Self- taught Williams lives off customised décor
A beautiful home living space can set the precedent for a positive mood, and décor items can make all the difference for a top- notch interior that is both practical and inspiring.
This is where the brilliant and skilled, Senzo Moagi Williams comes in; he makes with his own hands, stunning customised wooden food trays, tables, headboards, magazine racks, wine holders, mini bookshelves and tables, among others. His products have grand craftmanship, and he works closely with clients to develop and merge their ideas with his. What started out with him doing a few items for himself for his own house, has turned into a thriving business. When he first posted online, a wine rack, magazine holder and tray he had made for his friends to see, the reception was overwhelming.
By the end of the week he had several orders and requests coming in thick and fast. He has not looked back since. But perhaps what is interesting is that Williams has never formally trained in woodwork or furniture design; it is all his natural talent and flair.
Born in Francistown, and raised between Tshesebe and Gaborone, the 39- year- old said making interior décor products is a natural skill that just came to him when he decided to explore it out of interest. When he was younger, he would draw his ideas, and visit an old man who made wooden items in Old Naledi. He would ask him to make the products he ( Williams) designed. He later decided that he would try to do the items himself, and his repeated attempts were successful. It helps that Williams is passionate about décor. He explained that décor like fashion or food, also communicates, adding that his work brings him great joy. “It gives me a sense of peace and fulfilment, and it uplifts my mood; it makes me appreciate the artistic mind in me.”
Williams expressed gratitude for his God given talent, and said his drive and passion always push him to do better than the previous crafts. “I push myself, I am my own competition. The reception to my products has been amazing; I never thought that a simple black wooden tray with rope handles would attract so many clients to a point where sometimes the demand is higher than the supply.” Williams works alone at his own pace, and while he does the customised products on an order basis, he hopes to one day commercialise his products and start a fullyfledged business. “I want to go places with this business and my focus right now is to identify products that I can specialise in.
I also want to take a short course to perfect my skills. I want to share my creates with the world.”