioning to mention but a few.
Ganelang said he does not compromise when it comes to marketing his business, as he uses social media and has placed many adverts in Phakalane, Sarona City in addition to the existing ones.
He said the P100, 000 funding he got from the Youth Development Fund came in handy as well, because they used the money to secure a location where they operate as well as buy more machinery and materials.
Cupix Projects currently sources its materials from local suppliers as a way of empowering them.
Touching on their future prospects, he plans to expand and open branches in the northern and southern parts of the country.
“We are working on getting showrooms in Palapye to display our products as we have been receiving requests from people who are not in Gaborone. This shows our products are in demand there, so we need to service those areas,” he said.